101
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Harrath R, Abu Duhier FM. Sero-prevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) specific antibodies in dromedary camels in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1285-1289. [PMID: 29663439 PMCID: PMC7166535 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is a novel Coronavirus which was responsible of the first case of human acute respiratory syndrome in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), 2012. Dromedary camels are considered as potential reservoirs for the virus and seem to be the only animal host which may transmit the infection to human. Further studies are required to better understand the animal sources of zoonotic transmission route and the risks of this infection. A primary sero‐prevalence study of MERS‐CoV preexisting neutralizing antibodies in Dromedary camel serum was conducted in Tabuk, western north region of KSA, in order to assess the seopositivity of these animals and to explain their possible role in the transmission of the infection to Human. One hundred seventy one (171) serum samples were collected from healthy dromedary camels with different ages and genders in Tabuk city and tested for specific serum IgG by ELISA using the receptor‐binding S1 subunits of spike proteins of MERS‐CoV. 144 (84,21%) of the total camel sera shown the presence of protein‐specific antibodies against MERS‐CoV. These results may provide evidence that MERS‐CoV has previously infected dromedary camels in Tabuk and may support the possible role of camels in the human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafik Harrath
- Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research Chair (PFBSRC), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology Department, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, KSA.,Laboratory of Communicable Diseases and Biologically Active Substances, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Faisel M Abu Duhier
- Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research Chair (PFBSRC), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology Department, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, KSA
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102
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Elrggal ME, Karami NA, Rafea B, Alahmadi L, Al Shehri A, Alamoudi R, Koshak H, Alkahtani S, Cheema E. Evaluation of preparedness of healthcare student volunteers against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH-HEIDELBERG 2018; 26:607-612. [PMID: 30533343 PMCID: PMC6245094 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-018-0917-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim To assess the knowledge and attitude of senior medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students toward Middle East respiratory syndrome-corona virus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional survey using a 21-item questionnaire was conducted for a 3-month period from November 2015-January 2016 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate students' understanding and perception of MERS-CoV. An ANOVA test was used to determine the association of study discipline and academic year with the student knowledge score on MERS. Results A total of 364 students were assessed during the study. The majority (62%) of the participants were in the 20-22-year age group. More than half (53%) were pharmacy students followed by (22%) medical students. More than two thirds (71%) of the participants were aware that MERS is caused by the coronavirus. More than half (59%) of the participants believed that MERS can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels. A statistically significant association was reported between the study discipline and mean knowledge score (p < 0.0001) with medical students achieving an overall better knowledge score compared with students from other study disciplines. Conclusion Overall, students had good knowledge about MERS epidemiology, transmission and the recommended protective measures. However, students expressed their reluctance to work in healthcare facilities with inadequate MERS infection control isolation policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud E Elrggal
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm-ul-Qura University, Taif Road, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nedaa A Karami
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm-ul-Qura University, Taif Road, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bushra Rafea
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm-ul-Qura University, Taif Road, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lama Alahmadi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm-ul-Qura University, Taif Road, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar Al Shehri
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm-ul-Qura University, Taif Road, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ruba Alamoudi
- 2College of Dentistry, Alfarabi College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Koshak
- 2College of Dentistry, Alfarabi College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alkahtani
- 3Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ejaz Cheema
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm-ul-Qura University, Taif Road, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,4Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, UK
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103
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Zhang W, Zheng Q, Yan M, Chen X, Yang H, Zhou W, Rao Z. Structural characterization of the HCoV-229E fusion core. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 497:705-712. [PMID: 29458023 PMCID: PMC7092869 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.02.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
HCoV-229E spike (S) protein mediates virion attachment to cells and subsequent fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. This protein is composed of an N-terminal receptor-binding domain (S1) and a C-terminal trans-membrane fusion domain (S2). S2 contains a highly conserved heptad repeat 1 and 2 (HR1 and HR2). In this study, the HRs sequences were designed and connected with a flexible linker. The recombinant fusion core protein was crystallized and its structure was solved at a resolution of 2.45 Å. Then we characterized the binding of HR1s and HR2s via both sequence alignment and structural analysis. The overall structures, especially the residues in some positions of HR2 are highly conserved. Fourteen hydrophobic and three polar residues from each HR1 peptide are packed in layers at the coiled-coil interface. These core amino acids can be grouped into seven heptad repeats. Analysis of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions between HR2 helix and HR1 helices, shows that the HR1 and HR2 polypeptides are highly complementary in both shape and chemical properties. Furthermore, the available knowledge concerning HCoV-229E fusion core may make it possible to design small molecule or polypeptide drugs targeting membrane fusion, a crucial step of HCoV-229E infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengrong Yan
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Chen
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitao Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihong Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zihe Rao
- College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
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104
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The prevalence of Middle East respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in livestock and temporal relation to locations and seasons. J Infect Public Health 2018; 11:884-888. [PMID: 29396257 PMCID: PMC7102711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) has been reported for the first time infecting a human being since 2012. The WHO was notified of 27 countries have reported cases of MERS, the majority of these cases occur in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Dromedary camels are likely to be the main source of Middle East respiratory syndrome virus (MERS-CoV) infection in humans. Methods MERS-CoV infection rates among camels in livestock markets and slaughterhouses were investigated in Saudi Arabia. A total of 698 nasal swabs were collected and examined with Rapid assay and rtRT-PCR. Ten MERS-CoV positive samples were subjected to full genomic sequencing. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of the Rapid immunochromatographic assay (BioNote, South Korea) was evaluated as a diagnostic tool for MERS-CoV compared to rtRT-PCR. Results The results showed a high percentage of dromedaries (56.4%) had evidence for nasal MERS-CoV infection. Phylogenetic analysis of the ten MERS-CoV isolates showed that the sequences were closely related to the other MERS-CoV strains recovered from camels and human cases. Moreover, the results showed that 195 samples were positive for MERS-CoV by rapid assay compared to 394 positive samples of rtRT-PCR, which showed low rapid assay sensitivity (49.49%) while, the specificity were found to be 100%. Conclusion These findings indicate that these sites are a highly-hazardous to zoonotic diseases.
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105
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Kolawole O, Oguntoye M, Dam T, Chunara R. Etiology of respiratory tract infections in the community and clinic in Ilorin, Nigeria. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:712. [PMID: 29212531 PMCID: PMC5719735 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-3063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Recognizing increasing interest in community disease surveillance globally, the goal of this study was to investigate whether respiratory viruses circulating in the community may be represented through clinical (hospital) surveillance in Nigeria. Results Children were selected via convenience sampling from communities and a tertiary care center (n = 91) during spring 2017 in Ilorin, Nigeria. Nasal swabs were collected and tested using polymerase chain reaction. The majority (79.1%) of subjects were under 6 years old, of whom 46 were infected (63.9%). A total of 33 of the 91 subjects had one or more respiratory tract virus; there were 10 cases of triple infection and 5 of quadruple. Parainfluenza virus 4, respiratory syncytial virus B and enterovirus were the most common viruses in the clinical sample; present in 93.8% (15/16) of clinical subjects, and 6.7% (5/75) of community subjects (significant difference, p < 0.001). Coronavirus OC43 was the most common virus detected in community members (13.3%, 10/75). A different strain, Coronavirus OC 229 E/NL63 was detected among subjects from the clinic (2/16) and not detected in the community. This pilot study provides evidence that data from the community can potentially represent different information than that sourced clinically, suggesting the need for community surveillance to enhance public health efforts and scientific understanding of respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatunji Kolawole
- UNILORIN Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health Research Group, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Michael Oguntoye
- Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Tina Dam
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA.,Computer Science & Engineering and College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rumi Chunara
- Computer Science & Engineering and College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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106
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Muth D, Meyer B, Niemeyer D, Schroeder S, Osterrieder N, Müller MA, Drosten C. Transgene expression in the genome of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus based on a novel reverse genetics system utilizing Red-mediated recombination cloning. J Gen Virol 2017; 98:2461-2469. [PMID: 28984231 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a high-priority pathogen in pandemic preparedness research. Reverse genetics systems are a valuable tool to study viral replication and pathogenesis, design attenuated vaccines and create defined viral assay systems for applications such as antiviral screening. Here we present a novel reverse genetics system for MERS-CoV that involves maintenance of the full-length viral genome as a cDNA copy inserted in a bacterial artificial chromosome amenable to manipulation by homologue recombination, based on the bacteriophage λ Red recombination system. Based on a full-length infectious MERS-CoV cDNA clone, optimal genomic insertion sites and expression strategies for GFP were identified and used to generate a reporter MERS-CoV expressing GFP in addition to the complete set of viral proteins. GFP was genetically fused to the N-terminal part of protein 4a, from which it is released during translation via porcine teschovirus 2A peptide activity. The resulting reporter virus achieved titres nearly identical to the wild-type virus 48 h after infection of Vero cells at m.o.i. 0.001 (1×105 p.f.u. ml-1 and 3×105 p.f.u. ml-1, respectively), and allowed determination of the 50 % inhibitory concentration for the known MERS-CoV inhibitor cyclosporine A based on fluorescence readout. The resulting value was 2.41 µM, which corresponds to values based on wild-type virus. The reverse genetics system described herein can be efficiently mutated by Red-mediated recombination. The GFP-expressing reporter virus contains the full set of MERS-CoV proteins and achieves wild-type titres in cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Muth
- Institute of Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Benjamin Meyer
- Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniela Niemeyer
- Institute of Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schroeder
- Institute of Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Osterrieder
- Institut für Virologie, Robert von Ostertag-Haus, Zentrum für Infektionsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel Alexander Müller
- Institute of Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.,Institute of Virology, Helmut-Ruska-Haus, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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107
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Sun Y, Zhang H, Shi J, Zhang Z, Gong R. Identification of a Novel Inhibitor against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Viruses 2017; 9:v9090255. [PMID: 28906430 PMCID: PMC5618021 DOI: 10.3390/v9090255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first isolated in 2012, and circulated worldwide with high mortality. The continual outbreaks of MERS-CoV highlight the importance of developing antiviral therapeutics. Here, we rationally designed a novel fusion inhibitor named MERS-five-helix bundle (MERS-5HB) derived from the six-helix bundle (MERS-6HB) which was formed by the process of membrane fusion. MERS-5HB consists of three copies of heptad repeat 1 (HR1) and two copies of heptad repeat 2 (HR2) while MERS-6HB includes three copies each of HR1 and HR2. As it lacks one HR2, MERS-5HB was expected to interact with viral HR2 to interrupt the fusion step. What we found was that MERS-5HB could bind to HR2P, a peptide derived from HR2, with a strong affinity value (KD) of up to 0.24 nM. Subsequent assays indicated that MERS-5HB could inhibit pseudotyped MERS-CoV entry effectively with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of about 1 μM. In addition, MERS-5HB significantly inhibited spike (S) glycoprotein-mediated syncytial formation in a dose-dependent manner. Further biophysical characterization showed that MERS-5HB was a thermo-stable α-helical secondary structure. The inhibitory potency of MERS-5HB may provide an attractive basis for identification of a novel inhibitor against MERS-CoV, as a potential antiviral agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Sun
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 44 Xiao Hong Shan, Wuhan 430071, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Huaidong Zhang
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 44 Xiao Hong Shan, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Jian Shi
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 44 Xiao Hong Shan, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 44 Xiao Hong Shan, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Rui Gong
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 44 Xiao Hong Shan, Wuhan 430071, China.
