1
|
Omler A, Mutso M, Vaher M, Freitas JR, Taylor A, David CT, Moseley GW, Liu X, Merits A, Mahalingam S. Exploring Barmah Forest virus pathogenesis: molecular tools to investigate non-structural protein 3 nuclear localization and viral genomic determinants of replication. mBio 2024:e0099324. [PMID: 38953633 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00993-24] [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: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes arthralgia with accompanying rash, fever, and myalgia in humans. The virus is mainly found in Australia and has caused outbreaks associated with significant health concerns. As the sole representative of the Barmah Forest complex within the genus Alphavirus, BFV is not closely related genetically to other alphaviruses. Notably, basic knowledge of BFV molecular virology has not been well studied due to a lack of critical investigative tools such as an infectious clone. Here we describe the construction of an infectious BFV cDNA clone based on Genbank sequence and demonstrate that the clone-derived virus has in vitro and in vivo properties similar to naturally occurring virus, BFV field isolate 2193 (BFV2193-FI). A substitution in nsP4, V1911D, which was identified in the Genbank reference sequence, was found to inhibit virus rescue and replication. T1325P substitution in nsP2 selected during virus passaging was shown to be an adaptive mutation, compensating for the inhibitory effect of nsP4-V1911D. The two mutations were associated with changes in viral non-structural polyprotein processing and type I interferon (IFN) induction. Interestingly, a nuclear localization signal, active in mammalian but not mosquito cells, was identified in nsP3. A point mutation abolishing nsP3 nuclear localization attenuated BFV replication. This effect was more prominent in the presence of type I interferon signaling, suggesting nsP3 nuclear localization might be associated with IFN antagonism. Furthermore, abolishing nsP3 nuclear localization reduced virus replication in mice but did not significantly affect disease.IMPORTANCEBarmah Forest virus (BFV) is Australia's second most prevalent arbovirus, with approximately 1,000 cases reported annually. The clinical symptoms of BFV infection include rash, polyarthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia. As BFV is not closely related to other pathogenic alphaviruses or well-studied model viruses, our understanding of its molecular virology and mechanisms of pathogenesis is limited. There is also a lack of molecular tools essential for corresponding studies. Here we describe the construction of an infectious clone of BFV, variants harboring point mutations, and sequences encoding marker protein. In infected mammalian cells, nsP3 of BFV was located in the nuclei. This finding extends our understanding of the diverse mechanisms used by alphavirus replicase proteins to interact with host cells. Our novel observations highlight the complex synergy through which the viral replication machinery evolves to correct mutation errors within the viral genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailar Omler
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margit Mutso
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mihkel Vaher
- The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Joseph R Freitas
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam Taylor
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cassandra T David
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory W Moseley
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiang Liu
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre for Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chaudhary M, Kumar A, Bala Sharma K, Vrati S, Sehgal D. In silico identification of chikungunya virus replication inhibitor validated using biochemical and cell-based approaches. FEBS J 2024; 291:2656-2673. [PMID: 38303163 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17066] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Discovering an alternative therapy with a long-lasting effect on symptoms caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is prompted by the lack of a vaccine and the absence of safe, effective and non-toxic medications. One potential strategy is synthesizing or identifying small compounds that can specifically target the active site of an essential enzyme and prevent virus replication. Previous site-directed mutagenesis studies have demonstrated the crucial role of the macrodomain, which is a part of non-structural protein 3 (nsP3), in virus replication. Exploiting this fact, the macrodomain can be targeted to discover a natural substance that can inhibit its function and thereby impede virus replication. With this aim, the present study focused on potential CHIKV nsP3 macrodomain (nsP3MD) inhibitors through in silico, in vitro and cell-based methods. Through virtual screening of the natural compound library, nine nsP3MD inhibitors were initially identified. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to evaluate these nine compounds based on the stability of their ligand-receptor complexes and energy parameters. Target analysis and ADMET (i.e. absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) prediction of the selected compounds revealed their drug-like characteristics. Subsequent in vitro investigation allowed us to narrow the selection down to one compound, N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl) ethyl]-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxamide, which exhibited potent inhibition of CHIKV growth. This molecule effectively inhibited CHIKV replication in the stable embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cell line capable of producing CHIKV. Our findings demonstrate that the selected compound possesses substantial anti-CHIKV nsP3MD activity both in vitro and in vivo. This work provides a promising molecule for further preclinical studies to develop a potential drug against the CHIKV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Chaudhary
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida, India
| | - Akash Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida, India
| | - Kiran Bala Sharma
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Sudhanshu Vrati
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Deepak Sehgal
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ventoso I, Berlanga JJ, Toribio R, Díaz-López I. Translational Control of Alphavirus-Host Interactions: Implications in Viral Evolution, Tropism and Antiviral Response. Viruses 2024; 16:205. [PMID: 38399981 PMCID: PMC10893052 DOI: 10.3390/v16020205] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses can replicate in arthropods and in many vertebrate species including humankind, but only in vertebrate cells do infections with these viruses result in a strong inhibition of host translation and transcription. Translation shutoff by alphaviruses is a multifactorial process that involves both host- and virus-induced mechanisms, and some of them are not completely understood. Alphavirus genomes contain cis-acting elements (RNA structures and dinucleotide composition) and encode protein activities that promote the translational and transcriptional resistance to type I IFN-induced antiviral effectors. Among them, IFIT1, ZAP and PKR have played a relevant role in alphavirus evolution, since they have promoted the emergence of multiple viral evasion mechanisms at the translational level. In this review, we will discuss how the adaptations of alphaviruses to vertebrate hosts likely involved the acquisition of new features in viral mRNAs and proteins to overcome the effect of type I IFN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iván Ventoso
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Juan José Berlanga
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - René Toribio
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (UPM-INIA), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Phan LMT, Duong Pham TT, Than VT. RNA therapeutics for infectious diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 204:109-132. [PMID: 38458735 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acids (RNAs), including the messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), play important roles in living organisms and viruses. In recent years, the RNA-based technologies including the RNAs inhibiting other RNA activities, the RNAs targeting proteins, the RNAs reprograming genetic information, and the RNAs encoding therapeutical proteins, are useful methods to apply in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. In this review, we summarize and highlight the current application of the RNA therapeutics, especially on mRNA vaccines which have potential for prevention and treatment against human and animal infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Minh Tu Phan
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, The University of Danang, Danang, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thuy Duong Pham
- Department of Intelligence Energy and Industry, School of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Thai Than
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Côrtes N, Lira A, Prates-Syed W, Dinis Silva J, Vuitika L, Cabral-Miranda W, Durães-Carvalho R, Balan A, Cabral-Marques O, Cabral-Miranda G. Integrated control strategies for dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya virus infections. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1281667. [PMID: 38196945 PMCID: PMC10775689 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses are a major threat to public health in tropical regions, encompassing over 534 distinct species, with 134 capable of causing diseases in humans. These viruses are transmitted through arthropod vectors that cause symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pains, and rash, in addition to more serious cases that can lead to death. Among the arboviruses, dengue virus stands out as the most prevalent, annually affecting approximately 16.2 million individuals solely in the Americas. Furthermore, the re-emergence of the Zika virus and the recurrent outbreaks of chikungunya in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with one million cases reported annually, underscore the urgency of addressing this public health challenge. In this manuscript we discuss the epidemiology, viral structure, pathogenicity and integrated control strategies to combat arboviruses, and the most used tools, such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, treatment, etc., in addition to presenting future perspectives for the control of arboviruses. Currently, specific medications for treating arbovirus infections are lacking, and symptom management remains the primary approach. However, promising advancements have been made in certain treatments, such as Chloroquine, Niclosamide, and Isatin derivatives, which have demonstrated notable antiviral properties against these arboviruses in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, various strategies within vector control approaches have shown significant promise in reducing arbovirus transmission rates. These encompass public education initiatives, targeted insecticide applications, and innovative approaches like manipulating mosquito bacterial symbionts, such as Wolbachia. In conclusion, combatting the global threat of arbovirus diseases needs a comprehensive approach integrating antiviral research, vaccination, and vector control. The continued efforts of research communities, alongside collaborative partnerships with public health authorities, are imperative to effectively address and mitigate the impact of these arboviral infections on public health worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Côrtes
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Lira
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wasim Prates-Syed
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Dinis Silva
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Graduate Program in Pathophysiology and Toxicology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Vuitika
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Durães-Carvalho
- São Paulo School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea Balan
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Applied Structural Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Otavio Cabral-Marques
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Graduate Program in Pathophysiology and Toxicology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Cabral-Miranda
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute and the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- The Graduate Program in Pathophysiology and Toxicology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ware BC, Parks MG, Morrison TE. Chikungunya virus infection disrupts MHC-I antigen presentation via nonstructural protein 2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.03.565436. [PMID: 37961400 PMCID: PMC10635105 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.565436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Infection by chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus, causes severe polyarthralgia and polymyalgia, which can last in some people for months to years. Chronic CHIKV disease signs and symptoms are associated with the persistence of viral nucleic acid and antigen in tissues. Like humans and nonhuman primates, CHIKV infection in mice results in the development of robust adaptive antiviral immune responses. Despite this, joint tissue fibroblasts survive CHIKV infection and can support persistent viral replication, suggesting that they escape immune surveillance. Here, using a recombinant CHIKV strain encoding a chimeric protein of VENUS fused to a CD8+ T cell epitope, SIINFEKL, we observed a marked loss of both MHC class I (MHC-I) surface expression and antigen presentation by CHIKV-infected joint tissue fibroblasts. Both in vivo and ex vivo infected joint tissue fibroblasts displayed reduced cell surface levels of H2-Kb and H2-Db MHC proteins while maintaining similar levels of other cell surface proteins. Mutations within the methyl transferase-like domain of the CHIKV nonstructural protein 2 (nsP2) increased MHC-I cell surface expression and antigen presentation efficiency by CHIKV-infected cells. Moreover, expression of WT nsP2 alone, but not nsP2 with mutations in the methyltransferase-like domain, resulted in decreased MHC-I antigen presentation efficiency. MHC-I surface expression and antigen presentation could be rescued by replacing VENUS-SIINFEKL with SIINFEKL tethered to β2-microglobulin in the CHIKV genome, which bypasses the need for peptide processing and TAP-mediated peptide transport into the endoplasmic reticulum. Collectively, this work suggests that CHIKV escapes the surveillance of antiviral CD8+ T cells, in part, by nsP2-mediated disruption of MHC-I antigen presentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Ware
