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Pociupany M, Snoeck R, Dierickx D, Andrei G. Treatment of Epstein-Barr Virus infection in immunocompromised patients. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116270. [PMID: 38734316 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), is a ubiquitous γ-Herpesvirus that infects over 95% of the human population and can establish a life-long infection without causing any clinical symptoms in healthy individuals by residing in memory B-cells. Primary infection occurs in childhood and is mostly asymptomatic, however in some young adults it can result in infectious mononucleosis (IM). In immunocompromised individuals however, EBV infection has been associated with many different malignancies. Since EBV can infect both epithelial and B-cells and very rarely NK cells and T-cells, it is associated with both epithelial cancers like nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and gastric carcinoma (GC), with lymphomas including Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) or Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) and rarely with NK/T-cell lymphomas. Currently there are no approved antivirals active in PTLD nor in any other malignancy. Moreover, lytic phase disease almost never requires antiviral treatment. Although many novel therapies against EBV have been described, the management and/or prevention of EBV primary infections or reactivations remains difficult. In this review, we discuss EBV infection, therapies targeting EBV in both lytic and latent state with novel therapeutics developed that show anti-EBV activity as well as EBV-associated malignancies both, epithelial and lymphoproliferative malignancies and emerging therapies targeting the EBV-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Pociupany
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daan Dierickx
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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2
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Assessing the Efficacy of VLP-Based Vaccine against Epstein-Barr Virus Using a Rabbit Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030540. [PMID: 36992124 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically associated with a number of malignant and non-malignant conditions. Thus, a prophylactic vaccine against this virus could help to reduce the burden of many EBV-associated diseases. Previously, we reported that an EBV virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine was highly immunogenic and produced a strong humoral response in mice. However, since EBV does not infect mice, the efficacy of the VLP in preventing EBV infection could not be addressed. Here we examined, for the first time, the efficacy of the EBV-VLP vaccine using a novel rabbit model of EBV infection. Animals vaccinated with two doses of VLP elicited higher antibody responses to total EBV antigens compared to animals receiving one dose. Vaccinated animals also elicited both IgM and IgG to EBV-specific antigens, VCA and EBNA1. Analysis of peripheral blood and spleen for EBV copy number indicated that the viral load in both of these compartments was lower in animals receiving a 2-dose vaccine. However, the VLP vaccine was ineffective in preventing EBV infection. With several other EBV vaccine candidates currently at various stages of development and testing, we believe that the rabbit model of EBV infection could be a great platform for evaluating potential candidates.
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Zhong L, Krummenacher C, Zhang W, Hong J, Feng Q, Chen Y, Zhao Q, Zeng MS, Zeng YX, Xu M, Zhang X. Urgency and necessity of Epstein-Barr virus prophylactic vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:159. [PMID: 36494369 PMCID: PMC9734748 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00587-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a γ-herpesvirus, is the first identified oncogenic virus, which establishes permanent infection in humans. EBV causes infectious mononucleosis and is also tightly linked to many malignant diseases. Various vaccine formulations underwent testing in different animals or in humans. However, none of them was able to prevent EBV infection and no vaccine has been approved to date. Current efforts focus on antigen selection, combination, and design to improve the efficacy of vaccines. EBV glycoproteins such as gH/gL, gp42, and gB show excellent immunogenicity in preclinical studies compared to the previously favored gp350 antigen. Combinations of multiple EBV proteins in various vaccine designs become more attractive approaches considering the complex life cycle and complicated infection mechanisms of EBV. Besides, rationally designed vaccines such as virus-like particles (VLPs) and protein scaffold-based vaccines elicited more potent immune responses than soluble antigens. In addition, humanized mice, rabbits, as well as nonhuman primates that can be infected by EBV significantly aid vaccine development. Innovative vaccine design approaches, including polymer-based nanoparticles, the development of effective adjuvants, and antibody-guided vaccine design, will further enhance the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates. In this review, we will summarize (i) the disease burden caused by EBV and the necessity of developing an EBV vaccine; (ii) previous EBV vaccine studies and available animal models; (iii) future trends of EBV vaccines, including activation of cellular immune responses, novel immunogen design, heterologous prime-boost approach, induction of mucosal immunity, application of nanoparticle delivery system, and modern adjuvant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhong