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108
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Terada Y, Kawachi K, Matsuura Y, Kamitani W. MERS coronavirus nsp1 participates in an efficient propagation through a specific interaction with viral RNA. Virology 2017; 511:95-105. [PMID: 28843094 PMCID: PMC7118922 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MERS-CoV is the only lethal human CoV still endemic in the Arabian Peninsula and neither vaccine nor therapeutics against MERS-CoV infection is available. The nsp1 of CoV is thought to be a major virulence factor because it suppresses protein synthesis through the degradation of host mRNA. In contrast, viral RNA circumvents the nsp1-mediated translational shutoff for an efficient propagation. In this study, we identified amino acid residue in MERS-CoV nsp1 that differ from those of SARS-CoV nsp1, and that appear to be crucial for circumventing the translational shutoff. In addition, reverse genetics analysis suggested the presence of a cis-acting element at the 5'-terminus of the nsp1-coding region, which contributes to the specific recognition of viral RNA that is required for an efficient viral replication. Our results suggest the CoVs share a common mechanism for circumventing the nsp1-mediated translational shutoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Terada
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Infectious Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kengo Kawachi
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Infectious Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Wataru Kamitani
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Infectious Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0843, Japan.
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109
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Al-Osail AM, Al-Wazzah MJ. The history and epidemiology of Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus. Multidiscip Respir Med 2017; 12:20. [PMID: 28794876 PMCID: PMC5545842 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-017-0101-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Corona viruses cause common cold, and infections caused by corona viruses are generally self-resolving. During the last 4 years, corona viruses have become the most important viruses worldwide because of the occurrence of several recent deaths caused by corona viruses in Saudi Arabia. Spread of the infection occurred worldwide; however, most cases of mortality have occurred in the Middle East. Owing to the predominance of outbreaks in the Middle Eastern countries, the virus was renamed a Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) by the Corona virus Study Group. The Center for Diseases Control and Prevention and World Health Organization maintain a website that is updated frequently with new cases of MERS-CoV infection. In this review, we describe the history and epidemiology of this novel virus. Studies of the genetics and molecular mechanisms of this virus are expected to facilitate the development of vaccines in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha M Al-Osail
- Imam abdulrahman Alfaisal University (University of Dammam previously), Prince Saud bin Fahd Street, P.O. Box 3669, Khobar, 31952 Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwan J Al-Wazzah
- Imam abdulrahman Alfaisal University (University of Dammam previously), Prince Saud bin Fahd Street, P.O. Box 3669, Khobar, 31952 Saudi Arabia
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110
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Abstract
Since the identification of the first patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, over 1,600 cases have been reported as of February 2016. Most cases have occurred in Saudi Arabia or in other countries on or near the Arabian Peninsula, but travel-associated cases have also been seen in countries outside the Arabian Peninsula. MERS-CoV causes a severe respiratory illness in many patients, with a case fatality rate as high as 40%, although when contacts are investigated, a significant proportion of patients are asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms. At this time, no vaccines or treatments are available. Epidemiological and other data suggest that the source of most primary cases is exposure to camels. Person-to-person transmission occurs in household and health care settings, although sustained and efficient person-to-person transmission has not been observed. Strict adherence to infection control recommendations has been associated with control of previous outbreaks. Vigilance is needed because genomic changes in MERS-CoV could result in increased transmissibility, similar to what was seen in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
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111
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Kumar A, Chaterjee S. Outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Saudi Arabian experience. CURRENT MEDICINE RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2017; 7:132-134. [PMID: 32501422 PMCID: PMC7148676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmrp.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective MERS-CoV infection is uncommonly identified among patients visiting healthcare facilities & we were vigilant in screening all patients entering our hospital to prevent cross infection among patients, visitors & healthcare providers and aiming to prevent potential outbreaks with MERS-CoV infection. In spite of our efforts on practicing Failure Mode Effect Analysis for MERS-CoV infection management we ended up having an outbreak with MERS-CoV. Based on our experience, we actively implemented policies, procedures & practices on early identification & appropriate isolation practices along with supplemental infection prevention & control measures for preventing future outbreaks at our healthcare facility. Methods Retrospectively we analyzed our failure in preventing the outbreak of MERS-CoV infection among our hospitalized patients by identifying the outbreak & actively intervening as a team to control the outbreak with the support of Hospital Higher management, Administrators, Quality improvement team, Infection prevention & control team & the active support of all healthcare workers of the facility. Results Following the early identification of MERS-CoV outbreak, we could successfully prevent large scale outbreak both in the hospital & the community. Conclusion Continuous implementation of infection prevention & control standards along with early clinical diagnosis of MERS-CoV infections based on the case definition as laid out by the Ministry of Health will prevent infectious outbreaks at healthcare facilities.
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112
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Bawazir A, Al-Mazroo E, Jradi H, Ahmed A, Badri M. MERS-CoV infection: Mind the public knowledge gap. J Infect Public Health 2017. [PMID: 28647126 PMCID: PMC7102865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In August 2015, the Corona outbreak caused by Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was the 9th episode since June 2012 in Saudi Arabia. Little is known about the public awareness toward the nature or prevention of the disease. The aim of this work was to assess the knowledge of the adult population in Riyadh toward the MERS-CoV. In this cross-sectional survey, a self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to randomly selected participants visiting malls in Riyadh. The questionnaire contained measurable epidemiological and clinical MERS-CoV knowledge level variables and relevant source of information. The study included 676 participants. Mean age was 32.5 (±SD 8.6) years and 353 (47.8%) were males. Almost all participants heard about the corona disease and causative agent. The study showed a fair overall knowledge (66.0%), less knowledge on epidemiological features of the disease (58.3%), and good knowledge (90.7%) on the clinical manifestation of the MERS-CoV. Internet was the major (89.0%) source of disease information, and other sources including health care providers, SMS, television, magazines and books were low rated (all <25%). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis age ≤30 years (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.647, 95%CI 1.048–2.584, P = 0.030), male gender (OR = 1.536, 95%CI 1.105–2.134, P = 0.01), and no tertiary education (OR = 1.957, 95%CI 1.264–3.030, P = 0.003) were independent significant predictors of poor epidemiological knowledge. This study concludes that there was inadequate epidemiological knowledge received by the public and the reliance mostly on the clinical manifestations to recognizing the MERS-CoV disease. Comprehensive public health education programs is important to increase awareness of simple epidemiological determinants of the disease is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amen Bawazir
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics(1), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences(2), Saudi Arabia.
