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Woolsey C, Cross RW, Prasad AN, Agans KN, Borisevich V, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Fears AC, Harrison MB, Heinrich ML, Fenton KA, Garry RF, Branco LM, Geisbert TW. Monoclonal antibody therapy demonstrates increased virulence of a lineage VII strain of Lassa virus in nonhuman primates. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2301061. [PMID: 38164768 PMCID: PMC10810630 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2301061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality. Recently, we showed that a combination of three broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies known as Arevirumab-3 (8.9F, 12.1F, 37.2D) based on the lineage IV Josiah strain protected 100% of cynomolgus macaques against heterologous challenge with lineage II and III strains of LASV when therapy was initiated beginning at day 8 after challenge. LASV strains from Benin and Togo represent a new lineage VII that are more genetically diverse from lineage IV than strains from lineages II and III. Here, we tested the ability of Arevirumab-3 to protect macaques against a LASV lineage VII Togo isolate when treatment was administered beginning 8 days after exposure. Unexpectedly, only 40% of treated animals survived challenge. In a subsequent study we showed that Arevirumab-3 protected 100% of macaques from lethal challenge when treatment was initiated 7 days after LASV Togo exposure. Based on our transcriptomics data, successful Arevirumab-3 treatment correlated with diminished neutrophil signatures and the predicted development of T cell responses. As the in vitro antiviral activity of Arevirumab-3 against LASV Togo was equivalent to lineage II and III strains, the reduced protection in macaques against Togo likely reflects the faster disease course of LASV Togo in macaques than other strains. This data causes concern regarding the ability of heterologous vaccines and treatments to provide cross protection against lineage VII LASV isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Woolsey
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert W. Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Abhishek N. Prasad
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krystle N. Agans
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J. Deer
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie S. Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alyssa C. Fears
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mack B. Harrison
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Karla A. Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert F. Garry
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Frederick, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Thomas W. Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Cross RW, Woolsey C, Chu VC, Babusis D, Bannister R, Vermillion MS, Geleziunas R, Barrett KT, Bunyan E, Nguyen AQ, Cihlar T, Porter DP, Prasad AN, Deer DJ, Borisevich V, Agans KN, Martinez J, Harrison MB, Dobias NS, Fenton KA, Bilello JP, Geisbert TW. Oral administration of obeldesivir protects nonhuman primates against Sudan ebolavirus. Science 2024; 383:eadk6176. [PMID: 38484056 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk6176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Obeldesivir (ODV, GS-5245) is an orally administered prodrug of the parent nucleoside of remdesivir (RDV) and is presently in phase 3 trials for COVID-19 treatment. In this work, we show that ODV and its circulating parent nucleoside metabolite, GS-441524, have similar in vitro antiviral activity against filoviruses, including Marburg virus, Ebola virus, and Sudan virus (SUDV). We also report that once-daily oral ODV treatment of cynomolgus monkeys for 10 days beginning 24 hours after SUDV exposure confers 100% protection against lethal infection. Transcriptomics data show that ODV treatment delayed the onset of inflammation and correlated with antigen presentation and lymphocyte activation. Our results offer promise for the further development of ODV to control outbreaks of filovirus disease more rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jasmine Martinez
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mack B Harrison
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Cross RW, Fenton KA, Woolsey C, Prasad AN, Borisevich V, Agans KN, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Fears AC, Heinrich ML, Geisbert JB, Garry RF, Branco LM, Geisbert TW. Monoclonal antibody therapy protects nonhuman primates against mucosal exposure to Lassa virus. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101392. [PMID: 38280377 PMCID: PMC10897540 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral illness that causes thousands of deaths annually in West Africa. There are currently no Lassa virus (LASV) vaccines or antivirals approved for human use. Recently, we showed that combinations of broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (BNhuMAbs) known as Arevirumab-2 or Arevirumab-3 protected up to 100% of cynomolgus macaques against challenge with diverse lineages of LASV when treatment was initiated at advanced stages of disease. This previous work assessed efficacy against parenteral exposure. However, transmission of LASV to humans occurs primarily by mucosal exposure to virus shed from Mastomys rodents. Here, we describe the development of a lethal intranasal exposure macaque model of LF. This model is employed to show that Arevirumab cocktails rescue 100% of macaques from lethal LASV infection when treatment is initiated 8 days after LASV exposure. Our work demonstrates BNhuMAbs have utility in treating LASV infection acquired through mucosal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alyssa C Fears
