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Ma R, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Li X, Ji Z. The Relationship between the Transmission of Different SARS-CoV-2 Strains and Air Quality: A Case Study in China. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:ijerph20031943. [PMID: 36767307 PMCID: PMC9916065 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a global public health concern for almost three years, and the transmission characteristics vary among different virus variants. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between air pollutants and COVID-19 infection caused by the original strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, it is unclear whether individuals might be more susceptible to COVID-19 due to exposure to air pollutants, with the SARS-CoV-2 mutating faster and faster. This study aimed to explore the relationship between air pollutants and COVID-19 infection caused by three major SARS-CoV-2 strains (the original strain, Delta variant, and Omicron variant) in China. A generalized additive model was applied to investigate the associations of COVID-19 infection with six air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3). A positive correlation might be indicated between air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, and NO2) and confirmed cases of COVID-19 caused by different SARS-CoV-2 strains. It also suggested that the mutant variants appear to be more closely associated with air pollutants than the original strain. This study could provide valuable insight into control strategies that limit the concentration of air pollutants at lower levels and would better control the spread of COVID-19 even as the virus continues to mutate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ma
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yeyue Zhang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yini Zhang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Xi Li
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Zheng Ji
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- International Joint Research Centre of Shaanxi Province for Pollutants Exposure and Eco-Environmental Health, Xi’an 710119, China
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Balas EA, Patel C, Ewing B, Patel N, McCoy TC, Wise S, Abdelgawad YH. Analysis of recurrent research pathways for assessing and improving effectiveness in life sciences laboratories. medRxiv 2023:2023.01.09.23284360. [PMID: 36712074 PMCID: PMC9882518 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.09.23284360] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Life sciences research often turns out to be ineffective. Our aim was to develop a method for mapping repetitive research processes, detecting practice variations, and exploring inefficiencies. Methods Three samples of R&I projects were used: companion diagnostics of cancer treatments, identification of COVID-19 variants, and COVID-19 vaccine development. Major steps involved: defined starting points, desired end points; measurement of transition times and success rates; exploration of variations, and recommendations for improved efficiency. Results Over 50% of CDX developments failed to reach market simultaneously with new drugs. There were significant variations among phases of co-development (Bartlett test P<0.001). Length of time in vaccine development also shows variations (P<0.0001). Similarly, subject participation indicates unexplained variations in trials (Phase I: 489.7 (±461.8); Phase II: 857.3 (±450.1); Phase III: 35402 (±18079). Conclusion Analysis of repetitive research processes can highlight inefficiencies and show ways to improve quality and productivity in life sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Andrew Balas
- Biomedical Research Innovation Laboratory at Augusta University GA
| | - Charmi Patel
- Clinical Laboratory Science Program at Augusta University GA
| | - Ben Ewing
- Clinical Laboratory Science Program at Augusta University GA
| | - Nauka Patel
- Clinical Laboratory Science Program at Augusta University GA
| | | | - Scott Wise
- Clinical Laboratory Science Program at Augusta University GA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and employed in the fight against the pandemic. However, these vaccines have limited long-term effectiveness against severe cases and a decreased ability to prevent mild disease. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the relevant factors influencing the efficacy of the vaccines against mild and severe infection, analyzes the possible underlying mechanisms contributing to the different outcomes in terms of vaccine function and disease progression, and proposes improvements for the next generation of vaccines. EXPERT OPINION The reduced efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in the prevention of viral infection is closely related to the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and their rapid transmission ability. Fundamentally, the immune responses induced by COVID-19 vaccines cannot effectively halt virus replication in the upper respiratory tract because only a limited number of specific antibodies reach these areas and decrease in concentration over time. However, the established immune response can provide sufficient protection against severe diseases by blocking viral infection of the lower respiratory tract or lung owing to sufficient antibody repertoires and memory responses. Considering this situation, future COVID-19 vaccines should have the potential to replenish the mucosal immune response in the respiratory tract to prevent viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Yang
- Divsion of respiratory virus vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xie
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Changgui Li
- Divsion of respiratory virus vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
