-
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious... Jul 2023Multiplex PCR can utilize limited clinical material and is more cost-effective and expected to be used for the detection of Treponema pallidum, herpes simplex virus type...
Multiplex PCR can utilize limited clinical material and is more cost-effective and expected to be used for the detection of Treponema pallidum, herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1,2). We established a multiplex TP-HSV1-HSV2 Polymerase Chain Reaction (multiplex PCR) targeting the conserved regions of the PolA gene of TP and the UL42 gene of HSV1 and HSV2 to test skin lesions of 115 patients suspected of having TP and HSV1/2 infections. The laboratory sensitivities for all 3 pathogens were 300 copies/mL. The overall clinical sensitivity and specificity in secretion samples for TP were 91.7% and 100%, for HSV1 100% and 98%, and for HSV2 89.7% and 100%, respectively. The method appears superior in patients suspected of early TP infection but negative for nontreponemal antibody testing, and the method is also useful for the differential diagnosis of new skin lesions on genital, perianal, and oral sites of patients with a history of previous syphilis.
Topics: Humans; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Treponema pallidum; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Syphilis; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 37172529
DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.115958 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023The proper functioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is of paramount importance for the homeostasis of the body. Inflammation and infection can alter the function of...
The proper functioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is of paramount importance for the homeostasis of the body. Inflammation and infection can alter the function of MSCs, which can also affect the regenerative potential and immunological status of tissues. It is not known whether human herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV1 and HSV2), well-known human pathogens that can cause lifelong infections, can induce changes in MSCs. In non-healing ulcers, HSV infection is known to affect deeper tissue layers. In addition, HSV infection can recur after initially successful cell therapies. Our aim was to study the response of adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) to HSV infection in vitro. After confirming the phenotype and differentiation capacity of the isolated cells, we infected the cells in vitro with HSV1-KOS, HSV1-532 and HSV2 virus strains. Twenty-four hours after infection, we examined the gene expression of the cells via RNA-seq and RT-PCR; detected secreted cytokines via protein array; and determined autophagy via Western blot, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence microscopy. Infection with different HSV strains resulted in different gene-expression patterns. In addition to the activation of pathways characteristic of viral infections, distinct non-immunological pathways (autophagy, tissue regeneration and differentiation) were also activated according to analyses with QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome and Genome Ontology Enrichment. Viral infections increased autophagy, as confirmed via TEM image analysis, and also increased levels of the microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3B) II protein. We identified significantly altered accumulation for 16 cytokines involved in tissue regeneration and inflammation. Our studies demonstrated that HSV infection can alter the viability and immunological status of ADMSCs, which may have implications for ADMSC-based cell therapies. Alterations in autophagy can affect numerous processes in MSCs, including the inhibition of tissue regeneration as well as pathological differentiation.
Topics: Humans; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpes Simplex; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Cytokines; Inflammation
PubMed: 37569367
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511989 -
Journal of Clinical Virology : the... Aug 2023The recent mpox outbreak has highlighted the need to rapidly diagnose the causative agents of viral vesicular disease to inform treatment and control measures. Common...
BACKGROUND
The recent mpox outbreak has highlighted the need to rapidly diagnose the causative agents of viral vesicular disease to inform treatment and control measures. Common causes of vesicular disease include Monkeypox virus (MPXV), clades I and II, Herpes simplex viruses Type 1 and Type 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2), human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and Enteroviruses (EVs). Here, we assessed a syndromic viral vesicular panel for rapid and simultaneous detection of these 7 targets in a single cartridge.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the QIAStat-Dx ® viral vesicular (VV) panel and compare with laboratory developed tests (LDTs). Limit of detection, inter-run variability, cross-reactivity and specificity were assessed. Positive and negative percent agreement, and correlation between assays was determined using 124 clinical samples from multiple anatomical sites.
RESULTS
The overall concordance between the QIAstat and LDTs was 96%. Positive percent agreement was 82% for HHV-6, 89% for HSV-1 and 100% for MPXV, HSV-2, EV and VZV. Negative percent agreement was 100% for all targets assessed. There was no cross-reactivity with Vaccinia, Orf, Molluscum contagiosum viruses, and a pooled respiratory panel.