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - M. Guston Parks
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas E. Morrison
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ng WH, Liu X, Ling ZL, Santos CNO, Magalhães LS, Kueh AJ, Herold MJ, Taylor A, Freitas JR, Koit S, Wang S, Lloyd AR, Teixeira MM, Merits A, Almeida RP, King NJC, Mahalingam S. FHL1 promotes chikungunya and o'nyong-nyong virus infection and pathogenesis with implications for alphavirus vaccine design. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6605. [PMID: 37884534 PMCID: PMC10603155 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42330-2] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthritogenic alphaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses that cause debilitating musculoskeletal diseases affecting millions worldwide. A recent discovery identified the four-and-a-half-LIM domain protein 1 splice variant A (FHL1A) as a crucial host factor interacting with the hypervariable domain (HVD) of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3). Here, we show that acute and chronic chikungunya disease in humans correlates with elevated levels of FHL1. We generated FHL1-/- mice, which when infected with CHIKV or o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) displayed reduced arthritis and myositis, fewer immune infiltrates, and reduced proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine outputs, compared to infected wild-type (WT) mice. Interestingly, disease signs were comparable in FHL1-/- and WT mice infected with arthritogenic alphaviruses Ross River virus (RRV) or Mayaro virus (MAYV). This aligns with pull-down assay data, which showed the ability of CHIKV and ONNV nsP3 to interact with FHL1, while RRV and MAYV nsP3s did not. We engineered a CHIKV mutant unable to bind FHL1 (CHIKV-ΔFHL1), which was avirulent in vivo. Following inoculation with CHIKV-ΔFHL1, mice were protected from disease upon challenge with CHIKV and ONNV, and viraemia was significantly reduced in RRV- and MAYV-challenged mice. Targeting FHL1-binding as an approach to vaccine design could lead to breakthroughs in mitigating alphaviral disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wern Hann Ng
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Xiang Liu
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Zheng L Ling
- Viral Immunopathology Laboratory, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research Theme, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Camilla N O Santos
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/EBSERH, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Lucas S Magalhães
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/EBSERH, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Andrew J Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Marco J Herold
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Adam Taylor
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Joseph R Freitas
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandra Koit
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sainan Wang
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- Viral Immunology Systems Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Mauro M Teixeira
- Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Roque P Almeida
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/EBSERH, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Nicholas J C King
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Viral Immunopathology Laboratory, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research Theme, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia.
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sandenon Seteyen AL, Guiraud P, Gasque P, Girard-Valenciennes E, Sélambarom J. In Vitro Analyses of the Multifocal Effects of Natural Alkaloids Berberine, Matrine, and Tabersonine against the O'nyong-nyong Arthritogenic Alphavirus Infection and Inflammation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1125. [PMID: 37631040 PMCID: PMC10459185 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
O'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) is a member of the reemerging arthritogenic alphaviruses that cause chronic debilitating polyarthralgia and/or polyarthritis via their tropism for the musculoskeletal system. Thus, the discovery of dual antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs is a great challenge in this field. We investigated the effects of the common plant-derived alkaloids berberine (isoquinoline), matrine (quinolizidine), and tabersonine (indole) at a non-toxic concentration (10 μM) on a human fibroblast cell line (HS633T) infected by ONNV (MOI 1). Using qRT-PCR analyses, we measured the RNA levels of the gene coding for the viral proteins and for the host cell immune factors. These alkaloids demonstrated multifocal effects by the inhibition of viral replication, as well as the regulation of the type-I interferon antiviral signaling pathway and the inflammatory mediators and pathways. Berberine and tabersonine proved to be the more valuable compounds. The results supported the proposal that these common alkaloids may be useful scaffolds for drug discovery against arthritogenic alphavirus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Sandenon Seteyen
- Unité de Recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques (UR-EPI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (A.-L.S.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Pascale Guiraud
- Unité de Recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques (UR-EPI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (A.-L.S.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Philippe Gasque
- Unité de Recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques (UR-EPI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (A.-L.S.S.); (P.G.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de La Réunion, Laboratoire d’Immunologie Clinique et Expérimentale de la Zone Océan Indien (LICE-OI), Pôle de Biologie, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Emmanuelle Girard-Valenciennes
- Laboratoire de Chimie et de Biotechnologie des Produits Naturels (CHEMBIOPRO), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Jimmy Sélambarom
- Unité de Recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques (UR-EPI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (A.-L.S.S.); (P.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Al Fayez N, Nassar MS, Alshehri AA, Alnefaie MK, Almughem FA, Alshehri BY, Alawad AO, Tawfik EA. Recent Advancement in mRNA Vaccine Development and Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1972. [PMID: 37514158 PMCID: PMC10384963 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine development for preventive and therapeutic applications has evolved rapidly over the last decade. The mRVNA vaccine has proven therapeutic efficacy in various applications, including infectious disease, immunotherapy, genetic disorders, regenerative medicine, and cancer. Many mRNA vaccines have made it to clinical trials, and a couple have obtained FDA approval. This emerging therapeutic approach has several advantages over conventional methods: safety; efficacy; adaptability; bulk production; and cost-effectiveness. However, it is worth mentioning that the delivery to the target site and in vivo degradation and thermal stability are boundaries that can alter their efficacy and outcomes. In this review, we shed light on different types of mRNA vaccines, their mode of action, and the process to optimize their development and overcome their limitations. We also have explored various delivery systems focusing on the nanoparticle-mediated delivery of the mRNA vaccine. Generally, the delivery system plays a vital role in enhancing mRNA vaccine stability, biocompatibility, and homing to the desired cells and tissues. In addition to their function as a delivery vehicle, they serve as a compartment that shields and protects the mRNA molecules against physical, chemical, and biological activities that can alter their efficiency. Finally, we focused on the future considerations that should be attained for safer and more efficient mRNA application underlining the advantages and disadvantages of the current mRNA vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nojoud Al Fayez
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed S Nassar
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A Alshehri
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshal K Alnefaie
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A Almughem
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bayan Y Alshehri
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah O Alawad
- Healthy Aging Research Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam A Tawfik
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li J, Gao X, Liu X, Wu T, Song H, Gao W, Jia H, Li Y, Zhang Z. The host transcriptome change involved in the inhibitory effect of exogenous interferon-γ on Getah virus replication. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1214281. [PMID: 37448574 PMCID: PMC10337660 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1214281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Getah virus (GETV) has become a growing potential threat to the global livestock industry and public health. However, little is known about the viral pathogenesis and immune escape mechanisms, leading to ineffective control measures. Methods In this study, the antiviral activity of exogenous interferons (IFNs) was assessed by using western blotting (WB), real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The comparative transcriptomics among mock- and GETV-infected (MOI = 0.1) ST cells with or without IFN-γ was performed by RNA-seq, and then the transcriptome profiling of GETV-infected ST cells and key pathways and putative factors involved in inhibitory effect of IFN-γ on GETV replication were analyzed by bioinformatics methods and RT-qPCR. Results The results showed that treatment with IFN-γ could suppress GETV replication, and the inhibitory effect lasted for at least 48 h, while the exogenous IFN-α/ω and IFN-λ3 treatments failed to inhibit the viral infection and early replication in vitro. Furthermore, the blueprint of virus-host interaction was plotted by RNA-seq and RT-qPCR, showing systemic activation of inflammatory, apoptotic, and antiviral pathways in response to GETV infection, indicating viral hijacking and inhibition of innate host immunity such as IFN-I/III responses. Last and most importantly, activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and complement and coagulation cascades may be a primary driver for IFN-γ-mediated inhibition of GETV replication. Discussion These findings revealed that GETV possessed the capability of viral immune escape and indicated that IFN-γ aided in the prevention and control of GETV, implying the potential molecular mechanism of suppression of GETV by IFN-γ, all of which warrant emphasis or further clarification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialei Li
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xintao Gao
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingjian Liu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haozhi Song
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weisong Gao
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Jia
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yinü Li
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifang Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhu J, Chiang C, Gack MU. Viral evasion of the interferon response at a glance. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260682. [PMID: 37341132 PMCID: PMC10411950 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Re-emerging and new viral pathogens have caused significant morbidity and mortality around the world, as evidenced by the recent monkeypox, Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Successful viral infection relies on tactical viral strategies to derail or antagonize host innate immune defenses, in particular the production of type I interferons (IFNs) by infected cells. Viruses can thwart intracellular sensing systems that elicit IFN gene expression (that is, RIG-I-like receptors and the cGAS-STING axis) or obstruct signaling elicited by IFNs. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we review the current knowledge about the major mechanisms employed by viruses to inhibit the activity of intracellular pattern-recognition receptors and their downstream signaling cascades leading to IFN-based antiviral host defenses. Advancing our understanding of viral immune evasion might spur unprecedented opportunities to develop new antiviral compounds or vaccines to prevent viral infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junji Zhu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Cindy Chiang
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Michaela U. Gack
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lin G, Zhang Y. Mutations in the non-structural protein coding region regulate gene expression from replicon RNAs derived from Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Biotechnol Lett 2023:10.1007/s10529-023-03379-7. [PMID: 37266878 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Self-replicating RNA (repRNA) derived from Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus is a promising platform for gene therapy and confers prolonged gene expression due to its self-replicating capability, but repRNA suffers from a suboptimal transgene expression level due to its induction of intracellular innate response which may result in inhibition of translation. To improve transgene expression of repRNA, we introduced point mutations in the non-structural protein 1-4 (nsP1-4) coding region of VEE replicon vectors. As a proof of concept, inflammatory cytokines served as genes of interest and were cloned in their wild type and several mutant replicon vectors, followed by transfection in mammalian cells. Our data show that VEE replicons bearing nsP1GGAC-nsP2T or nsP1GGAC-nsP2AT mutations in the nsP1-4 coding region could significantly reduce the recognition by innate immunity as evidenced by the decreased production of type I interferon, and enhance transgene expression in host cells. Thus, the newly discovered mutant VEE replicon vectors could serve as promising gene expression platforms to advance VEE-derived repRNA-based gene therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guibin Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, 511442, Guangdong, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, 511442, Guangdong, China.