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Hinch R, Panovska-Griffiths J, Probert WJM, Ferretti L, Wymant C, Di Lauro F, Baya N, Ghafari M, Abeler-Dörner L, Fraser C. Estimating SARS-CoV-2 variant fitness and the impact of interventions in England using statistical and geo-spatial agent-based models. Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci 2022. [PMID: 35965459 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6067650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic has been extended by the evolution of more transmissible viral variants. In autumn 2020, the B.1.177 lineage became the dominant variant in England, before being replaced by the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) lineage in late 2020, with the sweep occurring at different times in each region. This period coincided with a large number of non-pharmaceutical interventions (e.g. lockdowns) to control the epidemic, making it difficult to estimate the relative transmissibility of variants. In this paper, we model the spatial spread of these variants in England using a meta-population agent-based model which correctly characterizes the regional variation in cases and distribution of variants. As a test of robustness, we additionally estimated the relative transmissibility of multiple variants using a statistical model based on the renewal equation, which simultaneously estimates the effective reproduction number R. Relative to earlier variants, the transmissibility of B.1.177 is estimated to have increased by 1.14 (1.12-1.16) and that of Alpha by 1.71 (1.65-1.77). The vaccination programme starting in December 2020 is also modelled. Counterfactual simulations demonstrate that the vaccination programme was essential for reopening in March 2021, and that if the January lockdown had started one month earlier, up to 30 k (24 k-38 k) deaths could have been prevented. This article is part of the theme issue 'Technical challenges of modelling real-life epidemics and examples of overcoming these'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hinch
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Queen's College, and, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William J M Probert
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luca Ferretti
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris Wymant
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francesco Di Lauro
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nikolas Baya
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mahan Ghafari
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucie Abeler-Dörner
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christophe Fraser
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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5
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Hinch R, Panovska-Griffiths J, Probert WJM, Ferretti L, Wymant C, Di Lauro F, Baya N, Ghafari M, Abeler-Dörner L, Fraser C. Estimating SARS-CoV-2 variant fitness and the impact of interventions in England using statistical and geo-spatial agent-based models. Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci 2022; 380:20210304. [PMID: 35965459 PMCID: PMC9376717 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2021.0304] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic has been extended by the evolution of more transmissible viral variants. In autumn 2020, the B.1.177 lineage became the dominant variant in England, before being replaced by the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) lineage in late 2020, with the sweep occurring at different times in each region. This period coincided with a large number of non-pharmaceutical interventions (e.g. lockdowns) to control the epidemic, making it difficult to estimate the relative transmissibility of variants. In this paper, we model the spatial spread of these variants in England using a meta-population agent-based model which correctly characterizes the regional variation in cases and distribution of variants. As a test of robustness, we additionally estimated the relative transmissibility of multiple variants using a statistical model based on the renewal equation, which simultaneously estimates the effective reproduction number R. Relative to earlier variants, the transmissibility of B.1.177 is estimated to have increased by 1.14 (1.12-1.16) and that of Alpha by 1.71 (1.65-1.77). The vaccination programme starting in December 2020 is also modelled. Counterfactual simulations demonstrate that the vaccination programme was essential for reopening in March 2021, and that if the January lockdown had started one month earlier, up to 30 k (24 k-38 k) deaths could have been prevented. This article is part of the theme issue 'Technical challenges of modelling real-life epidemics and examples of overcoming these'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hinch
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Queen's College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William J. M. Probert
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luca Ferretti
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris Wymant
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francesco Di Lauro
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nikolas Baya
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mahan Ghafari
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucie Abeler-Dörner
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Christophe Fraser
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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de Oliveira-Filho EF, Rincon-Orozco B, Jones-Cifuentes N, Peña-López B, Mühlemann B, Drosten C, Moreira-Soto A, Drexler JF. Effectiveness of Naturally Acquired and Vaccine-Induced Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Mu Variant. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1708-1712. [PMID: 35830278 PMCID: PMC9328909 DOI: 10.3201/eid2808.220584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Mu variant emerged in Colombia in 2021 and spread globally. In 49 serum samples from vaccinees and COVID-19 survivors in Colombia, neutralization was significantly lower (p<0.0001) for Mu than a parental strain and variants of concern. Only the Omicron variant of concern demonstrated higher immune evasion.