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Joan B Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert F Garry
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Frederick, MD, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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Cross RW, Wiethoff CM, Brown-Augsburger P, Berens S, Blackbourne J, Liu L, Wu X, Tetreault J, Dodd C, Sina R, Witcher DR, Newcomb D, Frost D, Wilcox A, Borisevich V, Agans KN, Woolsey C, Prasad AN, Deer DJ, Geisbert JB, Dobias NS, Fenton KA, Strifler B, Ebert P, Higgs R, Beall A, Chanda S, Riva L, Yin X, Geisbert TW. The Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Bamlanivimab Does Not Enhance SARS-CoV-2 Infection by FcR-Mediated Mechanisms. Pathogens 2023; 12:1408. [PMID: 38133292 PMCID: PMC10746090 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of the non-clinical safety package characterizing bamlanivimab (SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody), the risk profile for antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE) was evaluated in vitro and in an African green monkey (AGM) model of COVID-19. In vitro ADE assays in primary human macrophage, Raji, or THP-1 cells were used to evaluate enhancement of viral infection. Bamlanivimab binding to C1q, FcR, and cell-based effector activity was also assessed. In AGMs, the impact of bamlanivimab pretreatment on viral loads and clinical and histological pathology was assessed to evaluate enhanced SARS-CoV-2 replication or pathology. Bamlanivimab did not increase viral replication in vitro, despite a demonstrated effector function. In vivo, no significant differences were found among the AGM groups for weight, temperature, or food intake. Treatment with bamlanivimab reduced viral loads in nasal and oral swabs and BAL fluid relative to control groups. Viral antigen was not detected in lung tissue from animals treated with the highest dose of bamlanivimab. Bamlanivimab did not induce ADE of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro or in an AGM model of infection at any dose evaluated. The findings suggest that high-affinity monoclonal antibodies pose a low risk of mediating ADE in patients and support their safety profile as a treatment of COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W. Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | | | - Shawn Berens
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA; (P.B.-A.); (S.B.)
| | - Jamie Blackbourne
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA; (P.B.-A.); (S.B.)
| | - Ling Liu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA; (P.B.-A.); (S.B.)
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA; (P.B.-A.); (S.B.)
| | | | - Carter Dodd
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA; (P.B.-A.); (S.B.)
| | - Ramtin Sina
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA; (P.B.-A.); (S.B.)
| | | | - Deanna Newcomb
- Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Reno, NV 89511, USA; (D.N.); (A.W.)
| | - Denzil Frost
- Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Reno, NV 89511, USA; (D.N.); (A.W.)
| | - Angela Wilcox
- Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Reno, NV 89511, USA; (D.N.); (A.W.)
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Krystle N. Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Abhishek N. Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Daniel J. Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Joan B. Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Natalie S. Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Karla A. Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Beth Strifler
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA; (P.B.-A.); (S.B.)
| | - Philip Ebert
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA; (P.B.-A.); (S.B.)
| | - Richard Higgs
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA; (P.B.-A.); (S.B.)
| | - Anne Beall
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sumit Chanda
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Laura Riva
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Xin Yin
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Thomas W. Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (A.N.P.)
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Woolsey C, Strampe J, Fenton KA, Agans KN, Martinez J, Borisevich V, Dobias NS, Deer DJ, Geisbert JB, Cross RW, Connor JH, Geisbert TW. A Recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-Based Vaccine Provides Postexposure Protection Against Bundibugyo Ebolavirus Infection. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S712-S720. [PMID: 37290053 PMCID: PMC10651203 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The filovirus Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) causes severe disease with a mortality rate of approximately 20%-51%. The only licensed filovirus vaccine in the United States, Ervebo, consists of a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vector that expresses Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP). Ervebo was shown to rapidly protect against fatal Ebola disease in clinical trials; however, the vaccine is only indicated against EBOV. Recent outbreaks of other filoviruses underscore the need for additional vaccine candidates, particularly for BDBV infections. METHODS To examine whether the rVSV vaccine candidate rVSVΔG/BDBV-GP could provide therapeutic protection against BDBV, we inoculated seven cynomolgus macaques with 1000 plaque-forming units of BDBV, administering rVSVΔG/BDBV-GP vaccine to 6 of them 20-23 minutes after infection. RESULTS Five of the treated animals survived infection (83%) compared to an expected natural survival rate of 21% in this macaque model. All treated animals showed an early circulating immune response, while the untreated animal did not. Surviving animals showed evidence of both GP-specific IgM and IgG production, while animals that succumbed did not produce significant IgG. CONCLUSIONS This small, proof-of-concept study demonstrated early treatment with rVSVΔG/BDBV-GP provides a survival benefit in this nonhuman primate model of BDBV infection, perhaps through earlier initiation of adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jamie Strampe
