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International Journal of Oral Science May 2024N-methyladenosine (mA) RNA methylation is critical for regulating mRNA translation; however, its role in the development, progression, and immunotherapy response of head...
N-methyladenosine (mA) RNA methylation is critical for regulating mRNA translation; however, its role in the development, progression, and immunotherapy response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains largely unknown. Using Tgfbr1 and Pten conditional knockout (2cKO) mice, we found the neoplastic transformation of oral mucosa was accompanied by increased mA modification levels. Analysis of mA-associated genes identified TRMT61A as a key mA writer linked to cancer progression and poor prognosis. Mechanistically, TRMT61A-mediated tRNA-mA modification promotes MYC protein synthesis, upregulating programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Moreover, mA modification levels were also elevated in tumors treated with oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV), contributing to reactive PD-L1 upregulation. Therapeutic mA inhibition sustained oHSV-induced antitumor immunity and reduced tumor growth, representing a promising strategy to alleviate resistance. These findings indicate that mA inhibition can prevent immune escape after oHSV therapy by reducing PD-L1 expression, providing a mutually reinforcing combination immunotherapy approach.
Topics: Animals; B7-H1 Antigen; Mice; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc; Oncolytic Viruses; Signal Transduction; Humans; Adenosine; Down-Regulation; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Oncolytic Virotherapy; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Mice, Knockout; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Simplexvirus; Cell Line, Tumor
PubMed: 38730256
DOI: 10.1038/s41368-024-00304-0 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2024Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), a rare genetic skin disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in , the gene encoding type VII collagen (COL7), is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), a rare genetic skin disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in , the gene encoding type VII collagen (COL7), is characterized by skin blistering, scarring, and extracutaneous manifestations that markedly reduce patient quality-of-life. Beremagene geperpavec-svdt ('B-VEC') is a gene therapy employing a non-integrating, replication-defective herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-based vector encoding two copies of full-length human to restore COL7 protein after topical administration to DEB wounds. B-VEC was approved in the United States in 2023 as the first topical gene therapy and the first approved treatment for DEB. However, few providers have experience with use of this gene therapy.
METHODS
Data was obtained through literature review and the experience of providers who participated in the B-VEC clinical study or initiated treatment after B-VEC approval.
RESULTS
This review discusses the burden of disease, describes the clinical trial outcomes of B-VEC, and provides physician and patient/caregiver recommendations as a practical guide for the real-world use of B-VEC, which can be administered in-office or at the patient's home.
CONCLUSIONS
By continuing to optimize the practical aspects of B-VEC administration, the focus will continue to shift to patient-centric considerations and improved patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Genetic Therapy; Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica; Collagen Type VII; Genetic Vectors; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Treatment Outcome; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38724041
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2350232 -
The Clinical Journal of Pain Aug 2023Herpes zoster (HZ) is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, negatively affecting the lives of patients. In this post hoc... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
Herpes zoster (HZ) is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, negatively affecting the lives of patients. In this post hoc analysis, we describe the impact of HZ pain on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and activities of daily living (ADL) of immunocompetent individuals 50 years of age and older and in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients age 18 years of age and older.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
ZOE-50 (NCT01165177), ZOE-70 (NCT01165229), and ZOE-HSCT (NCT01610414) were phase III, randomized studies conducted in immunocompetent adults 50 years of age and older and 70 years of age and older and in HSCT recipients age 18 years of age and older, respectively. This analysis was performed on patients who experienced an HZ episode in the placebo groups. The impact of varying levels of HZ pain on HRQoL and ADL was analyzed using data from the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI) and the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) and EQ-5D questionnaires.
RESULTS
A total of 520 immunocompetent and 172 HSCT individuals with HZ were included. SF-36 and EQ-5D domain scores showed a significant relationship between increased HZ pain and worsening HRQoL. For every increase of 1 in the ZBPI pain score, the estimated mean decrease (worsening) in score in the ZOE-50/70 and ZOE-HSCT, respectively, was 2.0 and 2.4 for SF-36 Role Physical; 2.1 and 1.8 for SF-36 Social Functioning; and 0.041 and 0.045 for EQ-5D utility. Sleep and General activities were the ADL components most affected.
DISCUSSION
Moderate and severe HZ pain had a substantial negative impact on all aspects of HRQoL and ADL. This impact was independent of age and immunosuppression.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Activities of Daily Living; Quality of Life; Herpes Zoster; Pain
PubMed: 37166199
DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000001129 -
Viruses Jul 2023Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections are prevalent illnesses that can cause mucocutaneous ulcerative disease, keratitis, and genital herpes. In patients with...