CONCLUSION
The QIAstat VV multi-target syndromic panel combine ease of use, rapid turnaround, good sensitivity and specificity for enhanced diagnosis, clinical care and public health responses.
Topics: Humans; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Herpesvirus 6, Human; Virus Diseases; Viruses; Monkeypox virus
PubMed: 37364498
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105525 -
Vaccine Apr 2024Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, employed primarily for manufacturing monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant protein (r-protein) therapeutics, are emerging as a... (Review)
Review
Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, employed primarily for manufacturing monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant protein (r-protein) therapeutics, are emerging as a promising host for vaccine antigen production. This is exemplified by the recently approved CHO cell-derived subunit vaccines (SUV) against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), as well as the enveloped virus-like particle (eVLP) vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Here, we summarize the design, production, and immunogenicity features of these vaccine and review the most recent progress of other CHO-derived vaccines in pre-clinical and clinical development. We also discuss the challenges associated with vaccine production in CHO cells, with a focus on ensuring viral clearance for eVLP products.
Topics: Cricetinae; Animals; Humans; CHO Cells; Cricetulus; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antibodies, Viral; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Vaccines, Subunit; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines
PubMed: 38503664
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.034 -
Journal of Experimental & Clinical... Oct 2023Oncolytic viruses are now well recognized as potential immunotherapeutic agents against cancer. However, the first FDA-approved oncolytic herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1),...
BACKGROUND
Oncolytic viruses are now well recognized as potential immunotherapeutic agents against cancer. However, the first FDA-approved oncolytic herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), T-VEC, showed limited benefits in some patients in clinical trials. Thus, the identification of novel oncolytic viruses that can strengthen oncolytic virus therapy is warranted. Here, we identified a live-attenuated swine pseudorabies virus (PRV-LAV) as a promising oncolytic agent with broad-spectrum antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo.
METHODS
PRV cytotoxicity against tumor cells and normal cells was tested in vitro using a CCK8 cell viability assay. A cell kinase inhibitor library was used to screen for key targets that affect the proliferation of PRV-LAV. The potential therapeutic efficacy of PRV-LAV was tested against syngeneic tumors in immunocompetent mice, and against subcutaneous xenografts of human cancer cell lines in nude mice. Cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) and flow cytometry were used to uncover the immunological mechanism of PRV-LAV treatment in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment.
RESULTS
Through various tumor-specific analyses, we show that PRV-LAV infects cancer cells via the NRP1/EGFR signaling pathway, which is commonly overexpressed in cancer. Further, we show that PRV-LAV kills cancer cells by inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, PRV-LAV is responsible for reprogramming the tumor microenvironment from immunologically naïve ("cold") to inflamed ("hot"), thereby increasing immune cell infiltration and restoring CD8 T cell function against cancer. When delivered in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the anti-tumor response is augmented, suggestive of synergistic activity.
CONCLUSIONS
PRV-LAV can infect cancer cells via NRP1/EGFR signaling and induce cancer cells apoptosis via ER stress. PRV-LAV treatment also restores CD8 T cell function against cancer. The combination of PRV-LAV and immune checkpoint inhibitors has a significant synergistic effect. Overall, these findings point to PRV-LAV as a serious potential candidate for the treatment of NRP1/EGFR pathway-associated tumors.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Swine; Mice; Herpesvirus 1, Suid; Vaccines, Attenuated; Mice, Nude; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Oncolytic Virotherapy; Oncolytic Viruses; Neoplasms; ErbB Receptors; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37891570
DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02848-1 -
Oral Diseases Apr 2024Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are among the most common human viral pathogens, affecting several billion people worldwide. Although in... (Review)
Review
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are among the most common human viral pathogens, affecting several billion people worldwide. Although in healthy patients clinical signs and symptoms of HSV infection are usually mild and self-limiting, HSV-infections in immunocompromised patients are frequently more aggressive, persistent, and even life-threatening. Acyclovir and its derivatives are the gold standard antiviral drugs for the prevention and treatment of HSV infections. Although the development of acyclovir resistance is a rather uncommon condition, it may be associated with serious complications, especially in immunocompromised patients. In this review, we aim to address the problem of drug resistant HSV infection and discuss the available alternative therapeutic interventions. All relative studies concerning alternative treatment modalities of acyclovir resistant HSV infection published in PubMed between 1989 to 2022 were reviewed. Long-term treatment and prophylaxis with antiviral agents predisposes to drug resistance, especially in immunocompromised patients. Cidofovir and foscarnet could serve as alternative treatments in these cases. Although rare, acyclovir resistance may be associated with severe complications. Hopefully, in the future, novel antiviral drugs and vaccines will be available in order to avoid the existing drug resistance.