| | - Eman Al-Mazroo
- Infection Control Department, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hoda Jradi
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics(1), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences(2), Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar Ahmed
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics(1), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences(2), Saudi Arabia
| | - Motasim Badri
- College of Public Health and Health Informatics(1), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences(2), Saudi Arabia
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113
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Widagdo W, Okba NM, Stalin Raj V, Haagmans BL. MERS-coronavirus: From discovery to intervention. One Health 2017; 3:11-16. [PMID: 28616497 PMCID: PMC5454172 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) still causes outbreaks despite public awareness and implementation of health care measures, such as rapid viral diagnosis and patient quarantine. Here we describe the current epidemiological picture of MERS-CoV, focusing on humans and animals affected by this virus and propose specific intervention strategies that would be appropriate to control MERS-CoV. One-third of MERS-CoV patients develop severe lower respiratory tract infection and succumb to a fatal outcome; these patients would require effective therapeutic antiviral therapy. Because of the lack of such intervention strategies, supportive care is the best that can be offered at the moment. Limiting viral spread from symptomatic human cases to health care workers and family members, on the other hand, could be achieved through prophylactic administration of MERS-CoV neutralizing antibodies and vaccines. To ultimately prevent spread of the virus into the human population, however, vaccination of dromedary camels - currently the only confirmed animal host for MERS-CoV - may be the best option to achieve a sustained drop in human MERS cases in time. In the end, a One Health approach combining all these different efforts is needed to tackle this zoonotic outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bart L. Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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114
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Rabaan AA, Bazzi AM, Al-Ahmed SH, Al-Tawfiq JA. Molecular aspects of MERS-CoV. Front Med 2017; 11:365-377. [PMID: 28500431 PMCID: PMC7089120 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-017-0521-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a betacoronavirus which can cause acute respiratory distress in humans and is associated with a relatively high mortality rate. Since it was first identified in a patient who died in a Jeddah hospital in 2012, the World Health Organization has been notified of 1735 laboratory-confirmed cases from 27 countries, including 628 deaths. Most cases have occurred in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoVancestors may be found in OldWorld bats of the Vespertilionidae family. After a proposed bat to camel switching event, transmission of MERS-CoV to humans is likely to have been the result of multiple zoonotic transfers from dromedary camels. Human-to-human transmission appears to require close contact with infected persons, with outbreaks mainly occurring in hospital environments. Outbreaks have been associated with inadequate infection prevention and control implementation, resulting in recommendations on basic and more advanced infection prevention and control measures by the World Health Organization, and issuing of government guidelines based on these recommendations in affected countries including Saudi Arabia. Evolutionary changes in the virus, particularly in the viral spike protein which mediates virus-host cell contact may potentially increase transmission of this virus. Efforts are on-going to identify specific evidence-based therapies or vaccines. The broad-spectrum antiviral nitazoxanide has been shown to have in vitro activity against MERS-CoV. Synthetic peptides and candidate vaccines based on regions of the spike protein have shown promise in rodent and non-human primate models. GLS-5300, a prophylactic DNA-plasmid vaccine encoding S protein, is the first MERS-CoV vaccine to be tested in humans, while monoclonal antibody, m336 has given promising results in animal models and has potential for use in outbreak situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, 31311, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ali M Bazzi
- Microbiology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, 31311, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamsah H Al-Ahmed
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, 32654, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, 31311, Saudi Arabia.,University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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115
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Hu T, Chen C, Li H, Dou Y, Zhou M, Lu D, Zong Q, Li Y, Yang C, Zhong Z, Singh N, Hu H, Zhang R, Yang H, Su D. Structural basis for dimerization and RNA binding of avian infectious bronchitis virus nsp9. Protein Sci 2017; 26:1037-1048. [PMID: 28257598 PMCID: PMC5405427 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The potential for infection by coronaviruses (CoVs) has become a serious concern with the recent emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the human population. CoVs encode two large polyproteins, which are then processed into 15–16 nonstructural proteins (nsps) that make significant contributions to viral replication and transcription by assembling the RNA replicase complex. Among them, nsp9 plays an essential role in viral replication by forming a homodimer that binds single‐stranded RNA. Thus, disrupting nsp9 dimerization is a potential anti‐CoV therapy. However, different nsp9 dimer forms have been reported for alpha‐ and beta‐CoVs, and no structural information is available for gamma‐CoVs. Here we determined the crystal structure of nsp9 from the avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a representative gamma‐CoV that affects the economy of the poultry industry because it can infect domestic fowl. IBV nsp9 forms a homodimer via interactions across a hydrophobic interface, which consists of two parallel alpha helices near the carboxy terminus of the protein. The IBV nsp9 dimer resembles that of SARS‐CoV nsp9, indicating that this type of dimerization is conserved among all CoVs. This makes disruption of the dimeric interface an excellent strategy for developing anti‐CoV therapies. To facilitate this effort, we characterized the roles of six conserved residues on this interface using site‐directed mutagenesis and a multitude of biochemical and biophysical methods. We found that three residues are critical for nsp9 dimerization and its abitlity to bind RNA. PDB Code(s): 5C94
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P.R. China
| | - Huiyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yanshu Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Deren Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qi Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yulei Li
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Yang
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Zhihui Zhong
- Laboratory of Non-human Primate Disease Modeling Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Namit Singh
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California, 92093, USA
| | - Honggang Hu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P.R. China
| | - Rundong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China.,Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P.R. China
| | - Dan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
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116
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Xie Q, Cao Y, Su J, Wu J, Wu X, Wan C, He M, Ke C, Zhang B, Zhao W. Two deletion variants of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus found in a patient with characteristic symptoms. Arch Virol 2017; 162:2445-2449. [PMID: 28421366 PMCID: PMC5506503 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-017-3361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Significant sequence variation of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV) has never been detected since it was first reported in 2012. A MERS patient came from Korea to China in late May 2015. The patient was 44 years old and had symptoms including high fever, dry cough with a little phlegm, and shortness of breath, which are roughly consistent with those associated with MERS, and had had close contact with individuals with confirmed cases of MERS.After one month of therapy with antiviral, anti-infection, and immune-enhancing agents, the patient recovered in the hospital and was discharged. A nasopharyngeal swab sample was collected for direct sequencing, which revealed two deletion variants of MERS CoV. Deletions of 414 and 419 nt occurred between ORF5 and the E protein, resulting in a partial protein fusion or truncation of ORF5 and the E protein. Functional analysis by bioinformatics and comparison to previous studies implied that the two variants might be defective in their ability to package MERS CoV. However, the mechanism of how these deletions occurred and what effects they have need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xie
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yujuan Cao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Juan Su
- Medical Key Laboratory for Repository and Application of Pathogenic Microbiology, Research Center for Pathogens Detection Technology of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Medical Key Laboratory for Repository and Application of Pathogenic Microbiology, Research Center for Pathogens Detection Technology of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianbo Wu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chengsong Wan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Mingliang He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Changwen Ke
- Medical Key Laboratory for Repository and Application of Pathogenic Microbiology, Research Center for Pathogens Detection Technology of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bao Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China. .,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Wei Zhao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China. .,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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117
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Lin XD, Wang W, Hao ZY, Wang ZX, Guo WP, Guan XQ, Wang MR, Wang HW, Zhou RH, Li MH, Tang GP, Wu J, Holmes EC, Zhang YZ. Extensive diversity of coronaviruses in bats from China. Virology 2017; 507:1-10. [PMID: 28384506 PMCID: PMC7111643 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
To help reveal the diversity and evolution of bat coronaviruses we collected 1067 bats from 21 species in China. A total of 73 coronaviruses (32 alphacoronaviruses and 41 betacoronaviruses) were identified in these bats, with an overall prevalence of 6.84%. All newly-identified betacoronaviruses were SARS-related Rhinolophus bat coronaviruses (SARSr-Rh-BatCoV). Importantly, with the exception of the S gene, the genome sequences of the SARSr-Rh-BatCoVs sampled in Guizhou province were closely related to SARS-related human coronavirus. Additionally, the newly-identified alphacoronaviruses exhibited high genetic diversity and some may represent novel species. Our phylogenetic analyses also provided insights into the transmission of these viruses among bat species, revealing a general clustering by geographic location rather than by bat species. Inter-species transmission among bats from the same genus was also commonplace in both the alphacoronaviruses and betacoronaviruses. Overall, these data suggest that high contact rates among specific bat species enable the acquisition and spread of coronaviruses. 32 alpha-CoVs and 41 beta-CoVs were identified in bats sampled from China. SARSr-Rh-BatCoVs from Guizhou province were closely related to SARS-CoV. Some of the newly identified CoVs may be novel species in the genus Alphacoronavirus. High contact rates among some bat species enable the acquisition and spread of CoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Dan Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China; Wenzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Zong-Yu Hao
- Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhao-Xiao Wang
- Guizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Wen-Ping Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Miao-Ruo Wang
- Longquan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Longquan, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- Neixiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Neixiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Run-Hong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Peng Tang
- Guizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Jiyuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiyuan, Henan Province, China
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Yong-Zhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping, Beijing, China.
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118
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Al-Amri SS, Abbas AT, Siddiq LA, Alghamdi A, Sanki MA, Al-Muhanna MK, Alhabbab RY, Azhar EI, Li X, Hashem AM. Immunogenicity of Candidate MERS-CoV DNA Vaccines Based on the Spike Protein. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44875. [PMID: 28332568 PMCID: PMC5362948 DOI: 10.1038/srep44875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MERS-coronavirus is a novel zoonotic pathogen which spread rapidly to >25 countries since 2012. Its apparent endemicity and the wide spread of its reservoir host (dromedary camels) in the Arabian Peninsula highlight the ongoing public health threat of this virus. Therefore, development of effective prophylactic vaccine needs to be urgently explored given that there are no approved prophylactics or therapeutics for humans or animals to date. Different vaccine candidates have been investigated but serious safety concerns remain over protein or full-length spike (S) protein-based vaccines. Here, we investigated the immunogenicity of naked DNA vaccines expressing different fragments of MERS-CoV S protein in mice. We found that plasmids expressing full-length (pS) or S1-subunit (pS1) could induce significant levels of S1-specific antibodies (Abs) but with distinct IgG isotype patterns. Specifically, pS1 immunization elicited a balanced Th1/Th2 response and generally higher levels of all IgG isotypes compared to pS vaccination. Interestingly, only mice immunized with pS1 demonstrated significant S1-specific cellular immune response. Importantly, both constructs induced cross-neutralizing Abs against multiple strains of human and camel origins. These results indicate that vaccines expressing S1-subunit of the MERS-CoV S protein could represent a potential vaccine candidate without the possible safety concerns associated with full-length protein-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan S Al-Amri
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman T Abbas
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Gastroenterology Surgery Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Loai A Siddiq
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar Alghamdi
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad A Sanki
- Hematology Laboratory, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhanna K Al-Muhanna
- Materials Science Research Institute, National Nanotechnology Center, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowa Y Alhabbab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xuguang Li
- Center for Vaccine Evaluation; Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate; Health Canada; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anwar M Hashem
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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119
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Vergara-Alert J, Vidal E, Bensaid A, Segalés J. Searching for animal models and potential target species for emerging pathogens: Experience gained from Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus. One Health 2017; 3:34-40. [PMID: 28616501 PMCID: PMC5454147 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging pathogens represent a substantial threat to public health, as demonstrated with numerous outbreaks over the past years, including the 2013-2016 outbreak of Ebola virus in western Africa. Coronaviruses are also a threat for humans, as evidenced in 2002/2003 with infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which caused more than 8000 human infections with 10% fatality rate in 37 countries. Ten years later, a novel human coronavirus (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, MERS-CoV), associated with severe pneumonia, arose in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Until December 2016, MERS has accounted for more than 1800 cases and 35% fatality rate. Finding an animal model of disease is key to develop vaccines or antivirals against such emerging pathogens and to understand its pathogenesis. Knowledge of the potential role of domestic livestock and other animal species in the transmission of pathogens is of importance to understand the epidemiology of the disease. Little is known about MERS-CoV animal host range. In this paper, experimental data on potential hosts for MERS-CoV is reviewed. Advantages and limitations of different animal models are evaluated in relation to viral pathogenesis and transmission studies. Finally, the relevance of potential new target species is discussed.