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong PR China
| | - Claude Krummenacher
- grid.262671.60000 0000 8828 4546Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ USA
| | - Wanlin Zhang
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong PR China
| | - Junping Hong
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian PR China
| | - Qisheng Feng
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong PR China
| | - Yixin Chen
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian PR China
| | - Qinjian Zhao
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong PR China
| | - Yi-Xin Zeng
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong PR China
| | - Miao Xu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong PR China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong PR China ,grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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Hassani A, Khan G. What do animal models tell us about the role of EBV in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1036155. [PMID: 36466898 PMCID: PMC9712437 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1036155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS), marked primarily by demyelination, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. While the prevalence and incidence rates of MS are on the rise, the etiology of the disease remains enigmatic. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged that MS develops in persons who are both genetically predisposed and exposed to a certain set of environmental factors. One of the most plausible environmental culprits is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common herpesvirus asymptomatically carried by more than 90% of the adult population. How EBV induces MS pathogenesis remains unknown. A comprehensive understanding of the biology of EBV infection and how it contributes to dysfunction of the immune system and CNS, requires an appreciation of the viral dynamics within the host. Here, we aim to outline the different animal models, including nonhuman primates (NHP), rodents, and rabbits, that have been used to elucidate the link between EBV and MS. This review particularly focuses on how the disruption in virus-immune interaction plays a role in viral pathogenesis and promotes neuroinflammation. We also summarize the effects of virus titers, age of animals, and route of inoculation on the neuroinvasiveness and neuropathogenic potential of the virus. Reviewing the rich data generated from these animal models could provide directions for future studies aimed to understand the mechanism(s) by which EBV induces MS pathology and insights for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions that could ameliorate the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Hassani
- Dept of Neurology, Division of Movement Disorders, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gulfaraz Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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5
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Hassani A, Reguraman N, Shehab S, Khan G. Primary Peripheral Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Can Lead to CNS Infection and Neuroinflammation in a Rabbit Model: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:764937. [PMID: 34899715 PMCID: PMC8656284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.764937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common herpesvirus associated with malignant and non-malignant conditions. An accumulating body of evidence supports a role for EBV in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease of the CNS. However, little is known about the details of the link between EBV and MS. One obstacle which has hindered research in this area has been the lack of a suitable animal model recapitulating natural infection in humans. We have recently shown that healthy rabbits are susceptible to EBV infection, and viral persistence in these animals mimics latent infection in humans. We used the rabbit model to investigate if peripheral EBV infection can lead to infection of the CNS and its potential consequences. We injected EBV intravenously in one group of animals, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in another, with and without immunosuppression. Histopathological changes and viral dynamics were examined in peripheral blood, spleen, brain, and spinal cord, using a range of molecular and histopathology techniques. Our investigations uncovered important findings that could not be previously addressed. We showed that primary peripheral EBV infection can lead to the virus traversing the CNS. Cell associated, but not free virus in the plasma, correlated with CNS infection. The infected cells within the brain were found to be B-lymphocytes. Most notably, animals injected with EBV, but not PBS, developed inflammatory cellular aggregates in the CNS. The incidence of these aggregates increased in the immunosuppressed animals. The cellular aggregates contained compact clusters of macrophages surrounded by reactive astrocytes and dispersed B and T lymphocytes, but not myelinated nerve fibers. Moreover, studying EBV infection over a span of 28 days, revealed that the peak point for viral load in the periphery and CNS coincides with increased occurrence of cellular aggregates in the brain. Finally, peripheral EBV infection triggered temporal changes in the expression of latent viral transcripts and cytokines in the brain. The present study provides the first direct in vivo evidence for the role of peripheral EBV infection in CNS pathology, and highlights a unique model to dissect viral mechanisms contributing to the development of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Hassani