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jasmine Martinez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - John H Connor
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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6
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Prasad AN, Agans KN, Geisbert JB, Borisevich V, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Comer JE, Woolsey C, Fenton KA, Geisbert TW, Cross RW. Natural History of Nonhuman Primates After Oral Exposure to Ebola Virus Variant Makona. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S571-S581. [PMID: 37348509 PMCID: PMC10651204 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary route of infection by Ebola virus (EBOV) is through contact of mucosal surfaces. Few studies have explored infection of nonhuman primates (NHPs) via the oral mucosa, which is a probable portal of natural infection in humans. METHODS To further characterize the pathogenesis of EBOV infection via the oral exposure route, we challenged cohorts of cynomolgus monkeys with low doses of EBOV variant Makona. RESULTS Infection with 100 or 50 PFU of EBOV Makona via the oral route resulted in 50% and 83% lethality, respectively. Animals that progressed to fatal disease exhibited lymphopenia, marked coagulopathy, high viral loads, and increased levels of serum markers of inflammation and hepatic/renal injury. Survival in these cohorts was associated with milder fluctuations in leukocyte populations, lack of coagulopathy, and reduced or absent serum markers of inflammation and/or hepatic/renal function. Surprisingly, 2 surviving animals from the 100- and 50-PFU cohorts developed transient low-level viremia in the absence of other clinical signs of disease. Conversely, all animals in the 10 PFU cohort remained disease free and survived to the study end point. CONCLUSIONS Our observations highlight the susceptibility of NHPs, and by extension, likely humans, to relatively low doses of EBOV via the oral route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jason E Comer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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7
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Prasad AN, Fenton KA, Agans KN, Borisevich V, Woolsey C, Comer JE, Dobias NS, Peel JE, Deer DJ, Geisbert JB, Lawrence WS, Cross RW, Geisbert TW. Pathogenesis of Aerosolized Ebola Virus Variant Makona in Nonhuman Primates. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S604-S616. [PMID: 37145930 PMCID: PMC10651212 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Highly pathogenic filoviruses such as Ebola virus (EBOV) hold capacity for delivery by artificial aerosols, and thus potential for intentional misuse. Previous studies have shown that high doses of EBOV delivered by small-particle aerosol cause uniform lethality in nonhuman primates (NHPs), whereas only a few small studies have assessed lower doses in NHPs. METHODS To further characterize the pathogenesis of EBOV infection via small-particle aerosol, we challenged cohorts of cynomolgus monkeys with low doses of EBOV variant Makona, which may help define risks associated with small particle aerosol exposures. RESULTS Despite using challenge doses orders of magnitude lower than previous studies, infection via this route was uniformly lethal across all cohorts. Time to death was delayed in a dose-dependent manner between aerosol-challenged cohorts, as well as in comparison to animals challenged via the intramuscular route. Here, we describe the observed clinical and pathological details including serum biomarkers, viral burden, and histopathological changes leading to death. CONCLUSIONS Our observations in this model highlight the striking susceptibility of NHPs, and likely humans, via small-particle aerosol exposure to EBOV and emphasize the need for further development of diagnostics and postexposure prophylactics in the event of intentional release via deployment of an aerosol-producing device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jason E Comer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer E Peel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - William S Lawrence
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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8
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Abelson D, Barajas J, Stuart L, Kim D, Marimuthu A, Hu C, Yamamoto B, Ailor E, Whaley KJ, Vu H, Agans KN, Borisevich V, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Woolsey C, Prasad AN, Peel JE, Lawrence WS, Cross RW, Geisbert TW, Fenton KA, Zeitlin L. Long-term Prophylaxis Against Aerosolized Marburg Virus in Nonhuman Primates With an Afucosylated Monoclonal Antibody. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S701-S711. [PMID: 37474248 PMCID: PMC11009508 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Marburg virus (MARV) causes a hemorrhagic fever disease in human and nonhuman primates with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Concerns about weaponization of aerosolized MARV have spurred the development of nonhuman primate (NHP) models of aerosol exposure. To address the potential threat of aerosol exposure, a monoclonal antibody that binds MARV glycoprotein was tested, MR186YTE, for its efficacy as a prophylactic. MR186YTE was administered intramuscularly to NHPs at 15 or 5 mg/kg 1 month prior to MARV aerosol challenge. Seventy-five percent (3/4) of the 15 mg/kg dose group and 50% (2/4) of the 5 mg/kg dose group survived. Serum analyses showed that the NHP dosed with 15 mg/kg that succumbed to infection developed an antidrug antibody response and therefore had no detectable MR186YTE at the time of challenge. These results suggest that intramuscular dosing of mAbs may be a clinically useful prophylaxis for MARV aerosol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafna Abelson
