-
Viruses Apr 2024The skin is a complex tissue that provides a strong physical barrier against invading pathogens. Despite this, many viruses can access the skin and successfully... (Review)
Review
The skin is a complex tissue that provides a strong physical barrier against invading pathogens. Despite this, many viruses can access the skin and successfully replicate in either the epidermal keratinocytes or dermal immune cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the antiviral T cell biology responding to cutaneous viral infections and how these responses differ depending on the cellular targets of infection. Much of our mechanistic understanding of T cell surveillance of cutaneous infection has been gained from murine models of poxvirus and herpesvirus infection. However, we also discuss other viral infections, including flaviviruses and papillomaviruses, in which the cutaneous T cell response has been less extensively studied. In addition to the mechanisms of successful T cell control of cutaneous viral infection, we highlight knowledge gaps and future directions with possible impact on human health.
Topics: Humans; Animals; T-Lymphocytes; Skin Diseases, Viral; Skin; Mice; Immunologic Surveillance; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 38793562
DOI: 10.3390/v16050679 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2024In the last 4 years, the world has experienced two pandemics of bat-borne viruses. Firstly, in 2019 the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic started and has been causing millions of... (Review)
Review
In the last 4 years, the world has experienced two pandemics of bat-borne viruses. Firstly, in 2019 the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic started and has been causing millions of deaths around the world. In 2022, a Monkeypox pandemic rose in various countries of the world. Those pandemics have witnessed movements and initiatives from healthcare and research institutions to establish a worldwide understanding to battle any future pandemics and biological threats. One Health concept is a modern, comprehensive, unifying ways to improve humans, animals, and ecosystems' health. This concept shows how much they are intertwined and related to one another, whether it is an environmental, or a pathological relation. This review aims to describe Poxviridae and its impact on the One Health concept, by studying the underlying causes of how poxviruses can affect the health of animals, humans, and environments. Reviewing the effect of disease transmission between animal to human, human to human, and animal to animal with pox viruses as a third party to achieve a total understanding of infection and viral transmission. Thus, contributing to enhance detection, diagnosis, research, and treatments regarding the application of One Health.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Poxviridae Infections; Poxviridae; One Health; COVID-19; Zoonoses; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Viral Zoonoses
PubMed: 38801569
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-57165-7_2 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024The respiratory system is constantly exposed to viral infections that are responsible for mild to severe diseases. In this narrative review, we focalized the attention... (Review)
Review
The respiratory system is constantly exposed to viral infections that are responsible for mild to severe diseases. In this narrative review, we focalized the attention on (RSV), influenza virus, and (SARS-CoV-2) infections, responsible for high morbidity and mortality in the last decades. We reviewed the human innate and adaptive immune responses in the airways following infection, focusing on a particular population: newborns and pregnant women. The recent Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted how our interest in viral pathologies must not decrease. Furthermore, we must increase our knowledge of infection mechanisms to improve our future defense strategies.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Respiratory Tract Infections; Pregnancy; SARS-CoV-2; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Female; Immunity, Innate; Adaptive Immunity; Infant, Newborn; Influenza, Human; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 38892370
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116178 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) Jan 2024Four largely ignored coronaviruses circulate in humans without causing great harm and may portend the future for SARS-CoV-2.
Four largely ignored coronaviruses circulate in humans without causing great harm and may portend the future for SARS-CoV-2.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Coronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; Viral Zoonoses; Animals
PubMed: 38207045
DOI: 10.1126/science.adn9416 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) May 2024An ambitious U.S. project aims to sample more than 50 animal species to clarify how the COVID-19 virus moves between people and wildlife.
An ambitious U.S. project aims to sample more than 50 animal species to clarify how the COVID-19 virus moves between people and wildlife.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Animals, Wild; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; United States; Viral Zoonoses
PubMed: 38723093
DOI: 10.1126/science.adq2870 -
Clinical Microbiology Reviews Dec 2023A major impediment for HIV cure is the ability of the virus to integrate its genome in the form of replication-competent proviral DNA into the cellular genome of the... (Review)
Review
A major impediment for HIV cure is the ability of the virus to integrate its genome in the form of replication-competent proviral DNA into the cellular genome of the host and remain transcriptionally silent and hidden from the host's immune defense mechanisms in latent reservoir cells. These latent reservoirs are highly heterogeneous, long-lived cells that are capable of reactivating to restore the viremic stage in virally suppressed individuals upon treatment interruption, thus necessitating life-long antiretroviral treatment. Latency reversal has become one of the most explored therapeutic approaches for eliminating HIV reservoirs and effecting HIV cure. Various aspects governing the establishment, maintenance, and reversal of HIV latency continue to be an enigma and warrant further research. Quantifying the size of the latent reservoir pool is also a challenge as these cells are very few in number and cannot be easily differentiated from uninfected cells. This article provides a comprehensive review of the and models currently available for studying HIV latency as well as the recently developed molecular tools for detection and quantification of latent viral reservoirs.