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Narendran Reguraman
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Safa Shehab
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gulfaraz Khan
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Cai J, Zhang B, Li Y, Zhu W, Akihisa T, Li W, Kikuchi T, Liu W, Feng F, Zhang J. Prophylactic and Therapeutic EBV Vaccines: Major Scientific Obstacles, Historical Progress, and Future Direction. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9111290. [PMID: 34835222 PMCID: PMC8623587 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects more than 95% of adults worldwide and is associated with various malignant tumors and immune diseases, imparting a huge disease burden on the human population. Available EBV vaccines are imminent. Prophylactic vaccines can effectively prevent the spread of infection, whereas therapeutic vaccines mainly stimulate cell-mediated immunity and kill infected cells, thus curbing the development of malignant tumors. Nevertheless, there are still no approved EBV vaccines after decades of effort. The complexity of the EBV life cycle, the lack of appropriate animal models, and the limited reports on adjuvant selection and immune responses are gravely impeding progress in EBV vaccines. The soluble gp350 vaccine could reduce the incidence of infectious mononucleosis (IM), which seemed to offer hope, but could not prevent EBV infection. Continuous research and vaccine trials provide deep insights into the structural biology of viruses, the designs for immunogenicity, and the evolving vaccine platforms. Moreover, the new vaccine candidates are expected to achieve further success via combined immunization to elicit both a dual protection of B cells and epithelial cells, and sustainable immunization against infected cells at several phases of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cai
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (J.C.); (B.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Bodou Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (J.C.); (B.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Yuqi Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (J.C.); (B.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Wanfang Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.Z.); (W.L.)
| | - Toshihiro Akihisa
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (J.C.); (B.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
- Research Institute for Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Wei Li
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Chiba 274-8510, Japan; (W.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Takashi Kikuchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Chiba 274-8510, Japan; (W.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.Z.); (W.L.)
| | - Feng Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (J.C.); (B.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
- Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian 223003, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (J.C.); (B.Z.); (Y.L.); (T.A.); (F.F.)
- Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian 223003, China
- Correspondence:
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7
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Uncovering early events in primary Epstein-Barr virus infection using a rabbit model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21220. [PMID: 34707156 PMCID: PMC8551192 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00668-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic herpesvirus implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignant and non-malignant conditions. However, a number of fundamental aspects about the biology of EBV and the mechanism(s) by which this virus induces pathology remain unknown. One major obstacle has been the lack of a suitable animal model for EBV infection. In this study, using our recently established rabbit model of EBV infection, we examined the early events following primary EBV infection. We show that, both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed animals were readily susceptible to EBV infection. However, immunosuppressed animals showed marked splenomegaly and widespread infection. Following EBV infection, the virus primarily targeted naïve IgM+, CD20+, CD21+ and CD79a+ B cells. Infected cells expressed varying sets of viral latent/lytic gene products. Notably, co-expression of latent and lytic proteins in the same cell was not observed. Infected cells in type 0/1 latency (EBERs+), were small and proliferating (Ki67+). By contrast, cells in type 2/3 latency (LMP1+), were large, non-proliferating (Ki-67-) and p53+. Although infected B-cells were widely present in splenic follicles, they did not express germinal center marker, BCL-6. Taken together, this study shows for the first time, some of the early events following primary EBV infection.