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Key Words
- Animal model
- BSL, biosafety level
- Coronavirus (CoV)
- DPP4, dipeptidyl peptidase-4
- Emerging pathogen
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- HCoV, human coronaviruses
- MERS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
- NHP, Nonhuman primates
- PI, post-inoculation
- RDB, receptor binding domain
- Reservoir
- SARS-CoV, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- URT, upper respiratory tract
- WHO, World Health Organization
- hDPP4, human dipeptidyl peptidase-4
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Vergara-Alert
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Enric Vidal
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Albert Bensaid
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Joaquim Segalés
- UAB, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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120
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loua Al Shaikh
- 2Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar. http://as.hamad.qa
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121
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Aleanizy FS, Mohmed N, Alqahtani FY, El Hadi Mohamed RA. Outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:23. [PMID: 28056850 PMCID: PMC5217314 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-2137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is proposed to be a zoonotic disease. Dromedary camels have been implicated due to reports that some confirmed cases were exposed to camels. Risk factors for MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections in humans are incompletely understood. This study aimed to describe the demographic characteristics, mortality rate, clinical manifestations and comorbidities with confirmed cases of MERS-CoV. METHODS Retrospective chart review were performed to identify all laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia who reported to the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Saudi Arabia and WHO between April 23, 2014 and August 31, 2015. Patients' charts were also reviewed for demographic information, mortality, comorbidities, clinical presentations, health care facility and presented with descriptive and comparative statistics using non parametric binomial test and Chi-square test. RESULTS Confirmed cases of male patients (61.1%) exceeded those of female patients (38.9%). Infections among Saudi patients (62.6%) exceeded those among non-Saudi patients (37.4%; P = 0.001). The majority of the patients were aged 21-40 years (37.4%) or 41-60 years (35.8%); 43 (22.6%) were aged >61 years, and (8) 4.2% were aged 0-20 years. There was a difference in mortality between confirmed MERS-CoV cases (63.7% alive versus 36.3% dead cases, respectively). Furthermore, fever with cough and shortness of breath (SOB) (n = 39; 20.5%), fever with cough (n = 29; 15.3%), fever (n = 18; 9.5%), and fever with SOB (n = 13; 6.8%), were the most common clinical manifestations associated with confirmed MERS-CoV cases. CONCLUSION MERS-CoV is considered an epidemic in Saudi Arabia. The results of the present study showed that the frequency of cases is higher among men than women, in Saudi patients than non-Saudi, and those between 21 to 60 years are most affected. Further studies are required to improve the surveillance associated with MERS-CoV to get definite and clear answers and better understanding of the MERS-CoV outbreak as well the source, and route of infection transmission in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadilah Sfouq Aleanizy
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, King Saud University, 22452, Riyadh, 11495 Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahla Mohmed
- College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 12484 Saudi Arabia
| | - Fulwah Y. Alqahtani
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, King Saud University, 22452, Riyadh, 11495 Saudi Arabia
| | - Rania Ali El Hadi Mohamed
- College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 12484 Saudi Arabia
- Scientific research, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, 303 Sudan
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122
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Systematic, active surveillance for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in camels in Egypt. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017; 6:e1. [PMID: 28050021 PMCID: PMC5285495 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe human infections and dromedary camels are considered an intermediary host. The dynamics of natural infection in camels are not well understood. Through systematic surveillance in Egypt, nasal, rectal, milk, urine and serum samples were collected from camels between June 2014 and February 2016. Locations included quarantines, markets, abattoirs, free-roaming herds and farmed breeding herds. The overall seroprevalence was 71% and RNA detection rate was 15%. Imported camels had higher seroprevalence (90% vs 61%) and higher RT-PCR detection rates (21% vs 12%) than locally raised camels. Juveniles had lower seroprevalence than adults (37% vs 82%) but similar RT-PCR detection rates (16% vs 15%). An outbreak in a breeding herd, showed that antibodies rapidly wane, that camels become re-infected, and that outbreaks in a herd are sustained for an extended time. Maternal antibodies titers were very low in calves regardless of the antibody titers of the mothers. Our results support the hypothesis that camels are a reservoir for MERS-CoV and that camel trade is an important route of introducing the virus into importing countries. Findings related to waning antibodies and re-infection have implications for camel vaccine development, disease management and zoonotic threat.
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Rahaman J, Siltberg-Liberles J. Avoiding Regions Symptomatic of Conformational and Functional Flexibility to Identify Antiviral Targets in Current and Future Coronaviruses. Genome Biol Evol 2016; 8:3471-3484. [PMID: 27797946 PMCID: PMC5203785 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the last 15 years, two related coronaviruses (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome [SARS]-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [MERS]-CoV) expanded their host range to include humans, with increased virulence in their new host. Coronaviruses were recently found to have little intrinsic disorder compared with many other virus families. Because intrinsically disordered regions have been proposed to be important for rewiring interactions between virus and host, we investigated the conservation of intrinsic disorder and secondary structure in coronaviruses in an evolutionary context. We found that regions of intrinsic disorder are rarely conserved among different coronavirus protein families, with the primary exception of the nucleocapsid. Also, secondary structure predictions are only conserved across 50–80% of sites for most protein families, with the implication that 20–50% of sites do not have conserved secondary structure prediction. Furthermore, nonconserved structure sites are significantly less constrained in sequence divergence than either sites conserved in the secondary structure or sites conserved in loop. Avoiding regions symptomatic of conformational flexibility such as disordered sites and sites with nonconserved secondary structure to identify potential broad-specificity antiviral targets, only one sequence motif (five residues or longer) remains from the >10,000 starting sites across all coronaviruses in this study. The identified sequence motif is found within the nonstructural protein (NSP) 12 and constitutes an antiviral target potentially effective against the present day and future coronaviruses. On shorter evolutionary timescales, the SARS and MERS clades have more sequence motifs fulfilling the criteria applied. Interestingly, many motifs map to NSP12 making this a prime target for coronavirus antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordon Rahaman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Jessica Siltberg-Liberles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL .,Department of Biological Sciences, Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL
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Du L, Yang Y, Zhou Y, Lu L, Li F, Jiang S. MERS-CoV spike protein: a key target for antivirals. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 21:131-143. [PMID: 27936982 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1271415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The continual Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) threat highlights the importance of developing effective antiviral therapeutics to prevent and treat MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. A surface spike (S) protein guides MERS-CoV entry into host cells by binding to cellular receptor dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), followed by fusion between virus and host cell membranes. MERS-CoV S protein represents a key target for developing therapeutics to block viral entry and inhibit membrane fusion. Areas covered: This review illustrates MERS-CoV S protein's structure and function, particularly S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and S2 heptad repeat 1 (HR1) as therapeutic targets, and summarizes current advancement on developing anti-MERS-CoV therapeutics, focusing on neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antiviral peptides. Expert opinion: No anti-MERS-CoV therapeutic is approved for human use. Several S-targeting neutralizing mAbs and peptides have demonstrated efficacy against MERS-CoV infection, providing feasibility for development. Generally, human neutralizing mAbs targeting RBD are more potent than those targeting other regions of S protein. However, emergence of escape mutant viruses and mAb's limitations make it necessary for combining neutralizing mAbs recognizing different neutralizing epitopes and engineering them with improved efficacy and reduced cost. Optimization of the peptide sequences is expected to produce next-generation anti-MERS-CoV peptides with improved potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanying Du
- a Laboratory of Viral Immunology , Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center , New York , NY , USA
| | - Yang Yang
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Minnesota Medical School , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Yusen Zhou
- c State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity , Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology , Beijing , China
| | - Lu Lu
- d Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of Medical Microbiology , Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Fang Li
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Minnesota Medical School , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Shibo Jiang
- a Laboratory of Viral Immunology , Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center , New York , NY , USA.,d Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of Medical Microbiology , Fudan University , Shanghai , China
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Recombinant Receptor-Binding Domains of Multiple Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses (MERS-CoVs) Induce Cross-Neutralizing Antibodies against Divergent Human and Camel MERS-CoVs and Antibody Escape Mutants. J Virol 2016; 91:JVI.01651-16. [PMID: 27795425 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01651-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) binds to cellular receptor dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) via the spike (S) protein receptor-binding domain (RBD). The RBD contains critical neutralizing epitopes and serves as an important vaccine target. Since RBD mutations occur in different MERS-CoV isolates and antibody escape mutants, cross-neutralization of divergent MERS-CoV strains by RBD-induced antibodies remains unknown. Here, we constructed four recombinant RBD (rRBD) proteins with single or multiple mutations detected in representative human MERS-CoV strains from the 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 outbreaks, respectively, and one rRBD protein with multiple changes derived from camel MERS-CoV strains. Like the RBD of prototype EMC2012 (EMC-RBD), all five RBDs maintained good antigenicity and functionality, the ability to bind RBD-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and the DPP4 receptor, and high immunogenicity, able to elicit S-specific antibodies. They induced potent neutralizing antibodies cross-neutralizing 17 MERS pseudoviruses expressing S proteins of representative human and camel MERS-CoV strains identified during the 2012-2015 outbreaks, 5 MAb escape MERS-CoV mutants, and 2 live human MERS-CoV strains. We then constructed two RBDs mutated in multiple key residues in the receptor-binding motif (RBM) of RBD and demonstrated their strong cross-reactivity with anti-EMC-RBD antibodies. These RBD mutants with diminished DPP4 binding also led to virus attenuation, suggesting that immunoevasion after RBD immunization is accompanied by loss of viral fitness. Therefore, this study demonstrates that MERS-CoV RBD is an important vaccine target able to induce highly potent and broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies against infection by divergent circulating human and camel MERS-CoV strains. IMPORTANCE MERS-CoV was first identified in June 2012 and has since spread in humans and camels. Mutations in its spike (S) protein receptor-binding domain (RBD), a key vaccine target, have been identified, raising concerns over the efficacy of RBD-based MERS vaccines against circulating human and camel MERS-CoV strains. Here, we constructed five vaccine candidates, designated 2012-RBD, 2013-RBD, 2014-RBD, 2015-RBD, and Camel-RBD, containing single or multiple mutations in the RBD of representative human and camel MERS-CoV strains during the 2012-2015 outbreaks. These RBD-based vaccine candidates maintained good functionality, antigenicity, and immunogenicity, and they induced strong cross-neutralizing antibodies against infection by divergent pseudotyped and live MERS-CoV strains, as well as antibody escape MERS-CoV mutants. This study provides impetus for further development of a safe, highly effective, and broad-spectrum RBD-based subunit vaccine to prevent MERS-CoV infection.