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Setz C, Große M, Auth J, Fröba M, Rauch P, Bausch A, Wright M, Schubert U. Synergistic Antiviral Activity of Pamapimod and Pioglitazone against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants of Concern. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6830. [PMID: 35743273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic remains a major public health threat, especially due to newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VoCs), which are more efficiently transmitted, more virulent, and more able to escape naturally acquired and vaccine-induced immunity. Recently, the protease inhibitor Paxlovid® and the polymerase inhibitor molnupiravir, both targeting mutant-prone viral components, were approved for high-risk COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, effective therapeutics to treat COVID-19 are urgently needed, especially small molecules acting independently of VoCs and targeting genetically stable cellular pathways which are crucial for viral replication. Pamapimod is a selective inhibitor of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase alpha (p38 MAPKα) that has been extensively clinically evaluated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Signaling via p38 has recently been described as a key pathway for the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we reveal that the combination of pamapimod with pioglitazone, an anti-inflammatory and approved drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, possesses potent and synergistic activity to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro. Both drugs showed similar antiviral potency across several cultured cell types and similar antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan type, and the VoCs Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. These data support the combination of pamapimod and pioglitazone as a potential therapy to reduce duration and severity of disease in COVID-19 patients, an assumption currently evaluated in an ongoing phase II clinical study.
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8
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Seehusen F, Clark JJ, Sharma P, Bentley EG, Kirby A, Subramaniam K, Wunderlin-Giuliani S, Hughes GL, Patterson EI, Michael BD, Owen A, Hiscox JA, Stewart JP, Kipar A. Neuroinvasion and Neurotropism by SARS-CoV-2 Variants in the K18-hACE2 Mouse. Viruses 2022; 14:1020. [PMID: 35632761 PMCID: PMC9146514 DOI: 10.3390/v14051020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) not only affects the respiratory tract but also causes neurological symptoms such as loss of smell and taste, headache, fatigue or severe cerebrovascular complications. Using transgenic mice expressing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), we investigated the spatiotemporal distribution and pathomorphological features in the CNS following intranasal infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as after prior influenza A virus infection. Apart from Omicron, we found all variants to frequently spread to and within the CNS. Infection was restricted to neurons and appeared to spread from the olfactory bulb mainly in basally oriented regions in the brain and into the spinal cord, independent of ACE2 expression and without evidence of neuronal cell death, axonal damage or demyelination. However, microglial activation, microgliosis and a mild macrophage and T cell dominated inflammatory response was consistently observed, accompanied by apoptotic death of endothelial, microglial and immune cells, without their apparent infection. Microgliosis and immune cell apoptosis indicate a potential role of microglia for pathogenesis and viral effect in COVID-19 and the possible impairment of neurological functions, especially in long COVID. These data may also be informative for the selection of therapeutic candidates and broadly support the investigation of agents with adequate penetration into relevant regions of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Seehusen
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (F.S.); (S.W.-G.)
| | - Jordan J. Clark
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Parul Sharma
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Eleanor G. Bentley
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Adam Kirby
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Krishanthi Subramaniam
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Sabina Wunderlin-Giuliani
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (F.S.); (S.W.-G.)
| | - Grant L. Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (G.L.H.); (E.I.P.)
| | - Edward I. Patterson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; (G.L.H.); (E.I.P.)
| | - Benedict D. Michael
- Department of Clinical Infection Microbiology and Immunology and NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK;
- Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK
| | - Andrew Owen
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Centre of Excellence in Long-Acting Therapeutics (CELT), University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 3NY, UK;
| | - Julian A. Hiscox
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - James P. Stewart
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Anja Kipar
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (F.S.); (S.W.-G.)
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (J.J.C.); (P.S.); (E.G.B.); (A.K.); (K.S.); (J.A.H.); (J.P.S.)