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8
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Sun C, Chen XC, Kang YF, Zeng MS. The Status and Prospects of Epstein-Barr Virus Prophylactic Vaccine Development. Front Immunol 2021; 12:677027. [PMID: 34168649 PMCID: PMC8218244 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.677027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus that is common among the global population, causing an enormous disease burden. EBV can directly cause infectious mononucleosis and is also associated with various malignancies and autoimmune diseases. In order to prevent primary infection and subsequent chronic disease, efforts have been made to develop a prophylactic vaccine against EBV in recent years, but there is still no vaccine in clinical use. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global cooperation in vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 provide insights for next-generation antiviral vaccine design and opportunities for developing an effective prophylactic EBV vaccine. With improvements in antigen selection, vaccine platforms, formulation and evaluation systems, novel vaccines against EBV are expected to elicit dual protection against infection of both B lymphocytes and epithelial cells. This would provide sustainable immunity against EBV-associated malignancies, finally enabling the control of worldwide EBV infection and management of EBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Chun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yin-Feng Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Osborne AJ, Atkins HM, Balogh KK, Brendle SA, Shearer DA, Hu J, Sample CE, Christensen ND. Antibody-Mediated Immune Subset Depletion Modulates the Immune Response in a Rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) Model of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection. Comp Med 2020; 70:312-322. [PMID: 32972486 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-20-000019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a γ-herpesvirus which infects over 90% of the adult human population. Most notably, this virus causes infectious mononucleosis but it is also associated with cancers such as Hodgkin and Burkitt lymphoma. EBV is a species-specific virus and has been studied in many animal models, including nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, humanized mice, and tree shrews. However, none of these animal models are considered the "gold standard" for EBV research. Recently, rabbits have emerged as a viable alternative model, as they are susceptible to EBV infection. In addition, the EBV infection progresses after immune suppression with cyclosporine A (CsA), modeling the reactivation of EBV after latency. We sought to refine this model for acute or active EBV infections by performing antibody-mediated depletion of certain immune subsets in rabbits. Fourteen 16 to 20-wk old, NZW rabbits were intravenously inoculated with EBV and concurrently treated with either anti-CD4 T-cell antibody, anti-pan-T-cell antibody (anti CD45), CSA, or, as a control, anti-HPV antibody. Rabbits that received the depleting antibodies were treated with CsA 3 times at a dose of 15 mg/kg SC once per day for 4 d starting at the time of EBV inoculation then the dose was increased to 20 mg/kg SC twice weekly for 2 wk. Weights, temperatures, and clinical signs were monitored, and rabbits were anesthetized once weekly for blood collection. When compared with the control group, anti-CD4-treated rabbits had fewer clinical signs and displayed higher levels of viral DNA via qPCR in splenocytes; however, flow cytometry results showed only a partial depletion of CD4 T-cells. Treatment with anti-pan-T-cell antibody did not result in noticeable T-cell depletion. These data suggest the EBV-infected rabbit is a promising model for testing antiviral medications and prophylactic vaccines for EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Osborne
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Hannah M Atkins
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Karla K Balogh
- Department of Pathology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah A Brendle
- Department of Pathology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Debra A Shearer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiafen Hu
- Department of Pathology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Clare E Sample
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Neil D Christensen
- Department of Pathology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania;,
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10
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Pathogenesis and Immune Response Caused by Vector-Borne and Other Viral Infections in a Tupaia Model. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120686. [PMID: 31842286 PMCID: PMC6956204 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tupaia or tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri), a small mammal of the Tupaiidae family, is an increasingly used and promising infection model for virological and immunological research. Recently, sequencing of the Tupaia whole genome revealed that it is more homologous to the genome of humans than of rodents. Viral infections are a global threat to human health, and a complex series of events are involved in the interactions between a virus and the host immune system, which play important roles in the activation of an immune response and the outcome of an infection. Majority of immune response data in viral infections are obtained from studies using animal models that enhance the understanding of host-virus interactions; a proper understanding of these interactions is very important for the development of effective antivirals and prophylactics. Therefore, animal models that are permissive to infection and that recapitulate human disease pathogenesis and immune responses to viral infections are essential. Several studies have shown the permissiveness of Tupaia to a number of important human viral infections in vitro and in vivo without prior adaptation of the viruses; the immune responses and clinical manifestations were comparable to those observed in human infections. Thus, the Tupaia is being utilized and developed as a promising immunocompetent small animal model for viral infection studies. In this review, we focused on the immune responses, mostly innate, during viral infection and pathogenesis in the Tupaia model; we evaluated the interaction between the virus and the components of host resistance, the usefulness of this model for immunopathogenesis studies, and the vaccines and antivirals available.