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Lauren Stuart
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Do Kim
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Chris Hu
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Eric Ailor
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Hong Vu
- Integrated Biotherapeutics, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer E Peel
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - William S Lawrence
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert W Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Larry Zeitlin
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc, San Diego, California, USA
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9
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Cross RW, Heinrich ML, Fenton KA, Borisevich V, Agans KN, Prasad AN, Woolsey C, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Rowland MM, Lathigra R, Borrega R, Geisbert JB, Garry RF, Branco LM, Geisbert TW. A human monoclonal antibody combination rescues nonhuman primates from advanced disease caused by the major lineages of Lassa virus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304876120. [PMID: 37590417 PMCID: PMC10450431 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304876120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
There are no approved treatments for Lassa fever (LF), which is responsible for thousands of deaths each year in West Africa. A major challenge in developing effective medical countermeasures against LF is the high diversity of circulating Lassa virus (LASV) strains with four recognized lineages and four proposed lineages. The recent resurgence of LASV in Nigeria caused by genetically distinct strains underscores this concern. Two LASV lineages (II and III) are dominant in Nigeria. Here, we show that combinations of two or three pan-lineage neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (8.9F, 12.1F, 37.D) known as Arevirumab-2 or Arevirumab-3 can protect up to 100% of cynomolgus macaques against challenge with both lineage II and III LASV isolates when treatment is initiated at advanced stages of disease on day 8 after LASV exposure. This work demonstrates that it may be possible to develop postexposure interventions that can broadly protect against most strains of LASV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W. Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | | | - Karla A. Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Krystle N. Agans
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Abhishek N. Prasad
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Daniel J. Deer
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Natalie S. Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | | | - Raju Lathigra
- Zalgen Labs, Limited Liability Company, Frederick, MD21703
| | | | - Joan B. Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Robert F. Garry
- Zalgen Labs, Limited Liability Company, Frederick, MD21703
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA70112
| | - Luis M. Branco
- Zalgen Labs, Limited Liability Company, Frederick, MD21703
| | - Thomas W. Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
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10
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Cross RW, Prasad AN, Woolsey CB, Agans KN, Borisevich V, Dobias NS, Comer JE, Deer DJ, Geisbert JB, Rasmussen AL, Lipkin WI, Fenton KA, Geisbert TW. Natural history of nonhuman primates after conjunctival exposure to Ebola virus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4175. [PMID: 36914721 PMCID: PMC10011569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmission of Ebola virus (EBOV) primarily occurs via contact exposure of mucosal surfaces with infected body fluids. Historically, nonhuman primate (NHP) challenge studies have employed intramuscular (i.m.) or small particle aerosol exposure, which are largely lethal routes of infection, but mimic worst-case scenarios such as a needlestick or intentional release, respectively. When exposed by more likely routes of natural infection, limited NHP studies have shown delayed onset of disease and reduced mortality. Here, we performed a series of systematic natural history studies in cynomolgus macaques with a range of conjunctival exposure doses. Challenge with 10,000 plaque forming units (PFU) of EBOV was uniformly lethal, whereas 5/6 subjects survived lower dose challenges (100 or 500 PFU). Conjunctival challenge resulted in a protracted time-to death compared to i.m. Asymptomatic infection was observed in survivors with limited detection of EBOV replication. Inconsistent seropositivity in survivors may suggest physical or natural immunological barriers are sufficient to prevent widespread viral dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Courtney B Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Jason E Comer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Angela L Rasmussen
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Walter Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA. .,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.
