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The New England Journal of Medicine Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Adenoviridae; Adenoviridae Infections; Antibodies; Thrombocytopenia; Thrombosis; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Adenovirus Vaccines
PubMed: 37590457
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2307721 -
Cell Reports Methods Sep 2023Despite advances in virological sciences and antiviral research, viruses continue to emerge, circulate, and threaten public health. We still lack a comprehensive... (Review)
Review
Despite advances in virological sciences and antiviral research, viruses continue to emerge, circulate, and threaten public health. We still lack a comprehensive understanding of how cells and individuals remain susceptible to infectious agents. This deficiency is in part due to the complexity of viruses, including the cell states controlling virus-host interactions. Microscopy samples distinct cellular infection stages in a multi-parametric, time-resolved manner at molecular resolution and is increasingly enhanced by machine learning and deep learning. Here we discuss how state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) augments light and electron microscopy and advances virological research of cells. We describe current procedures for image denoising, object segmentation, tracking, classification, and super-resolution and showcase examples of how AI has improved the acquisition and analyses of microscopy data. The power of AI-enhanced microscopy will continue to help unravel virus infection mechanisms, develop antiviral agents, and improve viral vectors.
Topics: Humans; Microscopy; Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning; Antiviral Agents; Viruses
PubMed: 37751685
DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100557 -
Molecular Therapy : the Journal of the... Sep 2023B cells are the antibody-producing arm of the adaptive immune system and play a critical role in controlling pathogens. Several groups have now demonstrated the...
B cells are the antibody-producing arm of the adaptive immune system and play a critical role in controlling pathogens. Several groups have now demonstrated the feasibility of using engineered B cells as a therapy, including infectious disease control and gene therapy of serum deficiencies. These studies have largely utilized ex vivo modification of the cells. Direct in vivo engineering would be of utility to the field, particularly in infectious disease control where the infrastructure needs of ex vivo cell modification would make a broad vaccination campaign highly challenging. In this study we demonstrate that engineered adenoviral vectors are capable of efficiently transducing murine and human primary B cells both ex vivo and in vivo. We found that unmodified human adenovirus C5 was capable of infecting B cells in vivo, likely due to interactions between the virus penton base protein and integrins. We further describe vector modification with B cell-specific gene promoters and successfully restrict transgene expression to B cells, resulting in a strong reduction in gene expression from the liver, the main site of human adenovirus C5 infection in vivo.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; Adenoviridae; Genetic Vectors; Genetic Therapy; Viral Proteins; B-Lymphocytes; Communicable Diseases
PubMed: 37452494
DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.07.004 -
NPJ Vaccines Nov 2023Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal zoonotic paramyxovirus that poses a severe threat to humans due to its high morbidity and the lack of viable countermeasures....
Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal zoonotic paramyxovirus that poses a severe threat to humans due to its high morbidity and the lack of viable countermeasures. Vaccines are the most crucial defense against NiV infections. Here, a recombinant chimpanzee adenovirus-based vaccine (AdC68-G) and a DNA vaccine (DNA-G) were developed by expressing the codon-optimized full-length glycoprotein (G) of NiV. Strong and sustained neutralizing antibody production, accompanied by an effective T-cell response, was induced in BALB/c mice by intranasal or intramuscular administration of one or two doses of AdC68-G, as well as by priming with DNA-G and boosting with intramuscularly administered AdC68-G. Importantly, the neutralizing antibody titers were maintained for up to 68 weeks in the mice that received intramuscularly administered AdC68-G and the prime DNA-G/boost AdC68-G regimen, without a significant decline. Additionally, Syrian golden hamsters immunized with AdC68-G and DNA-G via homologous or heterologous prime/boost immunization were completely protected against a lethal NiV virus challenge, without any apparent weight loss, clinical signs, or pathological tissue damage. There was a significant reduction in but not a complete absence of the viral load and number of infectious particles in the lungs and spleen tissue following NiV challenge. These findings suggest that the AdC68-G and DNA-G vaccines against NiV infection are promising candidates for further development.