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Srivastava P, Chaudhary S, Malhotra S, Varma B, Sunil S. Transcriptome analysis of human macrophages upon chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection reveals regulation of distinct signaling and metabolic pathways during the early and late stages of infection. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17158. [PMID: 37408916 PMCID: PMC10318463 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are efficient reservoirs for viruses that enable the viruses to survive over a longer period of infection. Alphaviruses such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are known to persist in macrophages even after the acute febrile phase. The viral particles replicate in macrophages at a very low level over extended period of time and are localized in tissues that are often less accessible by treatment. Comprehensive experimental studies are thus needed to characterize the CHIKV-induced modulation of host genes in these myeloid lineage cells and in one such pursuit, we obtained global transcriptomes of a human macrophage cell line infected with CHIKV, over its early and late timepoints of infection. We analyzed the pathways, especially immune related, perturbed over these timepoints and observed several host factors to be differentially expressed in infected macrophages in a time-dependent manner. We postulate that these pathways may play crucial roles in the persistence of CHIKV in macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanshu Srivastava
- Vector-Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Sakshi Chaudhary
- Vector-Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Sujatha Sunil
- Vector-Borne Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yao Z, Ramachandran S, Huang S, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Wohlschlegel JA, Li MMH. Chikungunya virus glycoproteins transform macrophages into productive viral dissemination vessels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.29.542714. [PMID: 37398144 PMCID: PMC10312455 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.29.542714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite their role as innate sentinels, macrophages are cellular reservoirs for chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a highly pathogenic arthropod-borne alphavirus that has caused unprecedented epidemics worldwide. Here, we took interdisciplinary approaches to elucidate the CHIKV determinants that subvert macrophages into virion dissemination vessels. Through comparative infection using chimeric alphaviruses and evolutionary selection analyses, we discovered for the first time that CHIKV glycoproteins E2 and E1 coordinate efficient virion production in macrophages with the domains involved under positive selection. We performed proteomics on CHIKV-infected macrophages to identify cellular proteins interacting with the precursor and/or mature forms of viral glycoproteins. We uncovered two E1-binding proteins, signal peptidase complex subunit 3 (SPCS3) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3k), with novel inhibitory activities against CHIKV production. These results highlight how CHIKV E2 and E1 have been evolutionarily selected for viral dissemination likely through counteracting host restriction factors, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlan Yao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sangeetha Ramachandran
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Serina Huang
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melody M H Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang H, Liu S, Lv Y, Wei W. Codon usage bias of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and its host adaption. Virus Res 2023; 328:199081. [PMID: 36854361 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an emerging zoonotic virus in the alphavirus genus. It can be transmitted to humans due to spillover from equid-mosquito cycles. The symptoms caused by VEEV include fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause encephalitis in severe cases. The evolutionary features of VEEV are largely unknown. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the codon usage pattern of VEEV by computing a variety of indicators, such as effective number of codons (ENc), codon adaptation index (CAI), relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), on 130 VEEV coding sequences retrieved from GenBank. The results showed that the codon usage bias of VEEV is relatively low. ENc-GC3s plot, neutrality plot, and CAI-ENc correlation analyses supported that translational selection plays an important role in shaping the codon usage pattern of VEEV whereas the mutation pressure has a minor influence. Analysis of RSCU values showed that most of the preferred codons in VEEV are C/G-ended. Analysis of dinucleotide composition found that all CG- and UA-containing codons are not preferentially used. Phylogenetic analysis showed that VEEV isolates can be clustered into three genera and evolutionary force affects the codon usage pattern. Furthermore, a correspondence analysis (COA) showed that aromaticity and hydrophobicity as well as geographical distribution also have certain effects on the codon usage variation of VEEV, suggesting the possible involvement of translational selection. Overall, the codon usage of VEEV is comparatively slight and translational selection might be the main factor that shapes the codon usage pattern of VEEV. This study will promote our understanding about the evolution of VEEV and its host adaption, and might provide some clues for preventing the cross-species transmission of VEEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongju Wang
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shijie Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yao Lv
- School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kehn-Hall K, Bradfute SB. Understanding host responses to equine encephalitis virus infection: implications for therapeutic development. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:1551-1566. [PMID: 36305549 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2141224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, EEEV, and WEEV) are mosquito-borne New World alphaviruses that cause encephalitis in equids and humans. These viruses can cause severe disease and death, as well as long-term severe neurological symptoms in survivors. Despite the pathogenesis and weaponization of these viruses, there are no approved therapeutics for treating infection. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe the molecular pathogenesis of these viruses, discuss host-pathogen interactions needed for viral replication, and highlight new avenues for drug development with a focus on host-targeted approaches. EXPERT OPINION Current approaches have yielded some promising therapeutics, but additional emphasis should be placed on advanced development of existing small molecules and pursuit of pan-encephalitic alphavirus drugs. More research should be conducted on EEEV and WEEV, given their high lethality rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jenster LM, Lange KE, Normann S, vom Hemdt A, Wuerth JD, Schiffelers LD, Tesfamariam YM, Gohr FN, Klein L, Kaltheuner IH, Ebner S, Lapp DJ, Mayer J, Moecking J, Ploegh HL, Latz E, Meissner F, Geyer M, Kümmerer BM, Schmidt FI. P38 kinases mediate NLRP1 inflammasome activation after ribotoxic stress response and virus infection. J Exp Med 2022; 220:213626. [PMID: 36315050 PMCID: PMC9623368 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes integrate cytosolic evidence of infection or damage to mount inflammatory responses. The inflammasome sensor NLRP1 is expressed in human keratinocytes and coordinates inflammation in the skin. We found that diverse stress signals induce human NLRP1 inflammasome assembly by activating MAP kinase p38: While the ribotoxic stress response to UV and microbial molecules exclusively activates p38 through MAP3K ZAKα, infection with arthropod-borne alphaviruses, including Semliki Forest and Chikungunya virus, activates p38 through ZAKα and potentially other MAP3K. We demonstrate that p38 directly phosphorylates NLRP1 and that serine 107 in the linker region is critical for activation. NLRP1 phosphorylation is followed by ubiquitination of NLRP1PYD, N-terminal degradation of NLRP1, and nucleation of inflammasomes by NLRP1UPA-CARD. In contrast, activation of NLRP1 by nanobody-mediated ubiquitination, viral proteases, or inhibition of DPP9 was independent of p38 activity. Taken together, we define p38 activation as a unifying signaling hub that controls NLRP1 inflammasome activation by integrating a variety of cellular stress signals relevant to the skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea-Marie Jenster
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl-Elmar Lange
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabine Normann
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anja vom Hemdt
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer D. Wuerth
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Yonas M. Tesfamariam
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Florian N. Gohr
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura Klein
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ines H. Kaltheuner
- Institute of Structural Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Ebner
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dorothee J. Lapp
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jacob Mayer
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonas Moecking
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Institute of Structural Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hidde L. Ploegh
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Eicke Latz
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Felix Meissner
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Beate M. Kümmerer
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,German Centre for Infection Research, Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Florian I. Schmidt
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,Core Facility Nanobodies, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,Correspondence to Florian I. Schmidt:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Papukashvili D, Rcheulishvili N, Liu C, Ji Y, He Y, Wang PG. Self-Amplifying RNA Approach for Protein Replacement Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12884. [PMID: 36361673 PMCID: PMC9655356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has already been successfully tested preclinically and there are ongoing clinical trials for protein replacement purposes; however, more effort has been put into the development of prevention strategies against infectious diseases. Apparently, mRNA vaccine approval against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a landmark for opening new opportunities for managing diverse health disorders based on this approach. Indeed, apart from infectious diseases, it has also been widely tested in numerous directions including cancer prevention and the treatment of inherited disorders. Interestingly, self-amplifying RNA (saRNA)-based technology is believed to display more developed RNA therapy compared with conventional mRNA technique in terms of its lower dosage requirements, relatively fewer side effects, and possessing long-lasting effects. Nevertheless, some challenges still exist that need to be overcome in order to achieve saRNA-based drug approval in clinics. Hence, the current review discusses the feasibility of saRNA utility for protein replacement therapy on various health disorders including rare hereditary diseases and also provides a detailed overview of saRNA advantages, its molecular structure, mechanism of action, and relevant delivery platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yunjiao He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Peng George Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518000, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Basavappa MG, Ferretti M, Dittmar M, Stoute J, Sullivan MC, Whig K, Shen H, Liu KF, Schultz DC, Beiting DP, Lynch KW, Henao-Mejia J, Cherry S. The lncRNA ALPHA specifically targets chikungunya virus to control infection. Mol Cell 2022; 82:3729-3744.e10. [PMID: 36167073 PMCID: PMC10464526 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses, including the alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV), cause acute disease in millions of people and utilize potent mechanisms to antagonize and circumvent innate immune pathways including the type I interferon (IFN) pathway. In response, hosts have evolved antiviral counterdefense strategies that remain incompletely understood. Recent studies have found that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate classical innate immune pathways; how lncRNAs contribute to additional antiviral counterdefenses remains unclear. Using high-throughput genetic screening, we identified a cytoplasmic antiviral lncRNA that we named antiviral lncRNA prohibiting human alphaviruses (ALPHA), which is transcriptionally induced by alphaviruses and functions independently of IFN to inhibit the replication of CHIKV and its closest relative, O'nyong'nyong virus (ONNV), but not other viruses. Furthermore, we showed that ALPHA interacts with CHIKV genomic RNA and restrains viral RNA replication. Together, our findings reveal that ALPHA and potentially other lncRNAs can mediate non-canonical antiviral immune responses against specific viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megha G Basavappa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Max Ferretti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mark Dittmar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Julian Stoute