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126
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Khalili Bagaloy H, Sakhaee E, Khalili M. Detection of pancoronavirus using PCR in Camelus dromedarius in Iran (first report). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 26:193-196. [PMID: 32214976 PMCID: PMC7087877 DOI: 10.1007/s00580-016-2368-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviride is a colossal family of viruses that cause a variety of diseases in humans and other animals. As of late, a novel coronavirus, not anterior-optically discerned in humans, has been identified in a denizen of the Middle East. There is growing evidence that the Camelus dromedarius is host species for the virus and plays an important role of a source of human infection. Along these lines, the authors decided to detect coronaviruses in dromedary camels in two high-risk areas of Iran by employing an reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. In the present study, nasal swab specimens were collected from 98 camels (C. dromedarius) traditionally reared in southeast and northwest of Iran. The detection of pancoronavirus was carried out, using RT-PCR. Pancoronavirus RNA was observed in seven cases among 98 nasal swab samples. Among these, 4 positive samples belonged to Azerbaijan province located in northwest of Iran and 3 positive samples were taken from southeast of Iran. The results of this study contribute to raising the hypothesis to the extent of transmission and risk factors for human infection and public health in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heydar Khalili Bagaloy
- 1Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsanollah Sakhaee
- 1Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khalili
- 2Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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O’Dea MA, Jackson B, Jackson C, Xavier P, Warren K. Discovery and Partial Genomic Characterisation of a Novel Nidovirus Associated with Respiratory Disease in Wild Shingleback Lizards (Tiliqua rugosa). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165209. [PMID: 27828982 PMCID: PMC5102451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A respiratory disease syndrome has been observed in large numbers of wild shingleback lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) admitted to wildlife care facilities in the Perth metropolitan region of Western Australia. Mortality rates are reportedly high without supportive treatment and care. Here we used next generation sequencing techniques to screen affected and unaffected individuals admitted to Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Perth between April and December 2015, with the resultant discovery of a novel nidovirus significantly associated with cases of respiratory disease according to a case definition based on clinical signs. Interestingly this virus was also found in 12% of apparently healthy individuals, which may reflect testing during the incubation period or a carrier status, or it may be that this agent is not causative in the disease process. This is the first report of a nidovirus in lizards globally. In addition to detection of this virus, characterisation of a 23,832 nt segment of the viral genome revealed the presence of characteristic nidoviral genomic elements providing phylogenetic support for the inclusion of this virus in a novel genus alongside Ball Python nidovirus, within the Torovirinae sub-family of the Coronaviridae. This study highlights the importance of next generation sequencing technologies to detect and describe emerging infectious diseases in wildlife species, as well as the importance of rehabilitation centres to enhance early detection mechanisms through passive and targeted health surveillance. Further development of diagnostic tools from these findings will aid in detection and control of this agent across Australia, and potentially in wild lizard populations globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. O’Dea
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Bethany Jackson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Carol Jackson
- Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, 120 Gilchrist Rd, Lesmurdie, WA, Australia
| | - Pally Xavier
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Kristin Warren
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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Huang C, Qi J, Lu G, Wang Q, Yuan Y, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Yan J, Gao GF. Putative Receptor Binding Domain of Bat-Derived Coronavirus HKU9 Spike Protein: Evolution of Betacoronavirus Receptor Binding Motifs. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5977-5988. [PMID: 27696819 PMCID: PMC7075523 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The suggested bat origin for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has revitalized the studies of other bat-derived coronaviruses with respect to interspecies transmission potential. Bat coronavirus (BatCoV) HKU9 is an important betacoronavirus (betaCoV) that is phylogenetically affiliated with the same genus as MERS-CoV. The bat surveillance data indicated that BatCoV HKU9 has been widely spreading and circulating in bats. This highlights the necessity of characterizing the virus for its potential to cross species barriers. The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the coronavirus spike (S) protein recognizes host receptors to mediate virus entry and is therefore a key factor determining the viral tropism and transmission capacity. In this study, the putative S RBD of BatCoV HKU9 (HKU9-RBD), which is homologous to other betaCoV RBDs that have been structurally and functionally defined, was characterized via a series of biophysical and crystallographic methods. By using surface plasmon resonance, we demonstrated that HKU9-RBD binds to neither SARS-CoV receptor ACE2 nor MERS-CoV receptor CD26. We further determined the atomic structure of HKU9-RBD, which as expected is composed of a core and an external subdomain. The core subdomain fold resembles those of other betaCoV RBDs, whereas the external subdomain is structurally unique with a single helix, explaining the inability of HKU9-RBD to react with either ACE2 or CD26. Via comparison of the available RBD structures, we further proposed a homologous intersubdomain binding mode in betaCoV RBDs that anchors the external subdomain to the core subdomain. The revealed RBD features would shed light on the evolution route of betaCoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canping Huang
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) , Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guangwen Lu
- West China Hospital Emergency Department (WCHED), State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qihui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, China
| | - Ying Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanfang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jinghua Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101, China
| | - George F Gao
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) , Beijing 102206, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101, China.,School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, China.,Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Vaccines, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Tianjin 300308, China.,Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101, China
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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): Impact on Saudi Arabia, 2015. Saudi J Biol Sci 2016; 25:1402-1405. [PMID: 30505188 PMCID: PMC6252006 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome is the acute respiratory syndrome caused by betacoronavirus MERS-CoV. The first case of this disease was reported from Saudi Arabia in 2012. This virus is lethal and is a close relative of a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which is responsible for more than 3000 deaths in 2002-2003. According to Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. The number of new cases is 457 in 2015. Riyadh has the highest number of reports in comparison to the other cities. According to this report, males are more susceptible than female, especially after the age of 40. Because of the awareness and early diagnosis the incidence is falling gradually. The pre-existence of another disease like cancer or diabetic etc. boosts the infection. MERS is a zoonotic disease and human to human transmission is low. The MERS-CoV is a RNA virus with protein envelope. On the outer surface, virus has spike like glycoprotein which is responsible for the attachment and entrance inside host cells. There is no specific treatment for the MERS-CoV till now, but drugs are in pipeline which bind with the spike glycoprotein and inhibit its entrance host cells. MERS-CoV and SAR-CoV are from the same genus, so it was thought that the drugs which inhibit the growth of SARS-CoV can also inhibit the growth of MERS-CoV but those drugs are not completely inhibiting virus activity. Until we don't have proper structure and the treatment of MERS-CoV, We should take precautions, especially the health care workers, Camel owners and Pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah, because they are at a higher risk of getting infected.
