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Vaccines Jun 2024Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains a formidable challenge for the global pig industry. Caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV), this disease primarily... (Review)
Review
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains a formidable challenge for the global pig industry. Caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV), this disease primarily affects porcine reproductive and respiratory systems, undermining effective host interferon and other immune responses, resulting in vaccine ineffectiveness. In the absence of specific antiviral treatments for PRRSV, vaccines play a crucial role in managing the disease. The current market features a range of vaccine technologies, including live, inactivated, subunit, DNA, and vector vaccines, but only modified live virus (MLV) and killed virus (KV) vaccines are commercially available for PRRS control. Live vaccines are promoted for their enhanced protective effectiveness, although their ability to provide cross-protection is modest. On the other hand, inactivated vaccines are emphasized for their safety profile but are limited in their protective efficacy. This review updates the current knowledge on PRRS vaccines' interactions with the host interferon system, and other immunological aspects, to assess their current status and evaluate advents in PRRSV vaccine development. It presents the strengths and weaknesses of both live attenuated and inactivated vaccines in the prevention and management of PRRS, aiming to inspire the development of innovative strategies and technologies for the next generation of PRRS vaccines.
PubMed: 38932335
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060606 -
Viruses Jun 2024Previous infection with Adenovirus-36 (HAdv-D36) has been associated with adipogenesis and glycemic regulation in cell culture and animal models. In humans, HAdv-D36...
Previous infection with Adenovirus-36 (HAdv-D36) has been associated with adipogenesis and glycemic regulation in cell culture and animal models. In humans, HAdv-D36 antibodies correlate with increased obesity risk yet paradoxically enhance glycemic control across various demographics. This study assesses the association of HAdv-D36 seropositivity with obesity, lipid, and glycemic profiles among school-aged children. : We evaluated 208 children aged 9-13, categorized by BMI z-scores into normal weight (-1 to +1), overweight (+1 to +2), and obese (>+3). Assessments included anthropometry, Tanner stage for pubertal development, and biochemical tests (relating to lipids, glucose, and insulin), alongside HAdv-D36 seropositivity checked via ELISA. Insulin resistance was gauged using Chilean pediatric criteria. : The cohort displayed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity. HAdv-D36 seropositivity was 5.4%, showing no correlation with nutritional status. Additionally, no link between HAdv-D36 seropositivity and lipid levels was observed. Notably, insulin levels and HOMA-RI were significantly lower in HAdv-D36 positive children ( < 0.001). No cases of insulin resistance were reported in the HAdv-D36 (+) group in our population. : HAdv-D36 seropositivity appears to decrease insulin secretion and resistance, aligning with earlier findings. However, no association with obesity development was found in the child population of southern Chile.
Topics: Humans; Chile; Insulin Resistance; Child; Male; Female; Adolescent; Adenoviruses, Human; Adenovirus Infections, Human; Antibodies, Viral; Obesity; Pediatric Obesity; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Insulin; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38932286
DOI: 10.3390/v16060995 -
Viruses Jun 2024The blood virome is dominated by the Anelloviridae family, which emerges early in life; the anellome, which represents the variety of anelloviruses within an individual,...
The blood virome is dominated by the Anelloviridae family, which emerges early in life; the anellome, which represents the variety of anelloviruses within an individual, stabilizes by adulthood [...].
Topics: Humans; Anelloviridae; Virome; Genome, Viral
PubMed: 38932281
DOI: 10.3390/v16060990 -
Viruses Jun 2024Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are widespread human pathogens that establish chronic latent infections leading to recurrent episodes. Current...
Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are widespread human pathogens that establish chronic latent infections leading to recurrent episodes. Current treatments are limited, necessitating the development of novel antiviral strategies. This study aimed to assess the antiviral efficacy of novel topical formulations containing interferon alpha-2b (IFN α-2b) against HSV-1 and HSV-2. The formulations, Oftalmoferon forte (eye drops) and Interferon Vaginal Tablets, demonstrated potent antiviral effects against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Vero cells, respectively, with concentration-dependent inhibition of viral replication. Subsequently, their efficacy was tested in animal models: HSV-1 keratitis in the rabbit eye model and HSV-2 genital herpes in mice. Oftalmoferon forte effectively treated HSV-1 keratitis, reducing clinical symptoms and ulcerations compared to virus control. Interferon Vaginal Tablets showed promising results in controlling HSV-2 genital herpes in mice, improving survival rates, reducing clinical signs, weight loss and viral replication. The novel IFN α-2b formulations exhibited significant antiviral activity against HSV infections in cell culture and animal models. These findings suggest the potential of these formulations as alternative treatments for HSV infections, particularly in cases resistant to current therapies. Further studies are warranted to optimize treatment regimens and assess clinical efficacy in humans.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Antiviral Agents; Mice; Herpes Genitalis; Disease Models, Animal; Keratitis, Herpetic; Chlorocebus aethiops; Female; Vero Cells; Interferon alpha-2; Virus Replication; Administration, Topical; Ophthalmic Solutions; Interferon-alpha; Humans
PubMed: 38932280
DOI: 10.3390/v16060989 -
Viruses Jun 2024C-terminal binding protein (CtBP), a transcriptional co-repressor, significantly influences cellular signaling, impacting various biological processes including cell... (Review)
Review
C-terminal binding protein (CtBP), a transcriptional co-repressor, significantly influences cellular signaling, impacting various biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune responses. The CtBP family comprises two highly conserved proteins, CtBP1 and CtBP2, which have been shown to play critical roles in both tumorigenesis and the regulation of viral infections. Elevated CtBP expression is noted in various tumor tissues, promoting tumorigenesis, invasiveness, and metastasis through multiple pathways. Additionally, CtBP's role in viral infections varies, exhibiting differing or even opposing effects depending on the virus. This review synthesizes the advances in CtBP's function research in viral infections and virus-associated tumorigenesis, offering new insights into potential antiviral and anticancer strategies.
Topics: Humans; Carcinogenesis; Virus Diseases; Alcohol Oxidoreductases; DNA-Binding Proteins; Animals; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38932279
DOI: 10.3390/v16060988 -
Viruses Jun 2024The envelope glycoprotein (Env) of retroviruses, such as the Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), is the main target of neutralizing humoral response, and therefore, a...
The envelope glycoprotein (Env) of retroviruses, such as the Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), is the main target of neutralizing humoral response, and therefore, a promising vaccine candidate, despite its reported poor immunogenicity. The incorporation of mutations that stabilize analogous proteins from other viruses in their prefusion conformation (e.g., HIV Env, SARS-CoV-2 S, or RSV F glycoproteins) has improved their capability to induce neutralizing protective immune responses. Therefore, we have stabilized the FeLV Env protein following a strategy based on the incorporation of a disulfide bond and an Ile/Pro mutation (SOSIP) previously used to generate soluble HIV Env trimers. We have characterized this SOSIP-FeLV Env in its soluble form and as a transmembrane protein present at high density on the surface of FeLV Gag-based VLPs. Furthermore, we have tested its immunogenicity in DNA-immunization assays in C57BL/6 mice. Low anti-FeLV Env responses were detected in SOSIP-FeLV soluble protein-immunized animals; however, unexpectedly no responses were detected in the animals immunized with SOSIP-FeLV Gag-based VLPs. In contrast, high humoral response against FeLV Gag was observed in the animals immunized with control Gag VLPs lacking SOSIP-FeLV Env, while this response was significantly impaired when the VLPs incorporated SOSIP-FeLV Env. Our data suggest that FeLV Env can be stabilized as a soluble protein and can be expressed in high-density VLPs. However, when formulated as a DNA vaccine, SOSIP-FeLV Env remains poorly immunogenic, a limitation that must be overcome to develop an effective FeLV vaccine.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Antibodies, Viral; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Viral Envelope Proteins; Leukemia Virus, Feline; Gene Products, gag; Female; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle; Humans; Cats; Viral Vaccines; Immunogenicity, Vaccine
PubMed: 38932278
DOI: 10.3390/v16060987 -
Viruses Jun 2024Viral integration within the host genome plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. Various disruptive mechanisms are involved, leading to genomic instability, mutations,...
Viral integration within the host genome plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. Various disruptive mechanisms are involved, leading to genomic instability, mutations, and DNA damage. With next-generation sequencing (NGS), we can now precisely identify viral and host genomic breakpoints and chimeric sequences, which are useful for integration site analysis. In this study, we evaluated a commercial hybrid capture NGS panel specifically designed for detecting three key viruses: HPV, HBV, and HIV-1. We also tested workflows for Viral Hybrid Capture (VHC) and Viral Integration Site (VIS) analysis, leveraging customized viral databases in CLC Microbial Genomics. By analyzing sequenced data from virally infected cancer cell lines (including SiHa, HeLa, CaSki, C-33A, DoTc2, 2A3, SCC154 for HPV; 3B2, SNU-182 for HBV; and ACH-2 for HIV-1), we precisely pinpointed viral integration sites. The workflow also highlighted disrupted and neighboring human genes that may play a crucial role in tumor development. Our results included informative virus-host read mappings, genomic breakpoints, and integration circular plots. These visual representations enhance our understanding of the integration process. In conclusion, our seamless end-to-end workflow bridges the gap in understanding viral contributions to cancer development, paving the way for improved diagnostics and treatment strategies.