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Megan C Sullivan
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kanupriya Whig
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; High-Throughput Screening Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathy Fange Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David C Schultz
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; High-Throughput Screening Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel P Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kristen W Lynch
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jorge Henao-Mejia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Protective Immunity, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Sara Cherry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; High-Throughput Screening Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Alphaviruses contain many human and animal pathogens, such as CHIKV, SINV, and VEEV. Accumulating evidence indicates that innate immunity plays an important role in response to alphaviruses infection. In parallel, alphaviruses have evolved many strategies to evade host antiviral innate immunity. In the current review, we focus on the underlying mechanisms employed by alphaviruses to evade cGAS-STING, IFN, transcriptional host shutoff, translational host shutoff, and RNAi. Dissecting the detailed antiviral immune evasion mechanisms by alphaviruses will enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of alphaviruses and may provide more effective strategies to control alphaviruses infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yupei Yuan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Leiliang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Leiliang Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mayaro Virus: The State-of-the-Art for Antiviral Drug Development. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081787. [PMID: 36016409 PMCID: PMC9415492 DOI: 10.3390/v14081787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus is an emerging arbovirus that causes nonspecific febrile illness or arthralgia syndromes similar to the Chikungunya virus, a virus closely related from the Togaviridae family. MAYV outbreaks occur more frequently in the northern and central-western states of Brazil; however, in recent years, virus circulation has been spreading to other regions. Due to the undifferentiated initial clinical symptoms between MAYV and other endemic pathogenic arboviruses with geographic overlapping, identification of patients infected by MAYV might be underreported. Additionally, the lack of specific prophylactic approaches or antiviral drugs limits the pharmacological management of patients to treat symptoms like pain and inflammation, as is the case with most pathogenic alphaviruses. In this context, this review aims to present the state-of-the-art regarding the screening and development of compounds/molecules which may present anti-MAYV activity and infection inhibition.
Collapse
|
22
|
Jungfleisch J, Böttcher R, Talló-Parra M, Pérez-Vilaró G, Merits A, Novoa EM, Díez J. CHIKV infection reprograms codon optimality to favor viral RNA translation by altering the tRNA epitranscriptome. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4725. [PMID: 35953468 PMCID: PMC9366759 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ample evidence indicates that codon usage bias regulates gene expression. How viruses, such as the emerging mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), express their genomes at high levels despite an enrichment in rare codons remains a puzzling question. Using ribosome footprinting, we analyze translational changes that occur upon CHIKV infection. We show that CHIKV infection induces codon-specific reprogramming of the host translation machinery to favor the translation of viral RNA genomes over host mRNAs with an otherwise optimal codon usage. This reprogramming was mostly apparent at the endoplasmic reticulum, where CHIKV RNAs show high ribosome occupancy. Mechanistically, it involves CHIKV-induced overexpression of KIAA1456, an enzyme that modifies the wobble U34 position in the anticodon of tRNAs, which is required for proper decoding of codons that are highly enriched in CHIKV RNAs. Our findings demonstrate an unprecedented interplay of viruses with the host tRNA epitranscriptome to adapt the host translation machinery to viral production. Viruses completely depend on the host translational machinery, but their genomes are often enriched in rare codons and therefore should be translated with poor efficiency. Here, Jungfleisch et al. apply Ribo-Seq and RNASeq to provide a global view on the translational changes occurring during Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. CHIKV infection induces a codon-specific reprogramming of the host translation machinery to favor the translation of viral RNA genomes over host mRNAs via tRNA modification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Jungfleisch
- Molecular Virology group, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - René Böttcher
- Molecular Virology group, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marc Talló-Parra
- Molecular Virology group, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Pérez-Vilaró
- Molecular Virology group, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eva Maria Novoa
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juana Díez
- Molecular Virology group, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cherkashchenko L, Rausalu K, Basu S, Alphey L, Merits A. Expression of Alphavirus Nonstructural Protein 2 (nsP2) in Mosquito Cells Inhibits Viral RNA Replication in Both a Protease Activity-Dependent and -Independent Manner. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061327. [PMID: 35746799 PMCID: PMC9228716 DOI: 10.3390/v14061327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses, mostly being mosquito-transmitted. Cells infected by an alphavirus become resistant to superinfection due to a block that occurs at the level of RNA replication. Alphavirus replication proteins, called nsP1-4, are produced from nonstructural polyprotein precursors, processed by the protease activity of nsP2. Trans-replicase systems and replicon vectors were used to study effects of nsP2 of chikungunya virus and Sindbis virus on alphavirus RNA replication in mosquito cells. Co-expressed wild-type nsP2 reduced RNA replicase activity of homologous virus; this effect was reduced but typically not abolished by mutation in the protease active site of nsP2. Mutations in the replicase polyprotein that blocked its cleavage by nsP2 reduced the negative effect of nsP2 co-expression, confirming that nsP2-mediated inhibition of RNA replicase activity is largely due to nsP2-mediated processing of the nonstructural polyprotein. Co-expression of nsP2 also suppressed the activity of replicases of heterologous alphaviruses. Thus, the presence of nsP2 inhibits formation and activity of alphavirus RNA replicase in protease activity-dependent and -independent manners. This knowledge improves our understanding about mechanisms of superinfection exclusion for alphaviruses and may aid the development of anti-alphavirus approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liubov Cherkashchenko
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Kai Rausalu
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Sanjay Basu
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright GU24 ONF, UK; (S.B.); (L.A.)
| | - Luke Alphey
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright GU24 ONF, UK; (S.B.); (L.A.)
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.C.); (K.R.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Human pathogenic RNA viruses establish noncompeting lineages by occupying independent niches. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2121335119. [PMID: 35639694 PMCID: PMC9191635 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2121335119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous pathogenic viruses are endemic in humans and cause a broad variety of diseases, but what is their potential for causing new pandemics? We show that most human pathogenic RNA viruses form multiple, cocirculating lineages with low turnover rates. These lineages appear to be largely noncompeting and occupy distinct epidemiological niches that are not regionally or seasonally defined, and their persistence appears to stem from limited outbreaks in small communities so that only a small fraction of the global susceptible population is infected at any time. However, due to globalization, interaction and competition between lineages might increase, potentially leading to increased diversification and pathogenicity. Thus, endemic viruses appear to merit global attention with respect to the prevention of future pandemics. Many pathogenic viruses are endemic among human populations and can cause a broad variety of diseases, some potentially leading to devastating pandemics. How virus populations maintain diversity and what selective pressures drive population turnover is not thoroughly understood. We conducted a large-scale phylodynamic analysis of 27 human pathogenic RNA viruses spanning diverse life history traits, in search of unifying trends that shape virus evolution. For most virus species, we identify multiple, cocirculating lineages with low turnover rates. These lineages appear to be largely noncompeting and likely occupy semiindependent epidemiological niches that are not regionally or seasonally defined. Typically, intralineage mutational signatures are similar to interlineage signatures. The principal exception are members of the family Picornaviridae, for which mutations in capsid protein genes are primarily lineage defining. Interlineage turnover is slower than expected under a neutral model, whereas intralineage turnover is faster than the neutral expectation, further supporting the existence of independent niches. The persistence of virus lineages appears to stem from limited outbreaks within small communities, so that only a small fraction of the global susceptible population is infected at any time. As disparate communities become increasingly connected through globalization, interaction and competition between lineages might increase as well, which could result in changing selective pressures and increased diversification and/or pathogenicity. Thus, in addition to zoonotic events, ongoing surveillance of familiar, endemic viruses appears to merit global attention with respect to the prevention or mitigation of future pandemics.