Topics: Humans; Virus Latency; HIV Infections; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Models, Theoretical
PubMed: 37966222
DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00013-23 -
Nature Communications Dec 2023Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as a global health issue, yet neither antiviral therapy nor a vaccine are available. ZIKV is an enveloped RNA virus, replicating in the...
Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as a global health issue, yet neither antiviral therapy nor a vaccine are available. ZIKV is an enveloped RNA virus, replicating in the cytoplasm in close association with ER membranes. Here, we isolate ER membranes from ZIKV-infected cells and determine their proteome. Forty-six host cell factors are enriched in ZIKV remodeled membranes, several of these having a role in redox and methylation pathways. Four proteins are characterized in detail: thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) contributing to folding of disulfide bond containing proteins and modulating ZIKV secretion; aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), regulating capsid protein abundance and thus, ZIKV assembly; biliverdin reductase B (BLVRB) involved in ZIKV induced lipid peroxidation and increasing stability of viral transmembrane proteins; adenosylhomocysteinase (AHCY) indirectly promoting mA methylation of ZIKV RNA by decreasing the level of S- adenosyl homocysteine and thus, immune evasion. These results highlight the involvement of redox and methylation enzymes in the ZIKV life cycle and their accumulation at virally remodeled ER membranes.
Topics: Humans; Zika Virus; Zika Virus Infection; Methylation; Proviruses; Virus Replication; Viral Proteins; Oxidation-Reduction
PubMed: 38052817
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43665-6 -
Current Microbiology Jul 2023The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants have posed a significant threat to humankind in tackling the viral spread. Furthermore, currently repurposed drugs and... (Review)
Review
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants have posed a significant threat to humankind in tackling the viral spread. Furthermore, currently repurposed drugs and frontline antiviral agents have failed to cure severe ongoing infections effectively. This insufficiency has fuelled research for potent and safe therapeutic agents to treat COVID-19. Nonetheless, various vaccine candidates have displayed a differential efficacy and need for repetitive dosing. The FDA-approved polyether ionophore veterinary antibiotic for treating coccidiosis has been repurposed for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection (as shown by both in vitro and in vivo studies) and other deadly human viruses. Based on selectivity index values, ionophores display therapeutic effects at sub-nanomolar concentrations and exhibit selective killing ability. They act on different viral targets (structural and non-structural proteins), host-cell components leading to SARS-CoV-2 inhibition, and their activity is further enhanced by Zn supplementation. This review summarizes the anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential and molecular viral targets of selective ionophores like monensin, salinomycin, maduramicin, CP-80,219, nanchangmycin, narasin, X-206 and valinomycin. Ionophore combinations with Zn are a new therapeutic strategy that warrants further investigation for possible human benefits.
Topics: Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Ionophores; COVID-19; Drug Repositioning; Monensin; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 37414909
DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03366-1 -
Seminars in Ophthalmology Jul 2024Viral keratitis is a significant cause of ocular morbidity and visual impairment worldwide. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the pathogenesis,... (Review)
Review
Viral keratitis is a significant cause of ocular morbidity and visual impairment worldwide. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic modalities for viral keratitis. The most common viral pathogens associated with this condition are adenovirus, herpes simplex (HSV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). However, emerging viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Vaccinia virus can also cause keratitis. Non-surgical interventions are the mainstay of treatment for viral keratitis. Antiviral agents such as Acyclovir, Ganciclovir, and trifluridine have effectively reduced viral replication and improved clinical outcomes. Additionally, adjunctive measures such as lubrication, corticosteroids, and immunomodulatory agents have alleviated symptoms by reducing inflammation and facilitating tissue repair. Despite these conservative approaches, some cases of viral keratitis may progress to severe forms, leading to corneal scarring, thinning, or perforation. In such instances, surgical intervention becomes necessary to restore corneal integrity and visual function. This review article aims to provide an overview of the current perspectives and surgical interventions in managing viral keratitis. The choice of surgical technique depends on the extent and severity of corneal involvement. As highlighted in this article, on-going research and advancements in surgical interventions hold promise for further improving outcomes in patients with viral keratitis.
Topics: Humans; Eye Infections, Viral; Antiviral Agents; Keratitis, Herpetic; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 38303587
DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2024.2309533 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2024RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) serves as a method for visualizing specific RNA molecules within cells. Its primary utility lies in the observation of...
RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) serves as a method for visualizing specific RNA molecules within cells. Its primary utility lies in the observation of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules associated with particular genes of significance. This technique can also be applied to examine viral transcription and the localization of said transcripts within infected cells. In this context, we provide a comprehensive protocol for the detection, localization, and quantification of HIV-1 transcripts in mammalian cell lines. This encompasses the preparation of required reagents, cellular treatments, visualization, and the subsequent analysis of the data acquired. These parameters play a pivotal role in enhancing our comprehension of the molecular processes during infection, particularly at the crucial transcription phase of the viral life cycle.
Topics: In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Humans; RNA, Viral; HIV-1; Transcription, Genetic; RNA, Messenger; HIV Infections; Cell Line
PubMed: 38743219
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3862-0_3