Topics: Humans; Virus Integration; Hepatitis B virus; HIV-1; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Workflow; Carcinogenesis; Genomics; Cell Line, Tumor; Papillomaviridae
PubMed: 38932267
DOI: 10.3390/v16060975 -
Viruses Jun 2024Cervical cancer, along with other sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) conditions, poses a significant burden in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Despite...
Cervical cancer, along with other sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) conditions, poses a significant burden in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Despite the availability of effective preventive methods such as vaccinations, particularly against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), awareness about such preventive methods and HPV vaccination remains alarmingly low in the KSA, even with governmental effort and support. While many women are aware of the risks, the uptake of the HPV vaccine remains below 10% (7.6%) at the country level. This highlights the urgent need for Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) at the community level to raise awareness, dispel misconceptions, and empower women to embrace vaccinations. Additionally, there is a need to revitalize the cancer registry system to better track and monitor cervical cancer cases. This short communication aims to map these barriers while identifying opportunities for impactful research. Drawing from the scientific literature, government reports, and expert insights, we highlight the challenges surrounding the tackling of HPV. By exploring diverse sources of knowledge, this paper not only highlights current obstacles but also proposes actionable solutions for future interventions.
Topics: Humans; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Female; Papillomavirus Infections; Saudi Arabia; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Vaccination; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Papillomaviridae
PubMed: 38932266
DOI: 10.3390/v16060974 -
Viruses Jun 2024Pathogenic adenovirus (Ad) infections are widespread but typically mild and transient, except in the immunocompromised. As vectors for gene therapy, vaccine, and... (Review)
Review
Pathogenic adenovirus (Ad) infections are widespread but typically mild and transient, except in the immunocompromised. As vectors for gene therapy, vaccine, and oncology applications, Ad-based platforms offer advantages, including ease of genetic manipulation, scale of production, and well-established safety profiles, making them attractive tools for therapeutic development. However, the immune system often poses a significant challenge that must be overcome for adenovirus-based therapies to be truly efficacious. Both pre-existing anti-Ad immunity in the population as well as the rapid development of an immune response against engineered adenoviral vectors can have detrimental effects on the downstream impact of an adenovirus-based therapeutic. This review focuses on the different challenges posed, including pre-existing natural immunity and anti-vector immunity induced by a therapeutic, in the context of innate and adaptive immune responses. We summarise different approaches developed with the aim of tackling these problems, as well as their outcomes and potential future applications.
Topics: Humans; Adenoviridae; Genetic Vectors; Genetic Therapy; Adaptive Immunity; Animals; Immunity, Innate; Immune System; Adenoviridae Infections
PubMed: 38932265
DOI: 10.3390/v16060973 -
Viruses Jun 2024Illicit drug and alcohol abuse have significant negative consequences for individuals who inject drugs/use drugs (PWID/UDs), including decreased immune system function... (Review)
Review
Illicit drug and alcohol abuse have significant negative consequences for individuals who inject drugs/use drugs (PWID/UDs), including decreased immune system function and increased viral pathogenesis. PWID/UDs are at high risk of contracting or transmitting viral illnesses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In South Africa, a dangerous drug-taking method known as "Bluetoothing" has emerged among nyaope users, whereby the users of this drug, after injecting, withdraw blood from their veins and then reinject it into another user. Hence, the transmission of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) is exacerbated by this "Bluetooth" practice among nyaope users. Moreover, several substances of abuse promote HIV, HBV, and HCV replication. With a specific focus on the nyaope drug, viral replication, and transmission, we address the important influence of abused addictive substances and polysubstance use in this review.
Topics: Humans; Substance-Related Disorders; South Africa; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis B; HIV Infections; Virus Replication; Illicit Drugs; Hepatitis B virus; Virus Diseases; Blood-Borne Infections; Hepacivirus; Substance Abuse, Intravenous
PubMed: 38932263
DOI: 10.3390/v16060971