Collapse
|
25
|
Maruggi G, Ulmer JB, Rappuoli R, Yu D. Self-amplifying mRNA-Based Vaccine Technology and Its Mode of Action. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 440:31-70. [PMID: 33861374 DOI: 10.1007/82_2021_233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Self-amplifying mRNAs derived from the genomes of positive-strand RNA viruses have recently come into focus as a promising technology platform for vaccine development. Non-virally delivered self-amplifying mRNA vaccines have the potential to be highly versatile, potent, streamlined, scalable, and inexpensive. By amplifying their genome and the antigen encoding mRNA in the host cell, the self-amplifying mRNA mimics a viral infection, resulting in sustained levels of the target protein combined with self-adjuvanting innate immune responses, ultimately leading to potent and long-lasting antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Moreover, in principle, any eukaryotic sequence could be encoded by self-amplifying mRNA without the need to change the manufacturing process, thereby enabling a much faster and flexible research and development timeline than the current vaccines and hence a quicker response to emerging infectious diseases. This chapter highlights the rapid progress made in using non-virally delivered self-amplifying mRNA-based vaccines against infectious diseases in animal models. We provide an overview of the unique attributes of this vaccine approach, summarize the growing body of work defining its mechanism of action, discuss the current challenges and latest advances, and highlight perspectives about the future of this promising technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dong Yu
- GSK, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA. .,Dynavax Technologies, 2100 Powell Street Suite, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mayaro Virus Non-Structural Protein 2 Circumvents the Induction of Interferon in Part by Depleting Host Transcription Initiation Factor IIE Subunit 2. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123510. [PMID: 34944018 PMCID: PMC8700540 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging mosquito-transmitted virus that belongs to the genus Alphavirus within the family Togaviridae. Humans infected with MAYV often develop chronic and debilitating arthralgia and myalgia. The virus is primarily maintained via a sylvatic cycle, but it has the potential to adapt to urban settings, which could lead to large outbreaks. The interferon (IFN) system is a critical antiviral response that limits replication and pathogenesis of many different RNA viruses, including alphaviruses. Here, we investigated how MAYV infection affects the induction phase of the IFN response. Production of type I and III IFNs was efficiently suppressed during MAYV infection, and mapping revealed that expression of the viral non-structural protein 2 (nsP2) was sufficient for this process. Interactome analysis showed that nsP2 interacts with DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit A (Rpb1) and transcription initiation factor IIE subunit 2 (TFIIE2), which are host proteins required for RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Levels of these host proteins were reduced by nsP2 expression and during infection by MAYV and related alphaviruses, suggesting that nsP2-mediated inhibition of host cell transcription is an important aspect of how some alphaviruses block IFN induction. The findings from this study may prove useful in design of vaccines and antivirals, which are currently not available for protection against MAYV and infection by other alphaviruses.
Collapse
|
27
|
Noguera P, Klinger M, Örün H, Grunow B, Del-Pozo J. Ultrastructural insights into the replication cycle of salmon pancreas disease virus (SPDV) using salmon cardiac primary cultures (SCPCs). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2021; 44:2031-2041. [PMID: 34424537 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13518] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Salmon pancreas disease virus (SPDV) has been affecting the salmon farming industry for over 30 years, but despite the substantial amount of studies, there are still a number of recognized knowledge gaps, for example in the transmission of the virus. In this work, an ultrastructural morphological approach was used to describe observations after infection by SPDV of an ex vivo cardiac model generated from Atlantic salmon embryos. The observations in this study and those available on previous ultrastructural work on SPDV are compared and contrasted with the current knowledge on terrestrial mammalian and insect alphaviral replication cycles, which is deeper than that of SPDV both morphologically and mechanistically. Despite their limitations, morphological descriptions remain an excellent way to generate novel hypotheses, and this has been the aim of this work. This study has used a target host, ex vivo model and resulted in some previously undescribed features, including filopodial membrane projections, cytoplasmic stress granules or putative intracytoplasmic budding. The latter suggests a new hypothesis that warrants further mechanistic research: SPDV in salmon may have retained the capacity for non-cytolytic (persistent) infections by intracellular budding, similar to that noted in arthropod vectors of other alphaviruses. In the notable absence of a known intermediate host for SPDV, the presence of this pattern suggests that both cytopathic and persistent infections may coexist in the same host. It is our hope that the ultrastructural comparison presented here stimulates new research that brings the knowledge on SPDV replication cycle up to a similar level to that of terrestrial alphaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Histro Örün
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Bianka Grunow
- Leibniz-Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jorge Del-Pozo
- Royal Dick School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Carpentier KS, Sheridan RM, Lucas CJ, Davenport BJ, Li FS, Lucas ED, McCarthy MK, Reynoso GV, May NA, Tamburini BAJ, Hesselberth JR, Hickman HD, Morrison TE. MARCO + lymphatic endothelial cells sequester arthritogenic alphaviruses to limit viremia and viral dissemination. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108966. [PMID: 34618370 PMCID: PMC8591538 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Viremia in the vertebrate host is a major determinant of arboviral reservoir competency, transmission efficiency, and disease severity. However, immune mechanisms that control arboviral viremia are poorly defined. Here, we identify critical roles for the scavenger receptor MARCO in controlling viremia during arthritogenic alphavirus infections in mice. Following subcutaneous inoculation, arthritogenic alphavirus particles drain via the lymph and are rapidly captured by MARCO+ lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in the draining lymph node (dLN), limiting viral spread to the bloodstream. Upon reaching the bloodstream, alphavirus particles are cleared from the circulation by MARCO-expressing Kupffer cells in the liver, limiting viremia and further viral dissemination. MARCO-mediated accumulation of alphavirus particles in the draining lymph node and liver is an important host defense mechanism as viremia and viral tissue burdens are elevated in MARCO-/- mice and disease is more severe. In contrast to prior studies implicating a key role for lymph node macrophages in limiting viral dissemination, these findings exemplify a previously unrecognized arbovirus-scavenging role for lymphatic endothelial cells and improve our mechanistic understanding of viremia control during arthritogenic alphavirus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn S Carpentier
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Ryan M Sheridan
- RNA Bioscience InitiativeUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Cormac J Lucas
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Bennett J Davenport
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Frances S Li
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Erin D Lucas
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Mary K McCarthy
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Glennys V Reynoso
- Viral Immunity and Pathogenesis UnitLaboratory of Clinical Microbiology and ImmunologyNational Institutes of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNIHBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Nicholas A May
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Beth A J Tamburini
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Jay R Hesselberth
- RNA Bioscience InitiativeUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| | - Heather D Hickman
- Viral Immunity and Pathogenesis UnitLaboratory of Clinical Microbiology and ImmunologyNational Institutes of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNIHBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Thomas E Morrison
- Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Troost-Kind B, van Hemert MJ, van de Pol D, van der Ende-Metselaar H, Merits A, Borggrewe M, Rodenhuis-Zybert IA, Smit JM. Tomatidine reduces Chikungunya virus progeny release by controlling viral protein expression. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009916. [PMID: 34762680 PMCID: PMC8664216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tomatidine, a natural steroidal alkaloid from unripe green tomatoes has been shown to exhibit many health benefits. We recently provided in vitro evidence that tomatidine reduces the infectivity of Dengue virus (DENV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), two medically important arthropod-borne human infections for which no treatment options are available. We observed a potent antiviral effect with EC50 values of 0.82 μM for DENV-2 and 1.3 μM for CHIKV-LR. In this study, we investigated how tomatidine controls CHIKV infectivity. Using mass spectrometry, we identified that tomatidine induces the expression of p62, CD98, metallothionein and thioredoxin-related transmembrane protein 2 in Huh7 cells. The hits p62 and CD98 were validated, yet subsequent analysis revealed that they are not responsible for the observed antiviral effect. In parallel, we sought to identify at which step of the virus replication cycle tomatidine controls virus infectivity. A strong antiviral effect was seen when in vitro transcribed CHIKV RNA was transfected into Huh7 cells treated with tomatidine, thereby excluding a role for tomatidine during CHIKV cell entry. Subsequent determination of the number of intracellular viral RNA copies and viral protein expression levels during natural infection revealed that tomatidine reduces the RNA copy number and viral protein expression levels in infected cells. Once cells are infected, tomatidine is not able to interfere with active RNA replication yet it can reduce viral protein expression. Collectively, the results delineate that tomatidine controls viral protein expression to exert its antiviral activity. Lastly, sequential passaging of CHIKV in presence of tomatidine did not lead to viral resistance. Collectively, these results further emphasize the potential of tomatidine as an antiviral treatment towards CHIKV infection. Chikungunya fever is a debilitating disease caused by the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus. Over the past two decades the geographical spread of the virus and its mosquito vector has drastically increased thereby causing millions of infections. To date there is no antiviral drug and no vaccine available to treat/prevent Chikungunya virus infection. We recently showed that the natural steroidal alkaloid tomatidine has potent antiviral activity towards Chikungunya virus at submicromolar concentrations. In this study we dissected how tomatidine reduces the production of Chikungunya virus particles. We show that tomatidine lowers viral protein expression and we hypothesize that the effect of tomatidine on viral protein translation hampers the production of progeny viral RNA copies / number of infected cells thereby leading to a reduced production of secreted virus particles. Also, we show that Chikungunya virus does not readily become resistant to tomatidine. Collectively, we deciphered the mechanism by which tomatidine exerts antiviral activity to Chikungunya virus and our results strengthen the potential of tomatidine as an antiviral treatment strategy towards Chikungunya virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berit Troost-Kind
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J. van Hemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Molecular Virology Laboratory, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Denise van de Pol
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Heidi van der Ende-Metselaar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Malte Borggrewe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Izabela A. Rodenhuis-Zybert
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M. Smit
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Minnaert AK, Vanluchene H, Verbeke R, Lentacker I, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K, Sanders NN, Remaut K. Strategies for controlling the innate immune activity of conventional and self-amplifying mRNA therapeutics: Getting the message across. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113900. [PMID: 34324884 PMCID: PMC8325057 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent approval of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines to combat the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlights the potential of both conventional mRNA and self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) as a flexible immunotherapy platform to treat infectious diseases. Besides the antigen it encodes, mRNA itself has an immune-stimulating activity that can contribute to vaccine efficacy. This self-adjuvant effect, however, will interfere with mRNA translation and may influence the desired therapeutic outcome. To further exploit its potential as a versatile therapeutic platform, it will be crucial to control mRNA's innate immune-stimulating properties. In this regard, we describe the mechanisms behind the innate immune recognition of mRNA and provide an extensive overview of strategies to control its innate immune-stimulating activity. These strategies range from modifications to the mRNA backbone itself, optimization of production and purification processes to the combination with innate immune inhibitors. Furthermore, we discuss the delicate balance of the self-adjuvant effect in mRNA vaccination strategies, which can be both beneficial and detrimental to the therapeutic outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An-Katrien Minnaert
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Helena Vanluchene
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Rein Verbeke
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Guerrero-Arguero I, Tellez-Freitas CM, Weber KS, Berges BK, Robison RA, Pickett BE. Alphaviruses: Host pathogenesis, immune response, and vaccine & treatment updates. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34435944 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pathogens belonging to the Alphavirus genus, in the Togaviridae family, are transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. The signs and symptoms associated with these viruses include fever and polyarthralgia, defined as joint pain and inflammation, as well as encephalitis. In the last decade, our understanding of the interactions between members of the alphavirus genus and the human host has increased due to the re-appearance of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Asia and Europe, as well as its emergence in the Americas. Alphaviruses affect host immunity through cytokines and the interferon response. Understanding alphavirus interactions with both the innate immune system as well as the various cells in the adaptive immune systems is critical to developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest research on alphavirus-host cell interactions, underlying infection mechanisms, and possible treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Israel Guerrero-Arguero
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Bradford K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Richard A Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Brett E Pickett
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Brezgin S, Kostyusheva A, Bayurova E, Volchkova E, Gegechkori V, Gordeychuk I, Glebe D, Kostyushev D, Chulanov V. Immunity and Viral Infections: Modulating Antiviral Response via CRISPR-Cas Systems. Viruses 2021; 13:1373. [PMID: 34372578 PMCID: PMC8310348 DOI: 10.3390/v13071373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections cause a variety of acute and chronic human diseases, sometimes resulting in small local outbreaks, or in some cases spreading across the globe and leading to global pandemics. Understanding and exploiting virus-host interactions is instrumental for identifying host factors involved in viral replication, developing effective antiviral agents, and mitigating the severity of virus-borne infectious diseases. The diversity of CRISPR systems and CRISPR-based tools enables the specific modulation of innate immune responses and has contributed impressively to the fields of virology and immunology in a very short time. In this review, we describe the most recent advances in the use of CRISPR systems for basic and translational studies of virus-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Brezgin
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (S.B.); (A.K.); (V.C.)
- Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 115522 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (S.B.); (A.K.); (V.C.)
| | - Ekaterina Bayurova
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 108819 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Elena Volchkova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Vladimir Gegechkori
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ilya Gordeychuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 108819 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (I.G.)
- Department of Organization and Technology of Immunobiological Drugs, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dieter Glebe
- National Reference Center for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Dmitry Kostyushev
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (S.B.); (A.K.); (V.C.)
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (S.B.); (A.K.); (V.C.)
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Facile method for delivering chikungunya viral replicons into mosquitoes and mammalian cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12321. [PMID: 34112897 PMCID: PMC8192953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91830-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse genetics is an important tool in the elucidation of viral replication and the development of countermeasures; however, these methods are impeded by laborious and inefficient replicon delivery methods. This paper demonstrates the use of a baculovirus to facilitate the efficient delivery of autonomous CHIKV replicons into mosquito and mammalian cells in vitro as well as adult mosquitoes in vivo. The efficacy of this approach was verified via co-localization among an eGFP reporter, nsP1, and dsRNA as well as through the inhibition of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) null mutation (DDAA) in nsP4, or the treatment of a known antiviral compound (6-azauridine). We also investigated the correlation between CHIKV replicon-launched eGFP expression and the effectiveness of CHIKV replicon variants in inducing IFN-β expression in human cell lines. This delivery method based on a single vector is applicable to mosquito and mammalian cells in seeking to decipher the mechanisms underlying CHIKV replication, elucidate virus-host interactions, and develop antivirals. This study presents an effective alternative to overcome many of the technological issues related to the study and utilization of autonomous arbovirus replicons.
Collapse
|
34
|
Irinotecan (CPT-11) Canonical Anti-Cancer Drug Can also Modulate Antiviral and Pro-Inflammatory Responses of Primary Human Synovial Fibroblasts. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061431. [PMID: 34201243 PMCID: PMC8230279 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are a group of arboviruses that generate chronic inflammatory rheumatisms in humans. Currently, no approved vaccines or antiviral therapies are available to prevent or treat alphavirus-induced diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the repositioning of the anti-cancer molecule irinotecan as a potential modulator of the antiviral and inflammatory responses of primary human synovial fibroblasts (HSF), the main stromal cells of the joint synovium. HSF were exposed to O’nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (PIC) to mimic, respectively, acute and chronic infectious settings. The cytokine IL-1β was used as a major pro-inflammatory cytokine to stimulate HSF. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that irinotecan at 15 µM was able to amplify the antiviral response (i.e., interferon-stimulated gene expression) of HSF exposed to PIC and reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (CXCL8, IL-6 and COX-2) upon IL-1β treatment. These results were associated with the regulation of the expression of several genes, including those encoding for STAT1, STAT2, p53 and NF-κB. Irinotecan did not modulate these responses in both untreated cells and cells stimulated with ONNV. This suggests that this drug could be therapeutically useful for the treatment of chronic and severe (rather than acute) arthritis due to viruses.
Collapse
|
35
|
Sun YC, Chen X, Fischer S, Lu S, Zhan H, Gillis J, Zador AM. Integrating barcoded neuroanatomy with spatial transcriptional profiling enables identification of gene correlates of projections. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:873-885. [PMID: 33972801 PMCID: PMC8178227 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00842-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Functional circuits consist of neurons with diverse axonal projections and gene expression. Understanding the molecular signature of projections requires high-throughput interrogation of both gene expression and projections to multiple targets in the same cells at cellular resolution, which is difficult to achieve using current technology. Here, we introduce BARseq2, a technique that simultaneously maps projections and detects multiplexed gene expression by in situ sequencing. We determined the expression of cadherins and cell-type markers in 29,933 cells and the projections of 3,164 cells in both the mouse motor cortex and auditory cortex. Associating gene expression and projections in 1,349 neurons revealed shared cadherin signatures of homologous projections across the two cortical areas. These cadherins were enriched across multiple branches of the transcriptomic taxonomy. By correlating multigene expression and projections to many targets in single neurons with high throughput, BARseq2 provides a potential path to uncovering the molecular logic underlying neuronal circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Sun
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoyin Chen
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA.
| | | | - Shaina Lu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Huiqing Zhan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Jesse Gillis
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abdullah N, Ahemad N, Aliazis K, Khairat JE, Lee TC, Abdul Ahmad SA, Adnan NAA, Macha NO, Hassan SS. The Putative Roles and Functions of Indel, Repetition and Duplication Events in Alphavirus Non-Structural Protein 3 Hypervariable Domain (nsP3 HVD) in Evolution, Viability and Re-Emergence. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061021. [PMID: 34071712 PMCID: PMC8228767 DOI: 10.3390/v13061021] [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: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphavirus non-structural proteins 1–4 (nsP1, nsP2, nsP3, and nsP4) are known to be crucial for alphavirus RNA replication and translation. To date, nsP3 has been demonstrated to mediate many virus–host protein–protein interactions in several fundamental alphavirus mechanisms, particularly during the early stages of replication. However, the molecular pathways and proteins networks underlying these mechanisms remain poorly described. This is due to the low genetic sequence homology of the nsP3 protein among the alphavirus species, especially at its 3′ C-terminal domain, the hypervariable domain (HVD). Moreover, the nsP3 HVD is almost or completely intrinsically disordered and has a poor ability to form secondary structures. Evolution in the nsP3 HVD region allows the alphavirus to adapt to vertebrate and insect hosts. This review focuses on the putative roles and functions of indel, repetition, and duplication events that have occurred in the alphavirus nsP3 HVD, including characterization of the differences and their implications for specificity in the context of virus–host interactions in fundamental alphavirus mechanisms, which have thus directly facilitated the evolution, adaptation, viability, and re-emergence of these viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurshariza Abdullah
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (N.A.); (N.A.A.A.); (N.O.M.)
| | - Nafees Ahemad
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Infectious Diseases and Health Cluster, Tropical Medicine and Biology Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Konstantinos Aliazis
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Jasmine Elanie Khairat
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Thong Chuan Lee
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology, University Malaysia Pahang, Lebuhraya Tun Razak, Gambang, Kuantan 26300, Pahang, Malaysia;
| | - Siti Aisyah Abdul Ahmad
- Immunogenetic Unit, Allergy and Immunology Research Center, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Nur Amelia Azreen Adnan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (N.A.); (N.A.A.A.); (N.O.M.)
| | - Nur Omar Macha
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (N.A.); (N.A.A.A.); (N.O.M.)
| | - Sharifah Syed Hassan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (N.A.); (N.A.A.A.); (N.O.M.)
