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Mass Spectrometry Reviews Sep 2020Virology, as a branch of the life sciences, discovered mass spectrometry (MS) to be the pivotal tool around two decades ago. The technique unveiled the complex network... (Review)
Review
Virology, as a branch of the life sciences, discovered mass spectrometry (MS) to be the pivotal tool around two decades ago. The technique unveiled the complex network of interactions between the living world of pro- and eukaryotes and viruses, which delivered "a piece of bad news wrapped in protein" as defined by Peter Medawar, Nobel Prize Laureate, in 1960. However, MS is constantly evolving, and novel approaches allow for a better understanding of interactions in this micro- and nanoworld. Currently, we can investigate the interplay between the virus and the cell by analyzing proteomes, interactomes, virus-cell interactions, and search for the compounds that build viral structures. In addition, by using MS, it is possible to look at the cell from the broader perspective and determine the role of viral infection on the scale of the organism, for example, monitoring the crosstalk between infected tissues and the immune system. In such a way, MS became one of the major tools for the modern virology, allowing us to see the infection in the context of the whole cell or the organism. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev.
Topics: Capsid; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Mass Spectrometry; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Viral Proteins; Viral Vaccines; Virology; Virus Diseases; Viruses
PubMed: 31876329
DOI: 10.1002/mas.21617 -
Medical Microbiology and Immunology Aug 2019Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) latency and reactivation is regulated by the chromatin structure at the major immediate early promoter (MIEP) within myeloid cells. Both... (Review)
Review
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) latency and reactivation is regulated by the chromatin structure at the major immediate early promoter (MIEP) within myeloid cells. Both cellular and viral factors are known to control this promoter during latency, here we will review the known mechanisms for MIEP regulation during latency. We will then focus on the virally encoded G-protein coupled receptor, US28, which suppresses the MIEP in early myeloid lineage cells. The importance of this function is underlined by the fact that US28 is essential for HCMV latency in CD34 progenitor cells and CD14 monocytes. We will describe cellular signalling pathways modulated by US28 to direct MIEP suppression during latency and demonstrate how US28 is able to 'regulate the regulators' of HCMV latency. Finally, we will describe how cell-surface US28 can be a target for antiviral therapies directed at the latent viral reservoir.
Topics: Chromatin; Cytomegalovirus; Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Myeloid Cells; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Virus Activation; Virus Latency
PubMed: 30761409
DOI: 10.1007/s00430-019-00581-1 -
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets Aug 2020Enteroviruses are among the most common viruses causing a huge number of acute and chronic infections leading to high economic costs. Novel nontoxic antivirals that... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Enteroviruses are among the most common viruses causing a huge number of acute and chronic infections leading to high economic costs. Novel nontoxic antivirals that reduce the virus load in acutely infected individuals and from various surfaces are needed to efficiently combat these viruses.
AREAS COVERED
This review summarizes the recent findings of compounds and tools targeting the enteroviruses and host cell molecules that are crucial for virus infection. In addition, the review states the modern methods to find new targets and tools that help to understand the mechanisms of action.
EXPERT OPINION
High-throughput molecular screens have revealed important aspects of virus life cycle in host cells and, concomitantly, some of the targets and compounds found serve as potential anti-virals combatting enterovirus infections. The risk of resistance development found for direct capsid binders lowers their usefulness, but combining them with compounds targeting evolutionarily conserved processes such as replication/translation makes them potentially a valid therapy for the future. Further automation and access to structural molecular tools such as cryo-EM and further development of, e.g. docking and simulation of large virus particles requiring heavy computation will contribute to better understanding of molecular mechanisms of action of future antivirals.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Capsid; Drug Development; Drug Resistance, Viral; Enterovirus Infections; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Humans; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Viral Load
PubMed: 32552314
DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1784141 -
EXCLI Journal 2021The disruption of antioxidant defense has been demonstrated in severe acute respiratory syndrome due to SARS-CoV infection. Selenium plays a major role in decreasing the... (Review)
Review
The disruption of antioxidant defense has been demonstrated in severe acute respiratory syndrome due to SARS-CoV infection. Selenium plays a major role in decreasing the ROS produced in response to various viral infections. Selenoprotein enzymes are essential in combating oxidative stress caused due to excessive generation of ROS. Selenium also has a role in inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, thus alleviating inflammation. In viral infections, selenoproteins have also been found to inhibit type I interferon responses, modulate T cell proliferation and oxidative burst in macrophages, and inhibit viral transcriptional activators. Potential virally encoded selenoproteins have been identified by computational analysis in different viral genomes like HIV-1, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and hepatitis C virus. This review discusses the role and the possible mechanisms of selenium, selenoproteins, and virally encoded selenoproteins in the pathogenicity of viral infections. Identification of potential selenoproteins in the COVID 19 genome by computational tools will give insights further into their role in the pathogenesis of viral infections.