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11
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Woolsey C, Borisevich V, Fears AC, Agans KN, Deer DJ, Prasad AN, O’Toole R, Foster SL, Dobias NS, Geisbert JB, Fenton KA, Cross RW, Geisbert TW. Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-vectored vaccine induces long-lasting immunity against Nipah virus disease. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e164946. [PMID: 36445779 PMCID: PMC9888376 DOI: 10.1172/jci164946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the novel henipavirus, Langya virus, received global attention after the virus sickened over three dozen people in China. There is heightened concern that henipaviruses, as respiratory pathogens, could spark another pandemic, most notably the deadly Nipah virus (NiV). NiV causes near-annual outbreaks in Bangladesh and India and induces a highly fatal respiratory disease and encephalitis in humans. No licensed countermeasures against this pathogen exist. An ideal NiV vaccine would confer both fast-acting and long-lived protection. Recently, we reported the generation of a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-based (rVSV-based) vaccine expressing the NiV glycoprotein (rVSV-ΔG-NiVBG) that protected 100% of nonhuman primates from NiV-associated lethality within a week. Here, to evaluate the durability of rVSV-ΔG-NiVBG, we vaccinated African green monkeys (AGMs) one year before challenge with an uniformly lethal dose of NiV. The rVSV-ΔG-NiVBG vaccine induced stable and robust humoral responses, whereas cellular responses were modest. All immunized AGMs (whether receiving a single dose or prime-boosted) survived with no detectable clinical signs or NiV replication. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that adaptive immune signatures correlated with vaccine-mediated protection. While vaccines for certain respiratory infections (e.g., COVID-19) have yet to provide durable protection, our results suggest that rVSV-ΔG-NiVBG elicits long-lasting immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Woolsey
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Alyssa C. Fears
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Krystle N. Agans
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel J. Deer
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Abhishek N. Prasad
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel O’Toole
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Foster
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Natalie S. Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Joan B. Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Karla A. Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert W. Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas W. Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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12
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Woolsey C, Fears AC, Borisevich V, Agans KN, Dobias NS, Prasad AN, Deer DJ, Geisbert JB, Fenton KA, Geisbert TW, Cross RW. Natural history of Sudan ebolavirus infection in rhesus and cynomolgus macaques. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1635-1646. [PMID: 35657325 PMCID: PMC9225728 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2086072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to its high mortality rate and continued re-emergence, Ebolavirus disease (EVD) continues to pose a serious threat to global health. A group of viruses within the genus Ebolavirus causes this severe hemorrhagic disease in humans: Ebola virus (EBOV; species Zaire ebolavirus), Sudan virus (SUDV; species Sudan ebolavirus), Bundibugyo virus, and Taï Forest virus. EBOV and SUDV are associated with the highest case fatality rates. While the host response to EBOV has been comprehensively examined, limited data exists for SUDV infection. For medical countermeasure testing, well-characterized SUDV nonhuman primate (NHP) models are thus needed. Here, we describe a natural history study in which rhesus (N = 11) and cynomolgus macaques (N = 14) were intramuscularly exposed to a 1000 plaque-forming unit dose of SUDV (Gulu variant). Time-course analyses of various hematological, pathological, serological, coagulation, and transcriptomic findings are reported. SUDV infection was uniformly lethal in cynomolgus macaques (100% mortality), whereas a single rhesus macaque subject (91% mortality) survived to the study endpoint (median time-to-death of ∼8.0 and ∼8.5 days in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques, respectively). Infected macaques exhibited hallmark features of human EVD. The early stage was typified by viremia, granulocytosis, lymphopenia, albuminemia, thrombocytopenia, and decreased expression of HLA-class transcripts. At mid-to-late disease, animals developed fever and petechial rashes, and expressed high levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, pro-thrombotic factors, and markers indicative of liver and kidney injury. End-stage disease was characterized by shock and multi-organ failure. In summary, macaques recapitulate human SUDV disease, supporting these models for use in the development of vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alyssa C Fears
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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13
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Cross RW, Bornholdt ZA, Prasad AN, Woolsey C, Borisevich V, Agans KN, Deer DJ, Abelson DM, Kim DH, Shestowsky WS, Campbell LA, Bunyan E, Geisbert JB, Dobias NS, Fenton KA, Porter DP, Zeitlin L, Geisbert TW. Combination therapy with remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies protects nonhuman primates against advanced Sudan virus disease. JCI Insight 2022; 7:159090. [PMID: 35413016 PMCID: PMC9220838 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.159090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in managing acute viral infections is ameliorating disease when treatment is delayed. Previously, we reported the success of a 2-pronged mAb and antiviral remdesivir therapeutic approach to treat advanced illness in rhesus monkeys infected with Marburg virus (MARV). Here, we explored the benefit of a similar combination therapy for Sudan ebolavirus (Sudan virus; SUDV) infection. Importantly, no licensed anti-SUDV therapeutics currently exist, and infection of rhesus macaques with SUDV results in a rapid disease course similar to MARV with a mean time to death of 8.3 days. When initiation of therapy with either remdesivir or a pan-ebolavirus mAb cocktail (MBP431) was delayed until 6 days after inoculation, only 20% of macaques survived. In contrast, when remdesivir and MBP431 treatment were combined beginning 6 days after inoculation, significant protection (80%) was achieved. Our results suggest that combination therapy may be a viable treatment for patients with advanced filovirus disease that warrants further clinical testing in future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galvetson, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Zachary A Bornholdt