- Infectious Diseases and Health Cluster, Tropical Medicine and Biology Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-5514-6340
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Contu L, Balistreri G, Domanski M, Uldry AC, Mühlemann O. Characterisation of the Semliki Forest Virus-host cell interactome reveals the viral capsid protein as an inhibitor of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009603. [PMID: 34019569 PMCID: PMC8174725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive-sense, single-stranded RNA alphaviruses pose a potential epidemic threat. Understanding the complex interactions between the viral and the host cell proteins is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying successful virus replication strategies and for developing specific antiviral interventions. Here we present the first comprehensive protein-protein interaction map between the proteins of Semliki Forest Virus (SFV), a mosquito-borne member of the alphaviruses, and host cell proteins. Among the many identified cellular interactors of SFV proteins, the enrichment of factors involved in translation and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) was striking, reflecting the virus' hijacking of the translation machinery and indicating viral countermeasures for escaping NMD by inhibiting NMD at later time points during the infectious cycle. In addition to observing a general inhibition of NMD about 4 hours post infection, we also demonstrate that transient expression of the SFV capsid protein is sufficient to inhibit NMD in cells, suggesting that the massive production of capsid protein during the SFV reproduction cycle is responsible for NMD inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Contu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Balistreri
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michal Domanski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Mühlemann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Montavon TC, Baldaccini M, Lefèvre M, Girardi E, Chane-Woon-Ming B, Messmer M, Hammann P, Chicher J, Pfeffer S. Human DICER helicase domain recruits PKR and modulates its antiviral activity. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009549. [PMID: 33984068 PMCID: PMC8118307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiviral innate immune response mainly involves type I interferon (IFN) in mammalian cells. The contribution of the RNA silencing machinery remains to be established, but several recent studies indicate that the ribonuclease DICER can generate viral siRNAs in specific conditions. It has also been proposed that type I IFN and RNA silencing could be mutually exclusive antiviral responses. In order to decipher the implication of DICER during infection of human cells with alphaviruses such as the Sindbis virus and Semliki forest virus, we determined its interactome by proteomics analysis. We show that DICER specifically interacts with several double-stranded RNA binding proteins and RNA helicases during viral infection. In particular, proteins such as DHX9, ADAR-1 and the protein kinase RNA-activated (PKR) are enriched with DICER in virus-infected cells. We demonstrate that the helicase domain of DICER is essential for this interaction and that its deletion confers antiviral properties to this protein in an RNAi-independent, PKR-dependent, manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Montavon
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Morgane Baldaccini
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathieu Lefèvre
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Erika Girardi
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Béatrice Chane-Woon-Ming
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mélanie Messmer
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Hammann
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Plateforme Protéomique Strasbourg-Esplanade, Strasbourg, France
| | - Johana Chicher
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Plateforme Protéomique Strasbourg-Esplanade, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sébastien Pfeffer
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR9002, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
PERK Is Critical for Alphavirus Nonstructural Protein Translation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050892. [PMID: 34065980 PMCID: PMC8151226 DOI: 10.3390/v13050892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that causes encephalitis. Previous work indicated that VEEV infection induced early growth response 1 (EGR1) expression, leading to cell death via the protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) arm of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Loss of PERK prevented EGR1 induction and decreased VEEV-induced death. The results presented within show that loss of PERK in human primary astrocytes dramatically reduced VEEV and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) infectious titers by 4–5 log10. Loss of PERK also suppressed VEEV replication in primary human pericytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, but it had no impact on VEEV replication in transformed U87MG and 293T cells. A significant reduction in VEEV RNA levels was observed as early as 3 h post-infection, but viral entry assays indicated that the loss of PERK minimally impacted VEEV entry. In contrast, the loss of PERK resulted in a dramatic reduction in viral nonstructural protein translation and negative-strand viral RNA production. The loss of PERK also reduced the production of Rift Valley fever virus and Zika virus infectious titers. These data indicate that PERK is an essential factor for the translation of alphavirus nonstructural proteins and impacts multiple RNA viruses, making it an exciting target for antiviral development.
Collapse
|
40
|
Pintó RM, Bosch A. The codon usage code for co-translational folding of viral capsids. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6259148. [PMID: 33914886 PMCID: PMC8410136 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Codon bias is common to all organisms and is the result of mutation, drift, and selection. Selection for the efficiency and accuracy of translation is well recognized as a factor shaping the codon usage. In contrast, fewer studies report the control of the rate of translation as an additional selective pressure influencing the codon usage of an organism. Experimental molecular evolution using RNA virus populations is a powerful tool for the identification of mechanisms underlying the codon bias. Indeed, the role of deoptimized codons on the cotranslational folding has been proven in the capsids of two fecal-orally transmitted picornaviruses, poliovirus, and the hepatitis A virus, emphasizing the role of the frequency of codons in determining the phenotype. However, most studies on virus codon usage rely only on computational analyses, and experimental studies should be encouraged to clearly define the role of selection on codon evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Pintó
- Enteric Virus Laboratory, Section of Microbiology, Virology and Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, School of Biology, and Institute of Nutrition and Safety, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Bosch
- Enteric Virus Laboratory, Section of Microbiology, Virology and Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, School of Biology, and Institute of Nutrition and Safety, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nowee G, Bakker JW, Geertsema C, Ros VID, Göertz GP, Fros JJ, Pijlman GP. A Tale of 20 Alphaviruses; Inter-species Diversity and Conserved Interactions Between Viral Non-structural Protein 3 and Stress Granule Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:625711. [PMID: 33644063 PMCID: PMC7905232 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.625711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses infect a diverse range of host organisms including mosquitoes, mammals, and birds. The enigmatic alphavirus non-structural protein 3 (nsP3) has an intrinsically disordered, C-terminal hypervariable domain (HVD) that can interact with a variety of host proteins associated with stress granules (SGs). The HVD displays the highest variability across the more than 30 known alphaviruses, yet it also contains several motifs that are conserved amongst different subgroups of alphaviruses. For some alphaviruses, specific nsP3–SG protein interactions are essential for virus replication. However, it remains difficult to attribute general roles to these virus-host interactions, as multiple amino acid motifs in the HDV display a degree of redundancy and previous studies were performed with a limited number of alphaviruses. To better understand nsP3-host protein interactions we conducted comprehensive co-localization experiments with the nsP3s of 20 diverse alphaviruses: chikungunya, Semliki Forest, Sindbis, Bebaru, Barmah Forest, Getah, Mayaro, Middelburg, O'nyong-nyong, Ross River QML and T48, Una, Whataroa, Southern Elephant Seal, Eilat, Tai Forest (TAFV), Venezuelan/Eastern/Western equine encephalitis (V/E/WEEV) and the aquatic Salmonid alphavirus (SAV), with three different SG proteins (G3BP and its insect homolog Rasputin, FMRP) and BIN1 in mammalian and mosquito cell lines. Despite that all terrestrial alphavirus nsP3s contained at least one BIN1-binding motif (PxPxPR), not all nsP3s co-localized with BIN1. Further, all alphaviruses except SAV, TAFV and VEEV displayed co-localization with G3BP. Although viruses lacking FGxF-like motifs contained Agenet-like domain binding motifs to facilitate interaction with FMRP, cytoplasmic nsP3 granules of all tested alphaviruses co-localized with FMRP. Crispr-Cas9 knockout of G3BP in mammalian cells abolished nsP3-FMRP co-localization for all alphaviruses except V/E/WEEV nsP3s that bind FMRP directly. G3BP knockout also changed nsP3 subcellular localization of Bebaru, Barmah Forest, Getah, and Sindbis viruses. Taken together this study paints a more detailed picture of the diverse interactions between alphavirus nsP3 and SG-associated host proteins. The interaction between nsP3 and G3BP clearly plays a central role and results in recruitment of additional host proteins such as FMRP. However, direct binding of FMRP can make the interaction with G3BP redundant which exemplifies the alternate evolutionary paths of alphavirus subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwen Nowee
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Julian W Bakker
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Corinne Geertsema
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Vera I D Ros
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Giel P Göertz
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jelke J Fros
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Blakney AK, Ip S, Geall AJ. An Update on Self-Amplifying mRNA Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:97. [PMID: 33525396 PMCID: PMC7911542 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review will explore the four major pillars required for design and development of an saRNA vaccine: Antigen design, vector design, non-viral delivery systems, and manufacturing (both saRNA and lipid nanoparticles (LNP)). We report on the major innovations, preclinical and clinical data reported in the last five years and will discuss future prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Blakney
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Shell Ip
- Precision NanoSystems Inc., Vancouver, BC V6P 6T7, Canada; (S.I.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Andrew J. Geall
- Precision NanoSystems Inc., Vancouver, BC V6P 6T7, Canada; (S.I.); (A.J.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Shechter S, Thomas DR, Jans DA. Application of In Silico and HTS Approaches to Identify Nuclear Import Inhibitors for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Capsid Protein: A Case Study. Front Chem 2020; 8:573121. [PMID: 33505952 PMCID: PMC7832173 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.573121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of new drugs is costly and time-consuming, with estimates of over $US1 billion and 15 years for a product to reach the market. As understanding of the molecular basis of disease improves, various approaches have been used to target specific molecular interactions in the search for effective drugs. These include high-throughput screening (HTS) for novel drug identification and computer-aided drug design (CADD) to assess the properties of putative drugs before experimental work begins. We have applied conventional HTS and CADD approaches to the problem of identifying antiviral compounds to limit infection by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). Nuclear targeting of the VEEV capsid (CP) protein through interaction with the host nuclear import machinery has been shown to be essential for viral pathogenicity, with viruses incapable of this interaction being greatly attenuated. Our previous conventional HTS and in silico structure-based drug design (SBDD) screens were successful in identifying novel inhibitors of CP interaction with the host nuclear import machinery, thus providing a unique opportunity to assess the relative value of the two screening approaches directly. This focused review compares and contrasts the two screening approaches, together with the properties of the inhibitors identified, as a case study for parallel use of the two approaches to identify antivirals. The utility of SBDD screens, especially when used in parallel with traditional HTS, in identifying agents of interest to target the host-pathogen interface is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Shechter
- Shechter Computational Solutions, Andover, MA, United States.,Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - David R Thomas
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Monash, VIC, Australia
| | - David A Jans
- Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Monash, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Self-Replicating RNAs Drive Protective Anti-tumor T Cell Responses to Neoantigen Vaccine Targets in a Combinatorial Approach. Mol Ther 2020; 29:1186-1198. [PMID: 33278563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically poor clinical results of tumor vaccines have been attributed to weakly immunogenic antigen targets, limited specificity, and vaccine platforms that fail to induce high-quality polyfunctional T cells, central to mediating cellular immunity. We show here that the combination of antigen selection, construct design, and a robust vaccine platform based on the Synthetically Modified Alpha Replicon RNA Technology (SMARRT), a self-replicating RNA, leads to control of tumor growth in mice. Therapeutic immunization with SMARRT replicon-based vaccines expressing tumor-specific neoantigens or tumor-associated antigen were able to generate polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in mice. Additionally, checkpoint inhibitors, or co-administration of cytokine also expressed from the SMARRT platform, synergized to enhance responses further. Lastly, SMARRT-based immunization of non-human primates was able to elicit high-quality T cell responses, demonstrating translatability and clinical feasibility of synthetic replicon technology for therapeutic oncology vaccines.