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections are prevalent illnesses that can cause mucocutaneous ulcerative disease, keratitis, and genital herpes. In patients with compromised immune systems, the infection can lead to serious problems, such as encephalitis. Additionally, neonatal infections can cause brain problems and even death. Current first-line antiviral drugs are nucleoside analog inhibitors that target viral polymerase, and resistant strains have emerged. As a result, new drugs with distinct action modes are needed. Recent research indicates that cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are prospective antiviral targets. Thus, CDK inhibitors may be effective antiviral agents against HSV-1 infection. In this study, we examined a panel of CDK inhibitors that target CDKs in the present study. BMS-265246 (BMS), a CDK 1/2 inhibitor, was found to effectively limit HSV-1 multiplication in Vero, HepG2, and Hela cells. A mechanism of action study suggested that BMS inhibits the early stages of viral replication when added early in the viral infection. The suppression of multiple steps in viral replication by BMS was revealed when HSV-1 infected cells were treated at different time periods in the viral life cycle. Our results suggest that BMS is a potent anti-HSV-1 agent and unique in that it may interfere with multiple steps in HSV-1 replication.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Herpesvirus 1, Human; HeLa Cells; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Herpes Simplex; Antiviral Agents; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases
PubMed: 37631985
DOI: 10.3390/v15081642 -
Journal For Immunotherapy of Cancer Apr 2024Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly immunosuppressive and often fatal primary brain tumor, lacks effective treatment options. GBMs contain a subpopulation of GBM stem-like...
BACKGROUND
Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly immunosuppressive and often fatal primary brain tumor, lacks effective treatment options. GBMs contain a subpopulation of GBM stem-like cells (GSCs) that play a central role in tumor initiation, progression, and treatment resistance. Oncolytic viruses, especially oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV), replicate selectively in cancer cells and trigger antitumor immunity-a phenomenon termed the "in situ vaccine" effect. Although talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), an oHSV armed with granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for melanoma, its use in patients with GBM has not been reported. Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is another established immunotherapy that stimulates T cell growth and orchestrates antitumor responses. IL-2 is FDA-approved for melanoma and renal cell carcinoma but has not been widely evaluated in GBM, and IL-2 treatment is limited by its short half-life, minimal tumor accumulation, and significant systemic toxicity. We hypothesize that local intratumoral expression of IL-2 by an oHSV would avoid the systemic IL-2-related therapeutic drawbacks while simultaneously producing beneficial antitumor immunity.
METHODS
We developed G47Δ-mIL2 (an oHSV expressing IL-2) using the flip-flop HSV BAC system to deliver IL-2 locally within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We then tested its efficacy in orthotopic mouse GBM models (005 GSC, CT-2A, and GL261) and evaluated immune profiles in the treated tumors and spleens by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
G47Δ-mIL2 significantly prolonged median survival without any observable systemic IL-2-related toxicity in the 005 and CT-2A models but not in the GL261 model due to the non-permissive nature of GL261 cells to HSV infection. The therapeutic activity of G47Δ-mIL2 in the 005 GBM model was associated with increased intratumoral infiltration of CD8 T cells, critically dependent on the release of IL-2 within the TME, and CD4 T cells as their depletion completely abrogated therapeutic efficacy. The use of anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade did not improve the therapeutic outcome of G47Δ-mIL2.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings illustrate that G47Δ-mIL2 is efficacious, stimulates antitumor immunity against orthotopic GBM, and may also target GSC. OHSV expressing IL-2 may represent an agent that merits further exploration in patients with GBM.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Brain Neoplasms; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Glioblastoma; Herpes Simplex; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Interleukin-2; Melanoma; Oncolytic Virotherapy; Tumor Microenvironment; United States
PubMed: 38599661
DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-008880 -
Viruses Oct 2023Herpesviruses are enveloped and have an amorphous protein layer surrounding the capsid, which is termed the tegument. Tegument proteins perform critical functions... (Review)
Review
Herpesviruses are enveloped and have an amorphous protein layer surrounding the capsid, which is termed the tegument. Tegument proteins perform critical functions throughout the viral life cycle. This review provides a comprehensive and comparative analysis of the roles of specific tegument proteins in capsid transport and virion morphogenesis of selected, well-studied prototypes of each of the three subfamilies of i.e., human herpesvirus-1/herpes simplex virus-1 (), human herpesvirus-5/cytomegalovirus () and human herpesvirus -8/Kaposi's sarcomavirus (). Most of the current knowledge is based on alpha herpesviruses, in particular HSV-1. While some tegument proteins are released into the cytoplasm after virus entry, several tegument proteins remain associated with the capsid and are responsible for transport to and docking at the nucleus. After replication and capsid formation, the capsid is enveloped at the nuclear membrane, which is referred to as primary envelopment, followed by de-envelopment and release into the cytoplasm. This requires involvement of at least three tegument proteins. Subsequently, multiple interactions between tegument proteins and capsid proteins, other tegument proteins and glycoproteins are required for assembly of the virus particles and envelopment at the Golgi, with certain tegument proteins acting as the central hub for these interactions. Some redundancy in these interactions ensures appropriate morphogenesis.