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Fröba M, Große M, Setz C, Rauch P, Auth J, Spanaus L, Münch J, Ruetalo N, Schindler M, Morokutti-Kurz M, Graf P, Prieschl-Grassauer E, Grassauer A, Schubert U. Iota-Carrageenan Inhibits Replication of SARS-CoV-2 and the Respective Variants of Concern Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413202. [PMID: 34947999 PMCID: PMC8709357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world and remains a major public health threat. Vaccine inefficiency, vaccination breakthroughs and lack of supply, especially in developing countries, as well as the fact that a non-negligible part of the population either refuse vaccination or cannot be vaccinated due to age, pre-existing illness or non-response to existing vaccines intensify this issue. This might also contribute to the emergence of new variants, being more efficiently transmitted, more virulent and more capable of escaping naturally acquired and vaccine-induced immunity. Hence, the need of effective and viable prevention options to reduce viral transmission is of outmost importance. In this study, we investigated the antiviral effect of iota-, lambda- and kappa-carrageenan, sulfated polysaccharides extracted from red seaweed, on SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan type and the spreading variants of concern (VOCs) Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. Carrageenans as part of broadly used nasal and mouth sprays as well as lozenges have the potential of first line defense to inhibit the infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we demonstrate by using a SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudotyped lentivirus particles (SSPL) system and patient-isolated SARS-CoV-2 VOCs to infect transgenic A549ACE2/TMPRSS2 and Calu-3 human lung cells that all three carrageenan types exert antiviral activity. Iota-carrageenan exhibits antiviral activity with comparable IC50 values against the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan type and the VOCs. Altogether, these results indicate that iota-carrageenan might be effective for prophylaxis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections independent of the present and potentially future variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fröba
- Institute of Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.F.); (M.G.); (C.S.); (P.R.); (J.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Maximilian Große
- Institute of Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.F.); (M.G.); (C.S.); (P.R.); (J.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Christian Setz
- Institute of Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.F.); (M.G.); (C.S.); (P.R.); (J.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Pia Rauch
- Institute of Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.F.); (M.G.); (C.S.); (P.R.); (J.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Janina Auth
- Institute of Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.F.); (M.G.); (C.S.); (P.R.); (J.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Lucas Spanaus
- Institute of Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.F.); (M.G.); (C.S.); (P.R.); (J.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Natalia Ruetalo
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael Schindler
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (N.R.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Philipp Graf
- Marinomed Biotech AG, A-2100 Korneuburg, Austria; (M.M.-K.); (P.G.); (E.P.-G.); (A.G.)
| | | | - Andreas Grassauer
- Marinomed Biotech AG, A-2100 Korneuburg, Austria; (M.M.-K.); (P.G.); (E.P.-G.); (A.G.)
| | - Ulrich Schubert
- Institute of Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.F.); (M.G.); (C.S.); (P.R.); (J.A.); (L.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-26478
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Vesper N, Ortiz Y, Bartels-Burgahn F, Yang J, de la Rosa K, Tenbusch M, Schulz S, Finzel S, Jäck HM, Eibel H, Voll RE, Reth M. A Barcoded Flow Cytometric Assay to Explore the Antibody Responses Against SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Its Variants. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730766. [PMID: 34630410 PMCID: PMC8496935 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has spread to all parts of the world and can cause life-threatening pneumonia and other severe disease manifestations known as COVID-19. This health crisis has resulted in a significant effort to stop the spread of this new coronavirus. However, while propagating itself in the human population, the virus accumulates mutations and generates new variants with increased fitness and the ability to escape the human immune response. Here we describe a color-based barcoded spike flow cytometric assay (BSFA) that is particularly useful to evaluate and directly compare the humoral immune response directed against either wild type (WT) or mutant spike (S) proteins or the receptor-binding domains (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. This assay employs the human B lymphoma cell line Ramos, transfected for stable expression of WT or mutant S proteins or a chimeric RBD-CD8 fusion protein. We find that the alpha and beta mutants are more stably expressed than the WT S protein on the Ramos B cell surface and/or bind with higher affinity to the viral entry receptor ACE2. However, we find a reduce expression of the chimeric RBD-CD8 carrying the point mutation N501Y and E484K characteristic for the alpha and beta variant, respectively. The comparison of the humoral immune response of 12 vaccinated probands with 12 COVID-19 patients shows that after the boost, the S-specific IgG class immune response in the vaccinated group is similar to that of the patient group. However, in comparison to WT the specific IgG serum antibodies bind less well to the alpha variant and only poorly to the beta variant S protein. This is in line with the notion that the beta variant is an immune escape variant of SARS-CoV-2. The IgA class immune response was more variable than the IgG response and higher in the COVID-19 patients than in the vaccinated group. In summary, we think that our BSFA represents a useful tool to evaluate the humoral immunity against emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and to analyze new vaccination protocols against these variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Vesper