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130
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Younan M, Bornstein S, Gluecks IV. MERS and the dromedary camel trade between Africa and the Middle East. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 48:1277-82. [PMID: 27324244 PMCID: PMC7089074 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-016-1089-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Dromedary camels are the most likely source for the coronavirus that sporadically causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in humans. Serological results from archived camel sera provide evidence for circulation of MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) among dromedary camels in the Greater Horn of Africa as far back as 1983 and in Saudi Arabia as far back as 1992. High seroprevalences of MERS-CoV antibodies and the high virus prevalence in Saudi Arabian dromedary camels indicate an endemicity of the virus in the Arabian Peninsula, which predates the 2012 human MERS index case. Saudi Arabian dromedary camels show significantly higher MERS-CoV carrier rates than dromedary camels imported from Africa. Two MERS-CoV lineages identified in Nigerian camels were found to be genetically distinct from those found in camels and humans in the Middle East. This supports the hypothesis that camel imports from Africa are not of significance for circulation of the virus in camel populations of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Younan
- Animal Health and Livestock Consultant, P.O. Box 847-10400, Nanyuki, Kenya.
| | - S Bornstein
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - I V Gluecks
- Animal Health and Livestock Consultant, P.O. Box 25654-00603, Nairobi, Kenya
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131
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Kim CJ, Choi WS, Jung Y, Kiem S, Seol HY, Woo HJ, Choi YH, Son JS, Kim KH, Kim YS, Kim ES, Park SH, Yoon JH, Choi SM, Lee H, Oh WS, Choi SY, Kim NJ, Choi JP, Park SY, Kim J, Jeong SJ, Lee KS, Jang HC, Rhee JY, Kim BN, Bang JH, Lee JH, Park S, Kim HY, Choi JK, Wi YM, Choi HJ. Surveillance of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (CoV) infection in healthcare workers after contact with confirmed MERS patients: incidence and risk factors of MERS-CoV seropositivity. Clin Microbiol Infect 2016; 22:880-886. [PMID: 27475739 PMCID: PMC7128923 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Given the mode of transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), healthcare workers (HCWs) in contact with MERS patients are expected to be at risk of MERS infections. We evaluated the prevalence of MERS coronavirus (CoV) immunoglobulin (Ig) G in HCWs exposed to MERS patients and calculated the incidence of MERS-affected cases in HCWs. We enrolled HCWs from hospitals where confirmed MERS patients had visited. Serum was collected 4 to 6 weeks after the last contact with a confirmed MERS patient. We performed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to screen for the presence of MERS-CoV IgG and an indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) to confirm MERS-CoV IgG. We used a questionnaire to collect information regarding the exposure. We calculated the incidence of MERS-affected cases by dividing the sum of PCR-confirmed and serology-confirmed cases by the number of exposed HCWs in participating hospitals. In total, 1169 HCWs in 31 hospitals had contact with 114 MERS patients, and among the HCWs, 15 were PCR-confirmed MERS cases in study hospitals. Serologic analysis was performed for 737 participants. ELISA was positive in five participants and borderline for seven. IIFT was positive for two (0.3%) of these 12 participants. Among the participants who did not use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), seropositivity was 0.7% (2/294) compared to 0% (0/443) in cases with appropriate PPE use. The incidence of MERS infection in HCWs was 1.5% (17/1169). The seroprevalence of MERS-CoV IgG among HCWs was higher among participants who did not use appropriate PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-J Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, South Korea
| | - W S Choi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Y Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, South Korea
| | - S Kiem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, South Korea
| | - H Y Seol
- Department of Internal Medicine, Good GangAn Hospital, South Korea
| | - H J Woo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, South Korea
| | - Y H Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, South Korea
| | - J S Son
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, South Korea
| | - K-H Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, South Korea
| | - Y-S Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, South Korea
| | - E S Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - S H Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, South Korea
| | - J H Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji University Hospital, South Korea
| | - S-M Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, South Korea
| | - H Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Dong-A University Hospital, South Korea
| | - W S Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, South Korea
| | - S-Y Choi
- Department of Neurology, Dae Cheong Hospital, South Korea
| | - N-J Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea
| | - J-P Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Medical Center, South Korea
| | - S Y Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, South Korea
| | - J Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, South Korea
| | - S J Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, South Korea
| | - K S Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Myongji Hospital, South Korea
| | - H C Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, South Korea
| | - J Y Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University Hospital, South Korea
| | - B-N Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, South Korea
| | - J H Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Borame Medical Center, South Korea
| | - J H Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Hospital, South Korea
| | - S Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Seobuk Hospital Seoul Metropolitan Government, South Korea
| | - H Y Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, South Korea
| | - J K Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, South Korea
| | - Y-M Wi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, South Korea
| | - H J Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, South Korea.
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132
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Wang Q, Wong G, Lu G, Yan J, Gao GF. MERS-CoV spike protein: Targets for vaccines and therapeutics. Antiviral Res 2016; 133:165-77. [PMID: 27468951 PMCID: PMC7113765 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The disease outbreak caused by Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is still ongoing in the Middle East. Over 1700 people have been infected since it was first reported in September 2012. Despite great efforts, licensed vaccines or therapeutics against MERS-CoV remain unavailable. The MERS-CoV spike (S) protein is an important viral antigen known to mediate host-receptor binding and virus entry, as well as induce robust humoral and cell-mediated responses in humans during infection. In this review, we highlight the importance of the S protein in the MERS-CoV life cycle, summarize recent advances in the development of vaccines and therapeutics based on the S protein, and discuss strategies that can be explored to develop new medical countermeasures against MERS-CoV. A licensed vaccine or therapeutic against MERS-CoV remains unavailable to date. The S protein plays a pivotal role for virus entry and thus is an ideal target for vaccine and antiviral development. DNA vaccines expressing the S protein merit further development for potential human application. nAbs and peptides targeting the S protein needs to be evaluated in NHPs before clinical trials.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
- Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
- Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control
- Coronavirus Infections/therapy
- Drug Discovery
- Humans
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/immunology
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/physiology
- Receptors, Virus/chemistry
- Receptors, Virus/metabolism
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, Subunit/immunology
- Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
- Virus Internalization
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China.
| | - Gary Wong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Influenza Research and Early-warning (CASCIRE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guangwen Lu
- West China Hospital Emergency Department (WCHED), State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jinghua Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - George F Gao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518112, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Influenza Research and Early-warning (CASCIRE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing 102206, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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133
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Al-Hazmi A. Challenges presented by MERS corona virus, and SARS corona virus to global health. Saudi J Biol Sci 2016; 23:507-11. [PMID: 27298584 PMCID: PMC4890194 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous viral infections have arisen and affected global healthcare facilities. Millions of people are at severe risk of acquiring several evolving viral infections through several factors. In the present article we have described about risk factors, chance of infection, and prevention methods of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), human coronaviruses (CoVs) frequently cause a normal cold which is mild and self-restricting. Zoonotic transmission of CoVs such as the newly discovered MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, may be associated with severe lower respiratory tract infection. The present review provides the recent clinical and pathological information on MERS and SARS. The task is to transform these discoveries about MERS and SARS pathogenesis and to develop intervention methods that will eventually allow the effective control of these recently arising severe viral infections. Global health sector has learnt many lessons through the recent outbreak of MERS and SARS, but the need for identifying new antiviral treatment was not learned. In the present article we have reviewed the literature on the several facets like transmission, precautions and effectiveness of treatments used in patients with MERS-CoV and SARS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Al-Hazmi
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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134
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Zyoud SH. Global research trends of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: a bibliometric analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:255. [PMID: 27267256 PMCID: PMC4897912 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1600-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a virus that causes severe viral pneumonia in humans, known to have a high mortality rate and a similarity in clinical symptoms with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. It was first isolated in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in 2012 and after that, MERS-CoV exhibited outbreaks in several regions of the world. This study aimed to assess the characteristics of publications involving MERS-CoV at global level by using a bibliometric analysis. METHODS Scopus database was searched on March 4, 2016 for MERS-CoV publications published between 2012 and 2015. It was performed on the same day in order to avoid the possible bias came from update on the database because the metrics are changing over time. All publication types were considered; however publications as errata were excluded. Analysis parameters include year of publication, publication type, patterns of international collaboration, research institutions, journals, impact factor, h-index, language, and times cited. RESULTS A total of 883 MERS-CoV research publications were published across the world. The MERS-CoV-associated publications were originated from 92 countries/territories, indicating the international spread of MERS-CoV research. The USA was the largest contributor, with 319 articles published over 4 years, followed by KSA (113 articles). The total number of citations for these publications has already achieved 8,015, with an average of 9.01 citations per each publication. The h-index for MERS-CoV-associated publications was 48. The USA also have the highest h-index (32), followed by KSA (26) and UK (22). Netherland produced the greatest proportion of publications with international research collaboration (72.7 %) followed by the UK (71 %) and Germany (69.1 %) out of the total number of publications for each country. CONCLUSIONS There is a rapid increase in research activities related to MERS-CoV from 2012 to 2015. This study demonstrates that the MERS-CoV related literature has grown to be more extensive and global over the past 4 years. The bulk of publications in the field of MERS-CoV research are published by high-income countries such as the USA. Furthermore, the USA, the UK and KSA may have higher quality of articles according to the value of h-index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa'ed H Zyoud
- Division of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
- Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
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135
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Yousefi M, Dehesh MM, Farokhnia M. Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Iran in 2014. Jpn J Infect Dis 2016; 70:115-118. [PMID: 27169943 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2015.536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was a great global concern in 2014. It has a wide range of manifestations that may differ in each area as well as high mortality. In this study, we report the epidemiological characteristics, history, clinical, and paraclinical information of all 5 patients from Iran with laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV. All patients were from Kerman province. None of them had a history of travel, contact with animals, or consumption of camel milk products, however, all of the patients had contact with a person who had been in Saudi-Arabia and experienced respiratory infection. One of the 5 patients was a man and 2 passed away from the disease. Fever and respiratory symptoms were the most common symptoms, and 2 patients had watery diarrhea. Alveolar patterns were observed in all available chest radiograms, and 3 patients had elevated liver aminotransferase levels. Two of these patients had leukopenia, and none had renal failure. In conclusion, the results of this study underscore the need for all patients with acute respiratory symptoms with contact with a person who has recently traveled to Saudi-Arabia and experienced respiratory infection to be investigated for MERS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysam Yousefi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences
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136
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Senga M, Arabi YM, Fowler RA. Clinical spectrum of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). J Infect Public Health 2016; 10:191-194. [PMID: 27140697 PMCID: PMC7102817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mikiko Senga
- Department of Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Yaseen M Arabi
- Intensive Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert A Fowler
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Critical Care Medicine and Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Canada
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137
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Atabani SF, Wilson S, Overton-Lewis C, Workman J, Kidd IM, Petersen E, Zumla A, Smit E, Osman H. Active screening and surveillance in the United Kingdom for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in returning travellers and pilgrims from the Middle East: a prospective descriptive study for the period 2013-2015. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 47:10-4. [PMID: 27117200 PMCID: PMC7110479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remains a threat to global health security, and continuous surveillance for the virus in returning pilgrims or travellers from the Middle East is required. The UK is home to over two million Muslims. Around 25 000 UK pilgrims visit Mecca and Medina each year for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. During the years 2013–2015, 214 UK patients who had travelled to the Middle East fulfilled the criteria of the MERS-CoV case definition algorithm and were tested for MERS-CoV infection. No MERS-CoV cases were detected over the period of Hajj seasons 2013, 2014, and 2015. A viral aetiology was detected in 50% of cases. Rhinovirus and influenza A, detected in equal proportions, were the most common viruses detected. Heightened awareness and rapid screening are essential parts of sustained surveillance to prevent outbreaks of MERS-CoV.