Topics: Humans; Capsid Proteins; Capsid; Virus Assembly; Herpesviridae; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 8, Human; Morphogenesis; Virion; Viral Structural Proteins
PubMed: 37896835
DOI: 10.3390/v15102058 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Oct 2023Kidney transplant recipients receive maintenance immunosuppressive therapy to avoid allograft rejection resulting in increased risk of infections and infection-related... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Kidney transplant recipients receive maintenance immunosuppressive therapy to avoid allograft rejection resulting in increased risk of infections and infection-related morbidity and mortality. Approximately 98% of adults are infected with varicella zoster virus, which upon reactivation causes herpes zoster. The incidence of herpes zoster is higher in kidney transplant recipients than in immunocompetent individuals, and kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of severe herpes zoster-associated disease. Vaccination with adjuvanted recombinant glycoprotein E subunit herpes zoster vaccine (RZV) prevents herpes zoster in older adults with excellent efficacy (90%), and vaccination of kidney transplant candidates is recommended in Danish and international guidelines. However, the robustness and duration of immune responses after RZV vaccination, as well as the optimal timing of vaccination in relation to transplantation remain unanswered questions. Thus, the aim of this study is to characterize the immune response to RZV vaccination in kidney transplant candidates and recipients at different timepoints before and after transplantation.
METHODS
The Herpes Virus Infections in Kidney Transplant Patients (HINT) study is a prospective observational cohort study. The study will include kidney transplant candidates on the waiting list for transplantation (n = 375) and kidney transplant recipients transplanted since January 1, 2019 (n = 500) from all Danish kidney transplant centers who are offered a RZV vaccine as routine care. Participants are followed with repeated blood sampling until 12 months after inclusion. In the case of transplantation or herpes zoster disease, additional blood samples will be collected until 12 months after transplantation. The immune response will be characterized by immunophenotyping and functional characterization of varicella zoster virus-specific T cells, by detection of anti-glycoprotein E antibodies, and by measuring cytokine profiles.
DISCUSSION
The study will provide new knowledge on the immune response to RZV vaccination in kidney transplant candidates and recipients and the robustness and duration of the response, potentially enhancing preventive strategies against herpes zoster in a population at increased risk.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05604911).
Topics: Aged; Humans; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Kidney Transplantation; Prospective Studies; Vaccines, Synthetic
PubMed: 37845608
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08663-5 -
BMC Oral Health Sep 2023Periodontitis is a common chronic oral disease which seriously affects people's quality of life. Although human herpes simplex virus (HSV) is also found in periodontal...
BACKGROUND
Periodontitis is a common chronic oral disease which seriously affects people's quality of life. Although human herpes simplex virus (HSV) is also found in periodontal lesions, the association between HSV infection and periodontitis is unclear.
METHODS
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for 2009-2010, 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 was combined, and the association between HSV infection and periodontitis in the general population and particular subgroups was investigated through weighted multi-logistic analyses.
RESULTS
There were 4,733 participants aged 30-50 years old with clinically assessed periodontitis concurrent with HSV infection. In general analysis, after adjusted for covariates, both HSV-1 (OR = 1.09, P < 0.001) and HSV-2 (OR = 1.06, P = 0.030) infection was significantly associated with periodontitis. In subgroup analyses, compared with patients without HSV infection, patients with HSV-1( +) & HSV-2( +) and HSV-1( +) & HSV-2(-) infection showed higher risk of periodontitis in all subgroups (OR = 1.15, OR = 1.09, P < 0.001), while patients with HSV-1(-) & HSV-2( +) infection showed higher risk of and periodontitis only in the subgroup of people aged 40-50 years (OR = 1.10, P = 0.032) and the Mexican-American subgroup (OR = 1.35, P = 0.042). When only severe periodontitis is considered, HSV infection was associated with periodontitis, no matter the patient was infected with either of the virus or both.