- Institute of Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Research Centres Bioss, Centre for Biological signal studies, CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yaneth Ortiz
- Institute of Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Research Centres Bioss, Centre for Biological signal studies, CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frauke Bartels-Burgahn
- Institute of Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Research Centres Bioss, Centre for Biological signal studies, CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jianying Yang
- Institute of Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Research Centres Bioss, Centre for Biological signal studies, CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin de la Rosa
- Department of Cancer and Immunology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Tenbusch
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schulz
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Internal Medicine III, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center of Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Finzel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Jäck
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Internal Medicine III, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center of Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard E Voll
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Reth
- Institute of Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Research Centres Bioss, Centre for Biological signal studies, CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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11
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Mascellino MT, Di Timoteo F, De Angelis M, Oliva A. Overview of the Main Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: Mechanism of Action, Efficacy and Safety. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:3459-3476. [PMID: 34511939 PMCID: PMC8418359 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s315727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [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: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This review takes into consideration the principal vaccines developed against the SARS-CoV-2 in this unprecedented period of Covid-19 pandemic. We evaluated the mechanism of action of each vaccine as well as the efficacy, the safety and the storage temperature. In addition, the problem of the dose units, the vaccinal strategy, the activity of alternative compounds such as the monoclonal antibodies and especially the issue of the virus variants were also described in detail. Four vaccines are currently used in Italy: Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA BNT162b2 (Comirnaty) (USA), Moderna mRNA 1273 (USA), Astra-Zeneca ChAdOx1-S (recombinant) viral vector adenovirus belonging to Oxford (UK) and Pomezia (Italy), Janssen (two recombinant viral vector adenoviruses) belonging to Johnson & Johnson (USA). The efficacy of Pfizer and Moderna for preventing disease or severe disease results 95-87.5% and 94.5-100%, respectively. The efficacy of Astra-Zeneca and Janssen is about 70% and 65%, respectively; in the case of Janssen, it depends on the geographical area ranging from 72% to 57%. The problem of the administrated doses (one dose, two doses from the same vaccine or from different vaccines, half dose) is also discussed. The vaccination strategy based on the age group remains the simplest, most transparent and fair criterion. This strategy is also based on accelerating the administration of the vaccines, so that as many subjects as possible can be vaccinated quickly for achieving the "herd immunity". The monoclonal antibodies appeared to be a valid solution for the treatment of Covid-19 disease. Two antibodies (bamlanivimab and etesevimab) have just been approved by the FDA. They could also be used for the infection by virus variants which represent a big problem due to their higher transmissibility and virulence and to their lower response to the vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Mascellino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Federica Di Timoteo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Massimiliano De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
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12
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Coffin CS, Mulrooney-Cousins PM, Michalak TI. Hepadnaviral Lymphotropism and Its Relevance to HBV Persistence and Pathogenesis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:695384. [PMID: 34421849 PMCID: PMC8377760 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.695384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) over five decades ago, there have been many independent studies showing presence of HBV genomes in cells of the immune system. However, the nature of HBV lymphotropism and its significance with respect to HBV biology, persistence and the pathogenesis of liver and extrahepatic disorders remains underappreciated. This is in contrast to studies of other viral pathogens in which the capability to infect immune cells is an area of active investigation. Indeed, in some viral infections, lymphotropism may be essential, and even a primary mechanism of viral persistence, and a major contributor to disease pathogenesis. Nevertheless, there are advances in understanding of HBV lymphotropism in recent years due to cumulative evidence showing that: (i) lymphoid cells are a reservoir of replicating HBV, (ii) are a site of HBV-host DNA integration and (iii) virus genomic diversification leading to pathogenic variants, and (iv) they play a role in HBV resistance to antiviral therapy and (v) likely contribute to reactivation of hepatitis B. Further