- Antibody Discovery and Research, Mapp Biopharmaceutical, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galvetson, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galvetson, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galvetson, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Dafna M Abelson
- Antibody Discovery and Research, Mapp Biopharmaceutical, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Do H Kim
- Antibody Discovery and Research, Mapp Biopharmaceutical, San Diego, United States of America
| | - William S Shestowsky
- Antibody Discovery and Research, Mapp Biopharmaceutical, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Lioudmila A Campbell
- Antibody Discovery and Research, Mapp Biopharmaceutical, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Elaine Bunyan
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, United States of America
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galvetson, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, United States of America
| | | | - Larry Zeitlin
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, United States of America
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14
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Sorvillo TE, Cross RW, Johnson DM, Dobias NS, Fenton KA, Mire CE, Geisbert TW. Single dose rVSVΔG-JUNVGP vaccine protects guinea pigs against lethal Junin virus challenge. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:96. [PMID: 34373461 PMCID: PMC8352877 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00361-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Junin virus (JUNV) is a pathogen of biodefense importance due to its potential for aerosol transmission and mortality rates reaching 30%. Currently, there are no JUNV vaccines licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for at-risk individuals. A vaccine based on recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) has been effectively used to prevent Ebola virus disease in humans. Here, we evaluated the protective efficacy of a rVSV expressing the JUNV glycoprotein (rVSVΔG-JUNVGP) in a guinea pig model of lethal JUNV disease. Two groups of guinea pigs, one prime and one prime-boost, were vaccinated with rVSVΔG-JUNVGP; six control animals remained unvaccinated. Survival for prime and prime-boost vaccinated animals was 100% while the challenge virus was uniformly lethal in all control animals. Animals in both vaccine groups developed robust, high avidity IgG antibody titers post-vaccination as well as detectable neutralizing antibodies while control animals failed to develop detectable antibody responses. This study demonstrates for the first time that rVSV expressing the JUNV GP fully protects guinea pigs from lethal JUNV challenge with a single injection vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa E Sorvillo
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert W Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Dylan M Johnson
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Chad E Mire
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA. .,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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15
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Cross RW, Prasad AN, Borisevich V, Woolsey C, Agans KN, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Geisbert JB, Fenton KA, Geisbert TW. Use of convalescent serum reduces severity of COVID-19 in nonhuman primates. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108837. [PMID: 33662255 PMCID: PMC7901292 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Passive transfer of convalescent plasma or serum is a time-honored strategy for treating infectious diseases. Human convalescent plasma containing antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently being used to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019 where clinical efficacy trials are ongoing. Here, we assess therapeutic passive transfer in groups of SARS-CoV-2-infected African green monkeys with convalescent sera containing either high or low anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers. Differences in viral load and pathology are minimal between monkeys that receive the lower titer convalescent sera and untreated controls. However, lower levels of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory compartments, reduced severity of virus-associated lung pathology, and reductions in coagulopathy and inflammatory processes are observed in monkeys that receive high titer sera versus untreated controls. Our data indicate that convalescent plasma therapy in humans may be an effective strategy provided that donor sera contain high anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing titers given in early stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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16