CONCLUSIONS
HSV-1 infection was significantly associated with periodontitis and severe periodontitis, while HSV-2 infection was associated with severe periodontitis, and periodontitis in 40-50-year-olds and Mexican-Americans.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Mexican Americans; Nutrition Surveys; Periodontitis; Quality of Life; Simplexvirus; Herpes Simplex; Age Factors
PubMed: 37723536
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03416-x -
Emerging Microbes & Infections Dec 2024Herpes zoster remains an important global health issue and mainly occurs in aged and immunocompromised individuals with an early exposure history to Varicella Zoster...
Herpes zoster remains an important global health issue and mainly occurs in aged and immunocompromised individuals with an early exposure history to Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Although the licensed vaccine Shingrix has remarkably high efficacy, undesired reactogenicity and increasing global demand causing vaccine shortage urged the development of improved or novel VZV vaccines. In this study, we developed a novel VZV mRNA vaccine candidate (named as ZOSAL) containing sequence-optimized mRNAs encoding full-length glycoprotein E encapsulated in an ionizable lipid nanoparticle. In mice and rhesus macaques, ZOSAL demonstrated superior immunogenicity and safety in multiple aspects over Shingrix, especially in the induction of strong T-cell immunity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that both ZOSAL and Shingrix could robustly activate innate immune compartments, especially Type-I IFN signalling and antigen processing/presentation. Multivariate correlation analysis further identified several early factors of innate compartments that can predict the magnitude of T-cell responses, which further increased our understanding of the mode of action of two different VZV vaccine modalities. Collectively, our data demonstrated the superiority of VZV mRNA vaccine over licensed subunit vaccine. The mRNA platform therefore holds prospects for further investigations in next-generation VZV vaccine development.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Macaca mulatta; mRNA Vaccines; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human
PubMed: 38258878
DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2309985 -
Journal of Virology Aug 2023The APOBEC3 family of DNA cytosine deaminases comprises an important arm of the innate antiviral defense system. The gamma-herpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's...
The APOBEC3 family of DNA cytosine deaminases comprises an important arm of the innate antiviral defense system. The gamma-herpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and the alpha-herpesviruses herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2 have evolved an efficient mechanism to avoid APOBEC3 restriction by directly binding to APOBEC3B and facilitating its exclusion from the nuclear compartment. The only viral protein required for APOBEC3B relocalization is the large subunit of the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). Here, we ask whether this APOBEC3B relocalization mechanism is conserved with the beta-herpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Although HCMV infection causes APOBEC3B relocalization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in multiple cell types, the viral RNR (UL45) is not required. APOBEC3B relocalization occurs rapidly following infection suggesting the involvement of an immediate early or early (IE/E) viral protein. In support of this possibility, genetic (IE1 mutant) and pharmacologic (cycloheximide) strategies that prevent the expression of IE/E viral proteins also block APOBEC3B relocalization. In comparison, the treatment of infected cells with phosphonoacetic acid, which interferes with viral late protein expression, still permits A3B relocalization. These results combine to indicate that the beta-herpesvirus HCMV uses an RNR-independent, yet phenotypically similar, molecular mechanism to antagonize APOBEC3B. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections can range from asymptomatic to severe, particularly in neonates and immunocompromised patients. HCMV has evolved strategies to overcome host-encoded antiviral defenses to achieve lytic viral DNA replication and dissemination and, under some conditions, latency and long-term persistence. Here, we show that HCMV infection causes the antiviral factor, APOBEC3B, to relocalize from the nuclear compartment to the cytoplasm. This overall strategy resembles that used by related herpesviruses. However, the HCMV relocalization mechanism utilizes a different viral factor(s) and available evidence suggests the involvement of at least one protein expressed at the early stages of infection. This knowledge is important because a greater understanding of this mechanism could lead to novel antiviral strategies that enable APOBEC3B to naturally restrict HCMV infection.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Cytidine Deaminase; Cytomegalovirus; DNA Replication; DNA, Viral; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesviridae Infections; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Immediate-Early Proteins; Minor Histocompatibility Antigens; Ribonucleotide Reductases; Viral Proteins; Virus Replication
PubMed: 37565748
DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00781-23