PubMed: 37925490
DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00762-3 -
Vaccines Oct 2023Inducing humoral and cytotoxic mucosal immunity at the sites of pathogen entry has the potential to prevent the infection from getting established. This is different... (Review)
Review
Inducing humoral and cytotoxic mucosal immunity at the sites of pathogen entry has the potential to prevent the infection from getting established. This is different from systemic vaccination, which protects against the development of systemic symptoms. The field of mucosal vaccination has seen fewer technological advances compared to nucleic acid and subunit vaccine advances for injectable vaccine platforms. The advent of the next-generation adenoviral vectors has given a boost to mucosal vaccine research. Basic research into the mechanisms regulating innate and adaptive mucosal immunity and the discovery of effective and safe mucosal vaccine adjuvants will continue to improve mucosal vaccine design. The results from clinical trials of inhaled COVID-19 vaccines demonstrate their ability to induce the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells and the production of secreted IgA and IgG antibodies locally, unlike intramuscular vaccinations. However, these mucosal vaccines induce systemic immune responses at par with systemic vaccinations. This review summarizes the function of the respiratory mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and the advantages that the adenoviral vectors provide as inhaled vaccine platforms.
PubMed: 37896988
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101585 -
Viruses Jul 2023Opportunistic viral infections of the central nervous system represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among an increasing number of immunocompromised... (Review)
Review
Opportunistic viral infections of the central nervous system represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among an increasing number of immunocompromised patients. Since antiviral treatments are usually poorly effective, the prognosis generally relies on the ability to achieve timely immune reconstitution. Hence, strategies aimed at reinvigorating antiviral immune activity have recently emerged. Among these, virus-specific T-cells are increasingly perceived as a principled and valuable tool to treat opportunistic viral infections. Here we briefly discuss how to develop and select virus-specific T-cells, then review their main indications in central nervous system infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, CMV infection, and adenovirus infection. We also discuss their potential interest in the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis, or EBV-associated central nervous system inflammatory disease. We finish with the key future milestones of this promising treatment strategy.
Topics: Humans; Central Nervous System; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Opportunistic Infections; Central Nervous System Diseases; Antiviral Agents; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
PubMed: 37515196
DOI: 10.3390/v15071510 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Recurrent glioma treatment is challenging due to molecular heterogeneity and treatment resistance commonly observed in these tumors. Researchers are actively pursuing... (Review)
Review
Recurrent glioma treatment is challenging due to molecular heterogeneity and treatment resistance commonly observed in these tumors. Researchers are actively pursuing new therapeutic strategies. Oncolytic viruses have emerged as a promising option. Oncolytic viruses selectively replicate within tumor cells, destroying them and stimulating the immune system for an enhanced anticancer response. Among Oncolytic viruses investigated for recurrent gliomas, oncolytic herpes simplex virus and oncolytic adenovirus show notable potential. Genetic modifications play a crucial role in optimizing their therapeutic efficacy. Different generations of replicative conditioned oncolytic human adenovirus and oncolytic HSV have been developed, incorporating specific modifications to enhance tumor selectivity, replication efficiency, and immune activation. This review article summarizes these genetic modifications, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms of Oncolytic viruses' therapy. It also aims to identify strategies for further enhancing the therapeutic benefits of Oncolytic viruses. However, it is important to acknowledge that additional research and clinical trials are necessary to establish the safety, efficacy, and optimal utilization of Oncolytic viruses in treating recurrent glioblastoma.