Background Over 25 000 pilgrims from the UK visit Saudi Arabia every year for the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages. The recent outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in South Korea and the continuing reports of MERS-CoV cases from Saudi Arabia highlight the need for active surveillance for MERS-CoV in returning pilgrims or travellers from the Middle East. Public Health England Birmingham Laboratory (PHEBL) is one of a few selected UK public health laboratories responsible for MERS-CoV screening in travellers returning to the UK from the Middle East who present to hospital with severe respiratory symptoms. The results of the PHEBL MERS-CoV screening and surveillance over the past 3 years is presented. Methods UK travellers/pilgrims who returned from the Middle East and presented to a hospital with respiratory symptoms were studied over the period February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015. Patients with respiratory symptoms, who satisfied the Public Health England MERS-CoV case algorithm, were tested for MERS-CoV and other respiratory tract viruses on admission to hospital. Results Two hundred and two patients suspected of having MERS-CoV were tested. None of them had a laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV infection. A viral aetiology was detected in half (50.3%) of the cases, with rhinoviruses, influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2), and influenza B being most frequent. Peak testing occurred following the annual Hajj season and in other periods of raised national awareness. Conclusions Respiratory tract infections in travellers/pilgrims returning to the UK from the Middle East are mainly due to rhinoviruses, influenza A, and influenza B. Whilst MERS-CoV was not detected in the 202 patients studied, heightened awareness of the possibility of MERS-CoV and continuous proactive surveillance are essential to rapidly identify cases of MERS-CoV and other seasonal respiratory tract viruses such as avian influenza, in patients presenting to hospital. Early identification and isolation may prevent outbreaks in nosocomial settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowsan F Atabani
- Public Health England Birmingham Laboratory, National Infection Service, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK.
| | - Steven Wilson
- Public Health England Birmingham Laboratory, National Infection Service, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK
| | - Clare Overton-Lewis
- Public Health England Birmingham Laboratory, National Infection Service, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK
| | - Judith Workman
- Public Health England Birmingham Laboratory, National Infection Service, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK
| | - I Michael Kidd
- Department of Virology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Eskild Petersen
- Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, and UK National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Erasmus Smit
- Public Health England Birmingham Laboratory, National Infection Service, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK
| | - Husam Osman
- Public Health England Birmingham Laboratory, National Infection Service, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK
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138
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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus M protein suppresses type I interferon expression through the inhibition of TBK1-dependent phosphorylation of IRF3. Emerg Microbes Infect 2016; 5:e39. [PMID: 27094905 PMCID: PMC4855074 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection has claimed hundreds of lives and has become a global threat since its emergence in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The ability of MERS-CoV to evade the host innate antiviral response may contribute to its severe pathogenesis. Many MERS-CoV-encoded proteins were identified to have interferon (IFN)-antagonizing properties, which correlates well with the reduced IFN levels observed in infected patients and ex vivo models. In this study, we fully characterized the IFN-antagonizing property of the MERS-CoV M protein. Expression of MERS-CoV M protein suppressed type I IFN expression in response to Sendai virus infection or poly(I:C) induction. This suppressive effect was found to be specific for the activation of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) but not nuclear factor-κB. MERS-CoV M protein interacted with TRAF3 and disrupted TRAF3–TBK1 association leading to reduced IRF3 activation. M proteins from MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV have three highly similar conserved N-terminal transmembrane domains and a C-terminal region. Using chimeric and truncation mutants, the N-terminal transmembrane domains of the MERS-CoV M protein were found to be sufficient for its inhibitory effect on IFN expression, whereas the C-terminal domain was unable to induce this suppression. Collectively, our findings suggest a common and conserved mechanism through which highly pathogenic MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV harness their M proteins to suppress type I IFN expression at the level of TBK1-dependent phosphorylation and activation of IRF3 resulting in evasion of the host innate antiviral response.
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139
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Corti D, Passini N, Lanzavecchia A, Zambon M. Rapid generation of a human monoclonal antibody to combat Middle East respiratory syndrome. J Infect Public Health 2016; 9:231-5. [PMID: 27102927 PMCID: PMC7102728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The last century has witnessed the emergence of several previously unknown viruses as life-threatening human pathogens. Several examples include HIV, Ebola, Lujo, and, most recently, the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Ebola. In this study, we describe a method for the swift generation of a human-derived monoclonal antibody, known as LCA60, as a treatment for MERS infections. LCA60 antibody was generated using the Cellclone Technology from the immortalized B cells of a human donor recovering from MERS. Only four months were required from the initial screening of B cells to the development of a stable CHO cell line suitable for the production of clinical grade antibody, thereby delineating a rapid pathway for the development of antiviral therapies against emerging viruses. Currently, the LCA60 antibody is being considered for clinical development, which includes prophylaxis in individuals at risk and a treatment for severe MERS-CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Lanzavecchia
- Immune Regulation Unit, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Institute of Microbiology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Zambon
- Microbiology Services Colindale, Public Health England, London NW9 5HT, United Kingdom
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140
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Differential Expression of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Receptor in the Upper Respiratory Tracts of Humans and Dromedary Camels. J Virol 2016; 90:4838-4842. [PMID: 26889022 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02994-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is not efficiently transmitted between humans, but it is highly prevalent in dromedary camels. Here we report that the MERS-CoV receptor--dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4)--is expressed in the upper respiratory tract epithelium of camels but not in that of humans. Lack of DPP4 expression may be the primary cause of limited MERS-CoV replication in the human upper respiratory tract and hence restrict transmission.
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141
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Konno H, Wakabayashi M, Takanuma D, Saito Y, Akaji K. Design and synthesis of a series of serine derivatives as small molecule inhibitors of the SARS coronavirus 3CL protease. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:1241-54. [PMID: 26879854 PMCID: PMC7111485 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Synthesis of serine derivatives having the essential functional groups for the inhibitor of SARS 3CL protease and evaluation of their inhibitory activities using SARS 3CL R188I mutant protease are described. The lead compounds, functionalized serine derivatives, were designed based on the tetrapeptide aldehyde and Bai's cinnamoly inhibitor, and additionally performed with simulation on GOLD softwear. Structure activity relationship studies of the candidate compounds were given reasonable inhibitors ent-3 and ent-7k against SARS 3CL R188I mutant protease. These inhibitors showed protease selectivity and no cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Konno
- Department of Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan.