support for HBV lymphotropic nature is provided by studies in a model infection with the closely related woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) naturally infecting susceptible marmots. This animal model faithfully reproduces many aspects of HBV biology, including its replication scheme, tissue tropism, and induction of both symptomatic and silent infections, immunological processes accompanying infection, and progressing liver disease culminating in hepatocellular carcinoma. The most robust evidence came from the ability of WHV to establish persistent infection of the immune system that may not engage the liver when small quantities of virus are experimentally administered or naturally transmitted into virus-naïve animals. Although the concept of HBV lymphotropism is not new, it remains controversial and not accepted by conventional HBV researchers. This review summarizes research advances on HBV and hepadnaviral lymphotropism including the role of immune cells infection in viral persistence and the pathogenesis of HBV-induced liver and extrahepatic diseases. Finally, we discuss the role of immune cells in HBV diagnosis and assessment of antiviral therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S Coffin
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Patricia M Mulrooney-Cousins
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Tomasz I Michalak
- Molecular Virology and Hepatology Research Group, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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13
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Schulte B, Marx B, Korencak M, Emmert D, Aldabbagh S, Eis-Hübinger AM, Streeck H. Case Report: Infection With SARS-CoV-2 in the Presence of High Levels of Vaccine-Induced Neutralizing Antibody Responses. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:704719. [PMID: 34368197 PMCID: PMC8342944 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.704719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a case of SARS-CoV-2 B.1. 525 infection in a healthcare worker despite the presence of highly neutralizing, multivariant-specific antibodies 7 weeks after full vaccination with the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2. We show that the virus replicated to high levels in the upper respiratory tract over the course of several days in the presence of strong antibody responses. The virus was readily propagatable in vitro, demonstrating the potential to transmit to others, bolstered by the fact that several household members were equally infected. This highlights the importance of protective measures even in vaccinated individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Schulte
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin Marx
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marek Korencak
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dorian Emmert
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Hendrik Streeck
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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14
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Neumann F, Rose R, Römpke J, Grobe O, Lorentz T, Fickenscher H, Krumbholz A. Development of SARS-CoV-2 Specific IgG and Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies after Infection with Variants of Concern or Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:700. [PMID: 34202276 PMCID: PMC8310178 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The humoral immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination was examined. Convalescent sera after infection with variants of concern (VOCs: B.1.1.7, n = 10; B.1.351, n = 1) and sera from 100 vaccinees (Pfizer/BioNTech, BNT162b2, n = 33; Moderna, mRNA-1273, n = 11; AstraZeneca, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AZD1222, n = 56) were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) directed against the viral spike (S)-protein, its receptor-binding domain (RBD), the nucleoprotein (N) and for virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNA). For the latter, surrogate assays (sVNT) and a Vero-cell based neutralization test (cVNT) were used. Maturity of IgG was determined by measuring the avidity in an immunoblot (IB). Past VOC infection resulted in a broad reactivity of anti-S IgG (100%), anti-RBD IgG (100%), and anti-N IgG (91%), while latter were absent in 99% of vaccinees. Starting approximately two weeks after the first vaccine dose, anti-S IgG (75-100%) and particularly anti-RBD IgG (98-100%) were detectable. After the second dose, their titers increased and were higher than in the convalescents. The sVNT showed evidence of VNA in 91% of convalescents and in 80-100%/100% after first/second vaccine dose, respectively. After the second dose, an increase in VNA titer and IgGs of high avidity were demonstrated by cVNT and IB, respectively. Re-vaccination contributes to a more robust immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Neumann
- Labor Dr. Krause und Kollegen MVZ GmbH, Steenbeker Weg 23, D-24106 Kiel, Germany; (F.N.); (O.G.); (T.L.)
| | - Ruben Rose
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel und Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Brunswiker Straße 4, D-24105 Kiel, Germany; (R.R.); (H.F.)
| | - Janine Römpke
- Städtisches Krankenhaus Kiel, Chemnitzstraße 33, D-24116 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Olaf Grobe
- Labor Dr. Krause und Kollegen MVZ GmbH, Steenbeker Weg 23, D-24106 Kiel, Germany; (F.N.); (O.G.); (T.L.)
| | - Thomas Lorentz
- Labor Dr. Krause und Kollegen MVZ GmbH, Steenbeker Weg 23, D-24106 Kiel, Germany; (F.N.); (O.G.); (T.L.)
| | - Helmut Fickenscher
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel und Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Brunswiker Straße 4, D-24105 Kiel, Germany; (R.R.); (H.F.)
| | - Andi Krumbholz
- Labor Dr. Krause und Kollegen MVZ GmbH, Steenbeker Weg 23, D-24106 Kiel, Germany; (F.N.); (O.G.); (T.L.)
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel und Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Brunswiker Straße 4, D-24105 Kiel, Germany; (R.R.); (H.F.)