PubMed: 34040501
DOI: 10.17179/excli2021-3530 -
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging 2020A new coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 spread very rapidly, causing a global pandemic, Coronavirus... (Review)
Review
A new coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 spread very rapidly, causing a global pandemic, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Older adults have higher peak of viral load and, especially those with comorbidities, had higher COVID-19-related fatality rates than younger adults. In this Perspective paper, we summarize current knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 and aging, in order to understand why older people are more affected by COVID-19. We discuss about the possibility that the so-called "immunosenescence" and "inflammaging" processes, already present in a fraction of frail older adults, could allow the immune escape of SARS-CoV-2 leading to COVID-19 serious complications. Finally, we propose to use geroscience approaches to the field of COVID-19.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Geriatrics; Humans; Inflammation; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; Virology
PubMed: 32744561
DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1416-2 -
Pharmaceutics Nov 2021Recent years have witnessed the emergence of several viral diseases, including various zoonotic diseases such as the current pandemic caused by the Severe Acute... (Review)
Review
Recent years have witnessed the emergence of several viral diseases, including various zoonotic diseases such as the current pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Other viruses, which possess pandemic-causing potential include avian flu, Ebola, dengue, Zika, and Nipah virus, as well as the re-emergence of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) coronaviruses. Notably, effective drugs or vaccines against these viruses are still to be discovered. All the newly approved vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2-induced disease COVID-19 possess real-time possibility of becoming obsolete because of the development of 'variants of concern'. Flavonoids are being increasingly recognized as prophylactic and therapeutic agents against emerging and old viral diseases. Around 10,000 natural flavonoid compounds have been identified, being phytochemicals, all plant-based. Flavonoids have been reported to have lesser side effects than conventional anti-viral agents and are effective against more viral diseases than currently used anti-virals. Despite their abundance in plants, which are a part of human diet, flavonoids have the problem of low bioavailability. Various attempts are in progress to increase the bioavailability of flavonoids, one of the promising fields being nanotechnology. This review is a narrative of some anti-viral dietary flavonoids, their bioavailability, and various means with an emphasis on the nanotechnology system(s) being experimented with to deliver anti-viral flavonoids, whose systems show potential in the efficient delivery of flavonoids, resulting in increased bioavailability.
PubMed: 34834309
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111895 -
Virology Jul 2024
Topics: Plant Diseases; Plant Viruses; Plants; Virology
PubMed: 38701717
DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110099 -
International Journal of Biological... 2022The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic evoked by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a major public health... (Review)
Review
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic evoked by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a major public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms underlying this novel virus is crucial for both fundamental research and clinical trials in order to devise effective therapies and vaccination regimens. Basic research on SARS-CoV-2 largely depends on models that allow viral invasion and replication. Organoid models are now emerging as a valuable tool to investigate viral biology and disease progression, serving as an efficient platform to investigate potential therapies for COVID-19. Here, we summarize various human stem cell-derived organoid types employed in SARS-CoV-2 studies. We highlight key findings from these models, including cell tropisms and molecular mechanisms in viral infection. We also describe their use in identifying potential therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2. As more and more advanced organoids emerge, they will facilitate the understanding of disease pathogenesis for drug development in this dreaded pandemic.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Organoids; SARS-CoV-2; Virology
PubMed: 35173525
DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.64993 -
Infectious Microbes & Diseases Sep 2020The recently emerged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly evolved into a pandemic with over 10 million infections and over 500 thousand deaths. There are... (Review)
Review
The recently emerged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly evolved into a pandemic with over 10 million infections and over 500 thousand deaths. There are currently no effective therapies or vaccines available to protect against this coronavirus infection. In this review, we discuss potential therapeutic options for COVID-19 based on the available information from previous research on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Substantial efforts are underway to discover new therapeutic agents for COVID-19, including the repurposing of existing agents and the development of novel agents that specifically target SARS-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or host factors. Through the screening of compound libraries, various classes of drugs, such as ribavirin, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and hydroxychloroquine have been identified as potential therapeutic candidates against COVID-19. Novel antiviral drugs for SARS-coronavirus 2 are being developed to target viral enzymes or functional proteins, as well as host factors or cell signaling pathways.
PubMed: 38630098
DOI: 10.1097/IM9.0000000000000033 -
Clinica Chimica Acta; International... Nov 2020The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has threatened health worldwide. As of the end... (Review)
Review
The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has threatened health worldwide. As of the end of 2020, there were nearly 10 million confirmed cases and nearly 5 million deaths associated with COVID-19. Rapid and early laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 is the main focus of treatment and control. Molecular tests are the basis for confirmation of COVID-19, but serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 are widely available and play an increasingly important role in understanding the epidemiology of the virus and in identifying populations at higher risk for infection. Point-of-care tests have the advantage of rapid, accurate, portable, low cost and non-specific device requirements, which provide great help for disease diagnosis and detection. This review will discuss the performance of different laboratory diagnostic tests and platforms, as well as suitable clinical samples for testing, and related biosafety protection. This review shall guide for the diagnosis of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Topics: COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Coronavirus Infections; Genomics; Humans; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Virology
PubMed: 32621814
DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.06.045