| | - Masaki Wakabayashi
- Department of Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
| | - Daiki Takanuma
- Department of Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
| | - Yota Saito
- Department of Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
| | - Kenichi Akaji
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
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142
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Baseler L, de Wit E, Feldmann H. A Comparative Review of Animal Models of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection. Vet Pathol 2016; 53:521-31. [PMID: 26869154 DOI: 10.1177/0300985815620845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was initially isolated from a Saudi Arabian man with fatal pneumonia. Since the original case in 2012, MERS-CoV infections have been reported in >1500 humans, and the case fatality rate is currently 35%. This lineage C betacoronavirus has been reported to cause a wide range of disease severity in humans, ranging from asymptomatic to progressive fatal pneumonia that may be accompanied by renal or multiorgan failure. Although the clinical presentation of human MERS-CoV infection has been documented, many facets of this emerging disease are still unknown and could be studied with animal models. Several animal models of MERS-CoV have been developed, including New Zealand white rabbits, transduced or transgenic mice that express human dipeptidyl peptidase 4, rhesus macaques, and common marmosets. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on human MERS-CoV infections, the probable origin of MERS-CoV, and the available animal models of MERS-CoV infection. Evaluation of the benefits and limitations of these models will aid in appropriate model selection for studying viral pathogenesis and transmission, as well as for testing vaccines and antivirals against MERS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Baseler
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E de Wit
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - H Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
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143
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Shehata MM, Gomaa MR, Ali MA, Kayali G. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: a comprehensive review. Front Med 2016; 10:120-36. [PMID: 26791756 PMCID: PMC7089261 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-016-0430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus was first identified in 2012 and has since then remained uncontrolled. Cases have been mostly reported in the Middle East, however travel-associated cases and outbreaks have also occurred. Nosocomial and zoonotic transmission of the virus appear to be the most important routes. The infection is severe and highly fatal thus necessitating rapid and efficacious interventions. Here, we performed a comprehensive review of published literature and summarized the epidemiology of the virus. In addition, we summarized the virological aspects of the infection and reviewed the animal models used as well as vaccination and antiviral tested against it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M Shehata
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mokhtar R Gomaa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Ali
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ghazi Kayali
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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Abstract
The novel Middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MeRS-CoV) has been identified as a cause of pneumonia; however, it has not been reported as a cause of acute myocarditis. A 60-year-old man presented with pneumonia and congestive heart failure. On the first day of admission, he was found to have an elevated troponin-l level and severe global left ventricular systolic dysfunction on echo-cardiography. The serum creatinine level was found mildly elevated. Chest radiography revealed in the lower lung fields accentuated bronchovascular lung markings and multiple small patchy opacities. Laboratory tests were negative for viruses known to cause myocarditis. Sputum sample was positive for MeRS-CoV. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance revealed evidence of acute myocarditis. the patient had all criteria specified by the international Consensus Group on CMR in Myocarditis that make a clinical suspicion for acute myocarditis. this was the first case that demonstrated that MeRS-CoV may cause acute myocarditis and acute-onset heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Alhogbani
- Dr. Tariq Alhogbani, Department of Cardiology,, King Khalid University Hospital,, King Saud University,, Riyadh 11352 Saudi Arabia,, T: (+966) 505-245494,
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Abstract
Recent studies have clearly shown that bats are the reservoir hosts of a wide diversity of novel viruses with representatives from most of the known animal virus families. In many respects bats make ideal reservoir hosts for viruses: they are the only mammals that fly, thus assisting in virus dispersal; they roost in large numbers, thus aiding transmission cycles; some bats hibernate over winter, thus providing a mechanism for viruses to persist between seasons; and genetic factors may play a role in the ability of bats to host viruses without resulting in clinical disease. Within the broad diversity of viruses found in bats are some important neurological pathogens, including rabies and other lyssaviruses, and Hendra and Nipah viruses, two recently described viruses that have been placed in a new genus, Henipaviruses in the family Paramyxoviridae. In addition, bats can also act as alternative hosts for the flaviviruses Japanese encephalitis and St Louis encephalitis viruses, two important mosquito-borne encephalitogenic viruses, and bats can assist in the dispersal and over-wintering of these viruses. Bats are also the reservoir hosts of progenitors of SARS and MERS coronaviruses, although other animals act as spillover hosts. This chapter presents the physiological and ecological factors affecting the ability of bats to act as reservoirs of neurotropic viruses, and describes the major transmission cycles leading to human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Shoshkes Reiss
- Departments of Biology and Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York USA
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146
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The middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus respiratory infection: an emerging infection from the arabian peninsula. THE MICROBIOLOGY OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM INFECTIONS 2016. [PMCID: PMC7149635 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-804543-5.00004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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147
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Mackay IM, Arden KE. MERS coronavirus: diagnostics, epidemiology and transmission. Virol J 2015; 12:222. [PMID: 26695637 PMCID: PMC4687373 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-015-0439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The first known cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), associated with infection by a novel coronavirus (CoV), occurred in 2012 in Jordan but were reported retrospectively. The case first to be publicly reported was from Jeddah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Since then, MERS-CoV sequences have been found in a bat and in many dromedary camels (DC). MERS-CoV is enzootic in DC across the Arabian Peninsula and in parts of Africa, causing mild upper respiratory tract illness in its camel reservoir and sporadic, but relatively rare human infections. Precisely how virus transmits to humans remains unknown but close and lengthy exposure appears to be a requirement. The KSA is the focal point of MERS, with the majority of human cases. In humans, MERS is mostly known as a lower respiratory tract (LRT) disease involving fever, cough, breathing difficulties and pneumonia that may progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan failure and death in 20% to 40% of those infected. However, MERS-CoV has also been detected in mild and influenza-like illnesses and in those with no signs or symptoms. Older males most obviously suffer severe disease and MERS patients often have comorbidities. Compared to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), another sometimes- fatal zoonotic coronavirus disease that has since disappeared, MERS progresses more rapidly to respiratory failure and acute kidney injury (it also has an affinity for growth in kidney cells under laboratory conditions), is more frequently reported in patients with underlying disease and is more often fatal. Most human cases of MERS have been linked to lapses in infection prevention and control (IPC) in healthcare settings, with approximately 20% of all virus detections reported among healthcare workers (HCWs) and higher exposures in those with occupations that bring them into close contact with camels. Sero-surveys have found widespread evidence of past infection in adult camels and limited past exposure among humans. Sensitive, validated reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-rtPCR)-based diagnostics have been available almost from the start of the emergence of MERS. While the basic virology of MERS-CoV has advanced over the past three years, understanding of the interplay between camel, environment, and human remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Mackay
- Department of Health, Public and Environmental Health Virology Laboratory, Forensic and Scientific Services, Archerfield, QLD, Australia.
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
- Queensland University of Technology, George St, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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148
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Abstract
Bats have been recognized as the natural reservoirs of a large variety of viruses. Special attention has been paid to bat coronaviruses as the two emerging coronaviruses which have caused unexpected human disease outbreaks in the 21st century, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), are suggested to be originated from bats. Various species of horseshoe bats in China have been found to harbor genetically diverse SARS-like coronaviruses. Some strains are highly similar to SARS-CoV even in the spike protein and are able to use the same receptor as SARS-CoV for cell entry. On the other hand, diverse coronaviruses phylogenetically related to MERS-CoV have been discovered worldwide in a wide range of bat species, some of which can be classified to the same coronavirus species as MERS-CoV. Coronaviruses genetically related to human coronavirus 229E and NL63 have been detected in bats as well. Moreover, intermediate hosts are believed to play an important role in the transmission and emergence of these coronaviruses from bats to humans. Understanding the bat origin of human coronaviruses is helpful for the prediction and prevention of another pandemic emergence in the future.
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149
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Bin SY, Heo JY, Song MS, Lee J, Kim EH, Park SJ, Kwon HI, Kim SM, Kim YI, Si YJ, Lee IW, Baek YH, Choi WS, Min J, Jeong HW, Choi YK. Environmental Contamination and Viral Shedding in MERS Patients During MERS-CoV Outbreak in South Korea. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 62:755-60. [PMID: 26679623 PMCID: PMC7108026 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Although Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is characterized by a risk of nosocomial transmission, the detailed mode of transmission and period of virus shedding from infected patients are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to investigate the potential role of environmental contamination by MERS-CoV in healthcare settings and to define the period of viable virus shedding from MERS patients. Methods. We investigated environmental contamination from 4 patients in MERS-CoV units of 2 hospitals. MERS-CoV was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viable virus was isolated by cultures. Results. Many environmental surfaces of MERS patient rooms, including points frequently touched by patients or healthcare workers, were contaminated by MERS-CoV. Viral RNA was detected up to five days from environmental surfaces following the last positive PCR from patients’ respiratory specimens. MERS-CoV RNA was detected in samples from anterooms, medical devices, and air-ventilating equipment. In addition, MERS-CoV was isolated from environmental objects such as bed sheets, bedrails, IV fluid hangers, and X-ray devices. During the late clinical phase of MERS, viable virus could be isolated in 3 of the 4 enrolled patients on day 18 to day 25 after symptom onset. Conclusions. Most of touchable surfaces in MERS units were contaminated by patients and health care workers and the viable virus could shed through respiratory secretion from clinically fully recovered patients. These results emphasize the need for strict environmental surface hygiene practices, and sufficient isolation period based on laboratory results rather than solely on clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Yu Bin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon
| | | | - Min-Suk Song
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and
| | - Jacob Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon
| | - Eun-Ha Kim
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and
| | - Su-Jin Park
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok-Il Kwon
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Mi Kim
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Il Kim
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jae Si
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Won Lee
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hee Baek
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and
| | - Won-Suk Choi
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and
| | | | | | - Young Ki Choi
- Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Seowon-Gu, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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150
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Sabir JSM, Lam TTY, Ahmed MMM, Li L, Shen Y, Abo-Aba SEM, Qureshi MI, Abu-Zeid M, Zhang Y, Khiyami MA, Alharbi NS, Hajrah NH, Sabir MJ, Mutwakil MHZ, Kabli SA, Alsulaimany FAS, Obaid AY, Zhou B, Smith DK, Holmes EC, Zhu H, Guan Y. Co-circulation of three camel coronavirus species and recombination of MERS-CoVs in Saudi Arabia. Science 2015; 351:81-4. [PMID: 26678874 DOI: 10.1126/science.aac8608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Outbreaks of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) raise questions about the prevalence and evolution of the MERS coronavirus (CoV) in its animal reservoir. Our surveillance in Saudi Arabia in 2014 and 2015 showed that viruses of the MERS-CoV species and a human CoV 229E-related lineage co-circulated at high prevalence, with frequent co-infections in the upper respiratory tract of dromedary camels. viruses of the betacoronavirus 1 species, we found that dromedary camels share three CoV species with humans. Several MERS-CoV lineages were present in camels, including a recombinant lineage that has been dominant since December 2014 and that subsequently led to the human outbreaks in 2015. Camels therefore serve as an important reservoir for the maintenance and diversification of the MERS-CoVs and are the source of human infections with this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal S M Sabir
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tommy T-Y Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases (The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Branch), Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China. Shantou University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Institute of Virology, Shantou University, Shantou, China. Centre of Influenza Research and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Mohamed M M Ahmed
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia. Department of Nucleic Acids Research, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications, Borg El-Arab, Post Office Box 21934, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Lifeng Li
- Shantou University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Institute of Virology, Shantou University, Shantou, China. Centre of Influenza Research and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yongyi Shen
- Shantou University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Institute of Virology, Shantou University, Shantou, China. Centre of Influenza Research and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Salah E M Abo-Aba
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia. Microbial Genetics Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Muhammd I Qureshi
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abu-Zeid
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia. Microbial Genetics Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases (The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Branch), Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China. Shantou University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Institute of Virology, Shantou University, Shantou, China. Centre of Influenza Research and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Mohammad A Khiyami
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Njud S Alharbi
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahid H Hajrah
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshaal J Sabir
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H Z Mutwakil
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Kabli
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faten A S Alsulaimany
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Y Obaid
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Boping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases (The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Branch), Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - David K Smith
- Centre of Influenza Research and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Huachen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases (The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Branch), Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China. Shantou University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Institute of Virology, Shantou University, Shantou, China. Centre of Influenza Research and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Yi Guan
- Biotechnology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia. State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases (The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Branch), Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China. Shantou University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Institute of Virology, Shantou University, Shantou, China. Centre of Influenza Research and State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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