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Woolsey C, Borisevich V, Prasad AN, Agans KN, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Heymann JC, Foster SL, Levine CB, Medina L, Melody K, Geisbert JB, Fenton KA, Geisbert TW, Cross RW. Establishment of an African green monkey model for COVID-19 and protection against re-infection. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:86-98. [PMID: 33235385 PMCID: PMC7790436 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-020-00835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for an unprecedented global pandemic of COVID-19. Animal models are urgently needed to study the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and to screen vaccines and treatments. We show that African green monkeys (AGMs) support robust SARS-CoV-2 replication and develop pronounced respiratory disease, which may more accurately reflect human COVID-19 cases than other nonhuman primate species. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in mucosal samples, including rectal swabs, as late as 15 days after exposure. Marked inflammation and coagulopathy in blood and tissues were prominent features. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated stimulation of interferon and interleukin-6 pathways in bronchoalveolar lavage samples and repression of natural killer cell- and T cell-associated transcripts in peripheral blood. Despite a slight waning in antibody titers after primary challenge, enhanced antibody and cellular responses contributed to rapid clearance after re-challenge with an identical strain. These data support the utility of AGM for studying COVID-19 pathogenesis and testing medical countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - John C Heymann
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie L Foster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Corri B Levine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Liana Medina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Melody
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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17
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Cross RW, Agans KN, Prasad AN, Borisevich V, Woolsey C, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Geisbert JB, Fenton KA, Geisbert TW. Intranasal exposure of African green monkeys to SARS-CoV-2 results in acute phase pneumonia with shedding and lung injury still present in the early convalescence phase. Virol J 2020; 17:125. [PMID: 32811514 PMCID: PMC7431901 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01396-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported the development of the first African green monkey (AGM) model for COVID-19 based on a combined liquid intranasal (i.n.) and intratracheal (i.t.) exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we followed up on this work by assessing an i.n. particle only route of exposure using the LMA mucosal atomization device (MAD). Six AGMs were infected with SARS-CoV-2; three animals were euthanized near the peak stage of virus replication (day 5) and three animals were euthanized during the early convalescence period (day 34). All six AGMs supported robust SARS-CoV-2 replication and developed respiratory disease. Evidence of coagulation dysfunction as noted by a transient increases in aPTT and circulating levels of fibrinogen was observed in all AGMs. The level of SARS-CoV-2 replication and lung pathology was not quite as pronounced as previously reported with AGMs exposed by the combined i.n. and i.t. routes; however, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal swabs of some animals as late as day 15 and rectal swabs as late as day 28 after virus challenge. Of particular importance to this study, all three AGMs that were followed until the early convalescence stage of COVID-19 showed substantial lung pathology at necropsy as evidenced by multifocal chronic interstitial pneumonia and increased collagen deposition in alveolar walls despite the absence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 in any of the lungs of these animals. These findings are consistent with human COVID-19 further demonstrating that the AGM faithfully reproduces the human condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Krystle N Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Abhishek N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Daniel J Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Joan B Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Karla A Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Thomas W Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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18
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Cross RW, Agans KN, Prasad AN, Borisevich V, Woolsey C, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Geisbert JB, Fenton KA, Geisbert TW. Intranasal exposure of African green monkeys to SARS-CoV-2 results in acute phase pneumonia with shedding and lung injury still present in the early convalescence phase. Res Sq 2020:rs.3.rs-50023. [PMID: 32818211 PMCID: PMC7430587 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-50023/v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
We recently reported the development of the first African green monkey (AGM) model for COVID-19 based on a combined liquid intranasal (i.n.) and intratracheal (i.t.) exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we followed up on this work by assessing an i.n. particle only route of exposure using the LMA mucosal atomization device (MAD). Six AGMs were infected with SARS-CoV-2; three animals were euthanized near the peak stage of virus replication (day 5) and three animals were euthanized during the early convalescence period (day 34). All six AGMs supported robust SARS-CoV-2 replication and developed respiratory disease. Evidence of coagulation dysfunction as noted by a transient increases in aPTT and circulating levels of fibrinogen was observed in all AGMs. The level of SARS-CoV-2 replication and lung pathology was not quite as pronounced as previously reported with AGMs exposed by the combined i.n. and i.t. routes; however, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal swabs of some animals as late as day 15 and rectal swabs as late as day 28 after virus challenge. Of particular importance to this study, all three AGMs that were followed until the early convalescence stage of COVID-19 showed substantial lung pathology at necropsy as evidenced by multifocal chronic interstitial pneumonia and increased collagen deposition in alveolar walls despite the absence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 in any of the lungs of these animals. These findings are consistent with human COVID-19 further demonstrating that the AGM faithfully reproduces the human condition.