Topics: Humans; Antiviral Agents; Drug Resistance, Viral; Acyclovir; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Immunocompromised Host; Stomatitis, Herpetic; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Cidofovir; Foscarnet
PubMed: 37279074
DOI: 10.1111/odi.14635 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Aug 2023
Topics: Female; Humans; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Vulva
PubMed: 36828295
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.02.013 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) Dec 2023Microbial genomes from ancient chickens uncover the drivers of pathogenicity.
Microbial genomes from ancient chickens uncover the drivers of pathogenicity.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Virulence; Marek Disease; Mardivirus; Genome, Viral
PubMed: 38096277
DOI: 10.1126/science.adl6094 -
MBio Oct 2023Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a human pathogen known to cause cold sores and genital herpes. HSV-1 establishes lifelong infections in our sensory neurons, with no...
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a human pathogen known to cause cold sores and genital herpes. HSV-1 establishes lifelong infections in our sensory neurons, with no cure or vaccine available. HSV-1 can reactivate sporadically and travel back along sensory nerves, where it can form lesions in the oral and genital mucosa, eye, and skin, or be shed asymptomatically. New treatment options are needed as resistance is emerging to current antiviral therapies. Here, we show that interferons (IFNs) are capable of blocking virus release from nerve endings, potentially stopping HSV-1 transmission into the skin. Furthermore, we show that IFNγ has the potential to have widespread antiviral effects in the neuron and may have additional effects on HSV-1 reactivation. Together, this study identifies new targets for the development of immunotherapies to stop the spread of HSV-1 from the nerves into the skin.
Topics: Humans; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Interferons; Sensory Receptor Cells; Axons; Antiviral Agents; Herpes Simplex
PubMed: 37655893
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01818-23 -
Journal of Reproductive Immunology Sep 2023The Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) is an immunoregulatory molecule with a critical role in pregnancy success. HLA-G alleles are associated with differential...
The Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) is an immunoregulatory molecule with a critical role in pregnancy success. HLA-G alleles are associated with differential susceptibility to multiple conditions, including gestational problems, infectious diseases, and viral persistence. Of note, both herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) can impair HLA-G expression, interfering with HLA-G-associated immunoregulation. On the other hand, the impacts of HLA-G alleles on susceptibility to Herpesviridae infection is a neglected issue. Therefore, this study evaluated HLA-G allele frequencies and their associations with placental Herpesviridae infection in women from southern Brazil. Placenta samples were collected soon after delivery, and detection of viral DNA of HSV-1, HSV-2 and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fragment of HLA-G (exons 2-4) was amplified by PCR, sequenced, and analyzed to allele determination. One hundred and seventy women had their alleles determined. Overall, 25 HLA-G alleles were found, distributed into 56 different genotypes. The most frequent alleles were G* 01:01:01 and G* 01:01:02, found in 37.9 % and 16.5 % of samples, respectively. Among the 170 women, 89 (52.4 %) tested positive for Herpesviridae DNA in the placenta, 55 (32.3 %) tested negative, 3 (1.8 %) were negative for HSV-1 and HSV-2 (with absent HCMV data), and 23 (13.5 %) were undetermined. The G* 01:01:01 allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of placental HSV-1 infection (p = 0.0151; OR=1.837; IC=1.108-3.045). This study describes new information concerning placental HLA-G alleles in women from southern Brazil and helps explain how genetic background can modify susceptibility to placental infections.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Alleles; HLA-G Antigens; Brazil; Placenta; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Cytomegalovirus
PubMed: 37634319
DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104134