Topics: Humans; Simplexvirus; Adenoviridae; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Glioma; Oncolytic Viruses; Adenoviridae Infections
PubMed: 38022620
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285113 -
Journal of Virology Feb 2024Adenoviruses are a group of double-stranded DNA viruses that can mainly cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye infections in humans. In addition, adenoviruses are... (Review)
Review
Adenoviruses are a group of double-stranded DNA viruses that can mainly cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye infections in humans. In addition, adenoviruses are employed as vector vaccines for combatting viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, and serve as excellent gene therapy vectors. These viruses have the ability to modulate the host cell machinery to their advantage and trigger significant restructuring of the nuclei of infected cells through the activity of viral proteins. One of those, the adenovirus DNA-binding protein (DBP), is a multifunctional non-structural protein that is integral to the reorganization processes. DBP is encoded in the E2A transcriptional unit and is highly abundant in infected cells. Its activity is unequivocally linked to the formation, structure, and integrity of virus-induced replication compartments, molecular hubs for the regulation of viral processes, and control of the infected cell. DBP also plays key roles in viral DNA replication, transcription, viral gene expression, and even host range specificity. Notably, post-translational modifications of DBP, such as SUMOylation and extensive phosphorylation, regulate its biological functions. DBP was first investigated in the 1970s, pioneering research on viral DNA-binding proteins. In this literature review, we provide an overview of DBP and specifically summarize key findings related to its complex structure, diverse functions, and significant role in the context of viral replication. Finally, we address novel insights and perspectives for future research.
Topics: Humans; Adenoviridae; Adenoviruses, Human; DNA Replication; DNA, Viral; DNA-Binding Proteins; Viral Proteins; Virus Replication
PubMed: 38197632
DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01885-23 -
Biomedicines Jul 2023Infectious agents can pose a significant challenge in kidney transplantation, as they have the potential to cause direct infections in the transplanted kidney. These... (Review)
Review
Infectious agents can pose a significant challenge in kidney transplantation, as they have the potential to cause direct infections in the transplanted kidney. These infections can lead to a decline in kidney function and reduce the longevity of the transplanted kidney. Common post-transplant allograft infections include bacterial pyelonephritis and the BK virus infection, while adenovirus, JC virus, and cytomegalovirus are less frequent but can also lead to significant allograft dysfunctions. The histopathological features of these infections are characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the kidney interstitial area and the presence of viral nuclear inclusions or cytopathic changes in the renal tubular epithelial cells. The confirmation of causative organisms can be achieved by immunohistochemical staining or the visualization of viral particles using electron microscopic examination. However, these methods typically require a longer turnaround time and are not readily available in developing countries, unlike standard hematoxylin-eosin staining. Notably, the differential diagnosis of interstitial inflammation in kidney allografts almost always includes T cell-mediated rejection, which has a different treatment approach than allograft infections. The aim of this review was to prompt clinicians to identify diverse pathological alterations as observed in kidney allograft biopsies, thereby facilitating further investigations and the management of suspected kidney allograft infections.
PubMed: 37509541
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071902 -
Adenovirus F41 infection and liver cytolysis in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.Journal of Medical Virology Jul 2023Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) of the F species are commonly responsible for acute gastroenteritis. A few cases of systemic infections have been described in adults or...
Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) of the F species are commonly responsible for acute gastroenteritis. A few cases of systemic infections have been described in adults or children who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), but with no report of liver cytolysis. Since January 2022, several countries have reported an increase in cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children. Adenovirus species F type 41 (HAdV-F41) infection was predominantly identified. The objective of this study is to describe HAdV-F41 infections diagnosed since January 2022 in adult HSCT recipients in two French hospitals. All four patients had diarrhea and liver cytolysis at the time of diagnosis of infection. HAdV viremia was observed in three patients (#1, #3, and #4), but no disseminated disease was reported. HAdV whole genome sequencing and metagenomics characterization were performed on stool and blood samples. The complete HAdV-F41 genome sequence was obtained for three patients and phylogenetic analysis showed that the strains consisted of similar lineage (2b). We did not identify any new HAdV-F41 strains. Metagenomics analysis found adeno-associated virus 2 and torque-teno virus infection in patient #1 and Epstein-Barr virus in patient #4. This is the first case series reporting liver cytolysis during HAdV-F41 infection in adult HSCT patients.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Phylogeny; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Adenoviruses, Human; Adenoviridae Infections; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Liver
PubMed: 37386906
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28922