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19
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Woolsey C, Borisevich V, Prasad AN, Agans KN, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Heymann JC, Foster SL, Levine CB, Medina L, Melody K, Geisbert JB, Fenton KA, Geisbert TW, Cross RW. Establishment of an African green monkey model for COVID-19. bioRxiv 2020:2020.05.17.100289. [PMID: 32511377 PMCID: PMC7263506 DOI: 10.1101/2020.05.17.100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for an unprecedented global pandemic of COVID-19. Animal models are urgently needed to study the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and to screen candidate vaccines and treatments. Nonhuman primates (NHP) are considered the gold standard model for many infectious pathogens as they usually best reflect the human condition. Here, we show that African green monkeys support a high level of SARS-CoV-2 replication and develop pronounced respiratory disease that may be more substantial than reported for other NHP species including cynomolgus and rhesus macaques. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in mucosal samples of all animals including feces of several animals as late as 15 days after virus exposure. Importantly, we show that virus replication and respiratory disease can be produced in African green monkeys using a much lower and more natural dose of SARS-CoV-2 than has been employed in other NHP studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Woolsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Abhishek N. Prasad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Krystle N. Agans
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Daniel J. Deer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Natalie S. Dobias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - John C. Heymann
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Foster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Corri B. Levine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Liana Medina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Kevin Melody
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Joan B. Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Karla A. Fenton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Thomas W. Geisbert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Robert W. Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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20
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Newman JH, Augeri DJ, NeMoyer R, Malhotra J, Langenfeld E, Chesson CB, Dobias NS, Lee MJ, Tarabichi S, Jhawar SR, Bommareddy PK, Marshall S, Sadimin ET, Kerrigan JE, Goedken M, Minerowicz C, Jabbour SK, Li S, Carayannopolous MO, Zloza A, Langenfeld J. Novel bone morphogenetic protein receptor inhibitor JL5 suppresses tumor cell survival signaling and induces regression of human lung cancer. Oncogene 2018; 37:3672-3685. [PMID: 29622797 PMCID: PMC10905627 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0156-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BMP receptor inhibitors induce death of cancer cells through the downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins XIAP, pTAK1, and Id1-Id3. However, the current most potent BMP receptor inhibitor, DMH2, does not downregulate BMP signaling in vivo because of metabolic instability and poor pharmacokinetics. Here we identified the site of metabolic instability of DMH2 and designed a novel BMP receptor inhibitor, JL5. We show that JL5 has a greater volume of distribution and suppresses the expression of Id1 and pTak1 in tumor xenografts. Moreover, we demonstrate JL5-induced tumor cell death and tumor regression in xenograft mouse models without immune cells and humanized with adoptively transferred human immune cells. In humanized mice, JL5 additionally induces the infiltration of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Our studies show that the BMP signaling pathway is targetable in vivo and BMP receptor inhibitors can be developed as a therapeutic to treat cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna H Newman
- Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - David J Augeri
- Office of Translational Science, Molecular Design and Synthesis, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Rachel NeMoyer
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Jyoti Malhotra
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Elaine Langenfeld
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology and Thoracic Surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Charles B Chesson
- Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Natalie S Dobias
- Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Michael J Lee
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Saeed Tarabichi
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Sachin R Jhawar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Praveen K Bommareddy
- Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Sh'Rae Marshall
- Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Evita T Sadimin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Science, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - John E Kerrigan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Michael Goedken
- Office of Translational Science, Research Pathology Services, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Christine Minerowicz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Science, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Salma K Jabbour
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Shengguo Li
- Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Mary O Carayannopolous
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Science, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Andrew Zloza
- Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.
| | - John Langenfeld
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology and Thoracic Surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.
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Chesson CB, Newman JH, Dobias NS, Sadimin E, Schenkel JM, Zloza A. Anti-viral immune responses within the tumor microenvironment decrease tumor progression. The Journal of Immunology 2017. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.198.supp.126.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
We recently reported that acute concomitant infection in a tissue distant from the tumor results in the trafficking of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells from the tumor microenvironment to the infection site and to accelerated tumor growth and host death. However, we hypothesized that anti-viral responses within the tumor (rather than distant from it), possibly even without productive viral replication, can reprogram the local tumor microenvironment and lead to long-term tumor regression. Indeed, we discovered in a mouse model of melanoma (B16-F10), that injection of live influenza (A/H1N1/PR8), heat-inactivated influenza, or live vesicular stomatis virus (VSV) results in no observable mordibity or mortality, but significantly inhibits tumor growth (with 60% of the mice surviving more than 50 days). We observed similar results in a 4T1 breast cancer model where, likewise, such virus-associated treatments significantly decreased the tumor area compared to vehicle-treated controls. Interestingly, prior influenza exposure completely abrogated the anti-tumor response after local re-exposure, suggesting that primary anti-viral responses, but not secondary immune responses, at the tumor site may be a novel type of immunotherapy. This finding may explain why infections in cancer patients have been reported to both decrease and increase cancer-specific mortality. Future studies will seek to determine if combination immunotherapies utilizing anti-viral immune responses may augment tumor regression and whether specific viruses are favored based on the cancer type. The overall goal of our work is to translate these findings into clinical trials and cancer patient treatment regimens that improve and save cancer patient lives.
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