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
DEAD box RNA helicases regulate diverse facets of RNA biology. Proteins of this family carry out essential cellular functions, and emerging literature is revealing additional roles in immune defense. Using RNA interference screening, we identified an evolutionarily conserved antiviral role for the helicase DDX56 against the alphavirus Sindbis virus (SINV), a mosquito-transmitted pathogen that infects humans. Depletion of DDX56 enhanced infection in Drosophila and human cells. Furthermore, we found that DDX56 also controls the emerging alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV) through an interferon-independent mechanism. Using cross-linking immunoprecipitation (CLIP-Seq), we identified a predicted stem-loop on the viral genomic RNA bound by DDX56. Mechanistically, we found that DDX56 levels increase in the cytoplasm during CHIKV infection. In the cytoplasm, DDX56 impacts the earliest step in the viral replication cycle by binding and destabilizing the incoming viral genomic RNA, thereby attenuating infection. Thus, DDX56 is a conserved antiviral RNA binding protein that controls alphavirus infection.IMPORTANCE Arthropod-borne viruses are diverse pathogens and include the emerging virus chikungunya virus, which is associated with human disease. Through genetic screening, we found that the conserved RNA binding protein DDX56 is antiviral against chikungunya virus in insects and humans. DDX56 relocalizes from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it binds to a stem-loop in the viral genome and destabilizes incoming genomes. Thus, DDX56 is an evolutionarily conserved antiviral factor that controls alphavirus infection.
Collapse
|
46
|
Erasmus JH, Archer J, Fuerte-Stone J, Khandhar AP, Voigt E, Granger B, Bombardi RG, Govero J, Tan Q, Durnell LA, Coler RN, Diamond MS, Crowe JE, Reed SG, Thackray LB, Carnahan RH, Van Hoeven N. Intramuscular Delivery of Replicon RNA Encoding ZIKV-117 Human Monoclonal Antibody Protects against Zika Virus Infection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 18:402-414. [PMID: 32695842 PMCID: PMC7363633 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics are an effective modality for the treatment of infectious, autoimmune, and cancer-related diseases. However, the discovery, development, and manufacturing processes are complex, resource-consuming activities that preclude the rapid deployment of mAbs in outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. Given recent advances in nucleic acid delivery technology, it is now possible to deliver exogenous mRNA encoding mAbs for in situ expression following intravenous (i.v.) infusion of lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA. However, the requirement for i.v. administration limits the application to settings where infusion is an option, increasing the cost of treatment. As an alternative strategy, and to enable intramuscular (IM) administration of mRNA-encoded mAbs, we describe a nanostructured lipid carrier for delivery of an alphavirus replicon encoding a previously described highly neutralizing human mAb, ZIKV-117. Using a lethal Zika virus challenge model in mice, our studies show robust protection following alphavirus-driven expression of ZIKV-117 mRNA when given by IM administration as pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H. Erasmus
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacob Archer
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jasmine Fuerte-Stone
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amit P. Khandhar
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily Voigt
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian Granger
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robin G. Bombardi
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
| | - Jennifer Govero
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Qing Tan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lorellin A. Durnell
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Rhea N. Coler
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - James E. Crowe
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
- Department of Pathology Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
| | - Steven G. Reed
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Larissa B. Thackray
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robert H. Carnahan
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
| | - Neal Van Hoeven
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sardari S, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Malekmohammad K, Sewell RDE. Review of Phytochemical Compounds as Antiviral Agents Against Arboviruses from the Genera Flavivirus and Alphavirus. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2020; 17:484-497. [PMID: 31969106 DOI: 10.2174/1570163817666200122102443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Arboviruses are a diverse group of viruses that are among the major causes of emerging infectious diseases. Arboviruses from the genera flavivirus and alphavirus are the most important human arboviruses from a public health perspective. During recent decades, these viruses have been responsible for millions of infections and deaths around the world. Over the past few years, several investigations have been carried out to identify antiviral agents to treat these arbovirus infections. The use of synthetic antiviral compounds is often unsatisfactory since they may raise the risk of viral mutation; they are costly and possess either side effects or toxicity. One attractive strategy is the use of plants as promising sources of novel antiviral compounds that present significant inhibitory effects on these viruses. In this review, we describe advances in the exploitation of compounds and extracts from natural sources that target the vital proteins and enzymes involved in arbovirus replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Sardari
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Khojasteh Malekmohammad
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Robert D E Sewell
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 NB. Wales, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Fox JM, Huang L, Tahan S, Powell LA, Crowe JE, Wang D, Diamond MS. A cross-reactive antibody protects against Ross River virus musculoskeletal disease despite rapid neutralization escape in mice. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008743. [PMID: 32760128 PMCID: PMC7433899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthritogenic alphaviruses cause debilitating musculoskeletal disease and historically have circulated in distinct regions. With the global spread of chikungunya virus (CHIKV), there now is more geographic overlap, which could result in heterologous immunity affecting natural infection or vaccination. Here, we evaluated the capacity of a cross-reactive anti-CHIKV monoclonal antibody (CHK-265) to protect against disease caused by the distantly related alphavirus, Ross River virus (RRV). Although CHK-265 only moderately neutralizes RRV infection in cell culture, it limited clinical disease in mice independently of Fc effector function activity. Despite this protective phenotype, RRV escaped from CHK-265 neutralization in vivo, with resistant variants retaining pathogenic potential. Near the inoculation site, CHK-265 reduced viral burden in a type I interferon signaling-dependent manner and limited immune cell infiltration into musculoskeletal tissue. In a parallel set of experiments, purified human CHIKV immune IgG also weakly neutralized RRV, yet when transferred to mice, resulted in improved clinical outcome during RRV infection despite the emergence of resistant viruses. Overall, this study suggests that weakly cross-neutralizing antibodies can protect against heterologous alphavirus disease, even if neutralization escape occurs, through an early viral control program that tempers inflammation. The induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies is a goal of many antiviral vaccine programs. In this study, we show that cross-reactive monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies developed after CHIKV infection or immunization with relatively weak cross-neutralizing activity can protect against RRV-induced musculoskeletal disease in mice. Even though RRV rapidly escaped from neutralization, antibody therapy reduced inflammation in musculoskeletal tissues and decreased viral burden near the site of infection in a manner that required type I interferon signaling. These studies in mice show that broadly reactive antibodies with limited neutralizing activity still can confer protection against heterologous alphaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie M. Fox
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ling Huang
- MacroGenics, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stephen Tahan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Laura A. Powell
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - James E. Crowe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center and Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - David Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
|
50
|
Kaur P, Lello LS, Utt A, Dutta SK, Merits A, Chu JJH. Bortezomib inhibits chikungunya virus replication by interfering with viral protein synthesis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008336. [PMID: 32469886 PMCID: PMC7286522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that causes a febrile illness accompanied by myalgia and arthralgia. Despite having re-emerged as a significant public health threat, there are no approved therapeutics or prophylactics for CHIKV infection. In this study, we explored the anti-CHIKV effects of proteasome inhibitors and their potential mechanism of antiviral action. A panel of proteasome inhibitors with different functional groups reduced CHIKV infectious titers in a dose-dependent manner. Bortezomib, which has been FDA-approved for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, was further investigated in downstream studies. The inhibitory activities of bortezomib were confirmed using different cellular models and CHIKV strains. Time-of-addition and time-of-removal studies suggested that bortezomib inhibited CHIKV at an early, post-entry stage of replication. In western blot analysis, bortezomib treatment resulted in a prominent decrease in structural protein levels as early as 6 hpi. Contrastingly, nsP4 levels showed strong elevations across all time-points. NsP2 and nsP3 levels showed a fluctuating trend, with some elevations between 12 to 20 hpi. Finally, qRT-PCR data revealed increased levels of both positive- and negative-sense CHIKV RNA at late stages of infection. It is likely that the reductions in structural protein levels is a major factor in the observed reductions in virus titer, with the alterations in non-structural protein ratios potentially being a contributing factor. Proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib likely disrupt CHIKV replication through a variety of complex mechanisms and may display a potential for use as therapeutics against CHIKV infection. They also represent valuable tools for studies of CHIKV molecular biology and virus-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parveen Kaur
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Age Utt
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sujit Krishna Dutta
- School of Life Sciences and Chemical Technology, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Collaborative and Translational Unit for HFMD, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|