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15
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Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) and has rapidly created a global pandemic. Patients that survive may face a slow recovery with long lasting side effects that can afflict different organs. SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects epithelial airway cells that express the host entry receptor Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) which binds to spike protein trimers on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virions. However, SARS-CoV-2 can spread to other tissues even though they are negative for ACE2. To gain insight into the molecular constituents that might influence SARS-CoV-2 tropism, we determined which additional host factors engage with the viral spike protein in disease-relevant human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBEo-). We found that spike recruited the extracellular proteins laminin and thrombospondin and was retained in the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) by the proteins DJB11 and FBX2 which support re-folding or degradation of nascent proteins in the ER. Because emerging mutations of the spike protein potentially impact the virus tropism, we compared the interactome of D614 spike with that of the rapidly spreading G614 mutated spike. More D614 than G614 spike associated with the proteins UGGT1, calnexin, HSP7A and GRP78/BiP which ensure glycosylation and folding of proteins in the ER. In contrast to G614 spike, D614 spike was endoproteolytically cleaved, and the N-terminal S1 domain was degraded in the ER even though C-terminal 'S2 only' proteoforms remained present. D614 spike also bound more laminin than G614 spike, which suggested that extracellular laminins may function as co-factor for an alternative, 'S2 only' dependent virus entry. Because the host interactome determines whether an infection is productive, we developed a novel proteome-based cell type set enrichment analysis (pCtSEA). With pCtSEA we determined that the host interactome of the spike protein may extend the tropism of SARS-CoV-2 beyond mucous epithelia to several different cell types, including macrophages and epithelial cells in the nephron. An 'S2 only' dependent, alternative infection of additional cell types with SARS-CoV-2 may impact vaccination strategies and may provide a molecular explanation for a severe or prolonged progression of disease in select COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casimir Bamberger
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sandra Pankow
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Jolene Diedrich
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robin Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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16
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Skardasi G, Chen AY, Michalak TI. Authentic Patient-Derived Hepatitis C Virus Infects and Productively Replicates in Primary CD4 + and CD8 + T Lymphocytes In Vitro. J Virol 2018; 92:e01790-17. [PMID: 29167333 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.01790-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulated evidence indicates that immune cells can support the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in infected patients and in culture. However, there is a scarcity of data on the degree to which individual immune cell types support HCV propagation and on characteristics of virus assembly. We investigated the ability of authentic, patient-derived HCV to infect in vitro two closely related but functionally distinct immune cell types, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, and assessed the properties of the virus produced by these cells. The HCV replication system in intermittently mitogen-stimulated T cells was adapted to infect primary human CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes. HCV replicated in both cell types although at significantly higher levels in CD4+ than in CD8+ T cells. Thus, the HCV RNA replicative (negative) strand was detected in CD4+ and CD8+ cells at estimated mean levels ± standard errors of the means of 6.7 × 102 ± 3.8 × 102 and 1.2 × 102 ± 0.8 × 102 copies/μg RNA, respectively (P < 0.0001). Intracellular HCV NS5a and/or core proteins were identified in 0.9% of CD4+ and in 1.2% of CD8+ T cells. Double staining for NS5a and T cell type-specific markers confirmed that transcriptionally competent virus replicated in both cell types. Furthermore, an HCV-specific protease inhibitor, telaprevir, inhibited infection in both CD4+ and CD8+ cells. The emergence of unique HCV variants and the release of HCV RNA-reactive particles with biophysical properties different from those of virions in plasma inocula suggested that distinct viral particles were assembled, and therefore, they may contribute to the pool of circulating virus in infected patients.IMPORTANCE Although the liver is the main site of HCV replication, infection of the immune system is an intrinsic characteristic of this virus independent of whether infection is symptomatic or clinically silent. Many fundamental aspects of HCV lymphotropism remain uncertain, including the degree to which different immune cells support infection and contribute to virus diversity. We show that authentic, patient-derived HCV productively replicates in vitro in two closely related but functionally distinct types of T lymphocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ cells. The display of viral proteins and unique variants, the production of virions with biophysical properties distinct from those in plasma serving as inocula, and inhibition of replication by an antiviral agent led us to ascertain that both T cell subtypes supported virus propagation. Infection of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which are central to adaptive antiviral immune responses, can directly affect HCV clearance, favor virus persistence, and decisively influence the development and progression of hepatitis C.
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