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11
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Fujiwara S. Animal Models of Human Gammaherpesvirus Infections. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1045:413-436. [PMID: 29896678 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-7230-7_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Humans are the only natural host of both Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and this strict host tropism has hampered the development of animal models of these human gammaherpesviruses. To overcome this difficulty and develop useful models for these viruses, three main approaches have been employed: first, experimental infection of laboratory animals [mainly new-world non-human primates (NHPs)] with EBV or KSHV; second, experimental infection of NHPs (mainly old-world NHPs) with EBV- or KSHV-related gammaherpesviruses inherent to respective NHPs; and third, experimental infection of humanized mice, i.e., immunodeficient mice engrafted with functional human cells or tissues (mainly human immune system components) with EBV or KSHV. These models have recapitulated diseases caused by human gammaherpesviruses, their asymptomatic persistent infections, as well as both innate and adaptive immune responses to them, facilitating the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic measures against these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyoshi Fujiwara
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan. .,Division of Hematology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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12
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Wang Z, Yi X, Du L, Wang H, Tang J, Wang M, Qi C, Li H, Lai Y, Xia W, Tang A. A study of Epstein-Barr virus infection in the Chinese tree shrew(Tupaia belangeri chinensis). Virol J 2017; 14:193. [PMID: 28985762 PMCID: PMC5639599 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0859-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is closely associated with many human diseases, including a variety of deadly human malignant tumours. However, due to the lack of ideal animal models,the biological characteristics of EBV, particularly its function in tumourigenesis, have not been determined. Chinese tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis), which are similar to primates, have been used to establish a variety of animal models and have recently received much attention. Here, we established tree shrews as a model for EBV infection by intravenous injection. Methods Ten tree shrews were inoculated with EBV by intravenous injection,and blood was collected at regular intervals thereafter from the femoral artery or vein to detect EBV markers. Results Eight of 10 tree shrews showed evidence of EBV infection. In the 8 EBV-infected tree shrews, EBV copy number increased intermittently or transiently, EBV-related gene expression was detected, and anti-EBV antibodies increased to varying degrees. Macroscopic hepatomegaly was observed in 1 tree shrew, splenomegaly was observed in 4 tree shrews, and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed in 3 tree shrews. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed splenic corpuscle hyperplasia in the spleens of 4 tree shrews and inflammatory cell infiltration of the liver of 1 tree shrew and of the mesenteric lymph nodes of 3 tree shrews. EBER in situ hybridization(ISH) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining showed that EBER-, LMP1- and EBNA2- positive cells were present in the spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes of some tree shrews. Western blotting (WB) revealed EBNA1-positive cells in the spleens of 4 tree shrews. EBV markers were not detected by HE, EBER-ISH or IHC in the lung or nasopharynx. Conclusions These findings suggest that EBV can infect tree shrews via intravenous injection. The presented model offers some advantages for exploring the pathophysiology of EBV infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiang Yi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Long Du
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Menglin Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chenglin Qi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yongjing Lai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Anzhou Tang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China. .,Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Mohri T, Nagata K, Kuwamoto S, Matsushita M, Sugihara H, Kato M, Horie Y, Murakami I, Hayashi K. Aberrant expression of AID and AID activators of NF-κB and PAX5 is irrelevant to EBV-associated gastric cancers, but is associated with carcinogenesis in certain EBV-non-associated gastric cancers. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:4133-4140. [PMID: 28588701 PMCID: PMC5452920 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is a distinct subtype of gastric cancer characterized by clinicopathological features including lymphoepithelioma-like histology. Aberrant expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) as a genomic modulator was demonstrated through pathogen-related nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer. To elucidate whether or not AID expression is relevant to carcinogenesis in EBVaGC, immunohistochemical expression of AID and AID-regulatory factors between EBVaGC and EBV-non-associated gastric carcinoma (GC) were evaluated, each using 15 cases of GC with lymphoid stroma (GCLS) and other types of GC. Aberrant expression of AID, NF-κB and paired box 5 (PAX5) were significantly decreased in EBVaGC (0/11, 1/11 and 1/11) compared with in EBV-non-associated GC (7/19, 12/19 and 11/19) (P=0.025, 0.005 and 0.01, respectively); however, no significant difference in c-Myb proto-oncogene expression was identified. AID expression was also decreased in EBV-associated GCLS (0/10) compared with in EBV-non-associated GCLS (3/5). Unexpectedly, decreased expression of NF-κB and PAX5 was observed in GCLS (1/15 and 2/15) compared with in GC without LS (12/15 and 10/15) (P<0.001 and P=0.003, respectively). Decreased AID expression observed in EBVaGC is consistent with the reported molecular characterization of hypermethylation and rare somatic gene mutation in EBVaGC. Only PAX5 was identified to be significantly associated with venous invasion (P=0.022). The results of the present study suggest that pathogen-induced AID expression may be irrelevant to carcinogenesis of EBVaGC, whereas it contributes to carcinogenesis in certain types of EBV-non-associated GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Mohri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Keiko Nagata
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwamoto
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan.,Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Michiko Matsushita
- Department of Pathobiological Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Sugihara
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Masako Kato
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yasushi Horie
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Ichiro Murakami
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Hayashi
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
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Dasari V, Bhatt KH, Smith C, Khanna R. Designing an effective vaccine to prevent Epstein-Barr virus-associated diseases: challenges and opportunities. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 16:377-390. [PMID: 28276306 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1293529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus associated with a number of clinical manifestations. Primary EBV infection in young adolescents often manifests as acute infectious mononucleosis and latent infection is associated with multiple lymphoid and epithelial cancers and autoimmune disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis. Areas covered: Over the last decade, our understanding of pathogenesis and immune regulation of EBV-associated diseases has provided an important platform for the development of novel vaccine formulations. In this review, we discuss developmental strategies for prophylactic and therapeutic EBV vaccines which have been assessed in preclinical and clinical settings. Expert commentary: Major roadblocks in EBV vaccine development include no precise understanding of the clinical correlates of protection, uncertainty about adjuvant selection and the unavailability of appropriate animal models. Recent development of new EBV vaccine formulations provides exciting opportunities for the formal clinical assessment of novel formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayendra Dasari
- a QIMR Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Tumour Immunology Laboratory , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Kunal H Bhatt
- a QIMR Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Tumour Immunology Laboratory , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Corey Smith
- a QIMR Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Tumour Immunology Laboratory , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Rajiv Khanna
- a QIMR Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Tumour Immunology Laboratory , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia
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15
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Khan G, Ahmed W, Philip PS, Ali MH, Adem A. Healthy rabbits are susceptible to Epstein-Barr virus infection and infected cells proliferate in immunosuppressed animals. Virol J 2015; 12:28. [PMID: 25851649 PMCID: PMC4340116 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-015-0260-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus implicated in the pathogenesis of several human malignancies. However, due to the lack of a suitable animal model, a number of fundamental questions pertaining to the biology of EBV remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the potential of rabbits as a model for EBV infection and investigate the impact of immunosuppression on viral proliferation and gene expression. Methods Six healthy New Zealand white rabbits were inoculated intravenously with EBV and blood samples collected prior to infection and for 7 weeks post-infection. Three weeks after the last blood collection, animals were immunosuppressed with daily intramuscular injections of cyclosporin A at doses of 20 mg/kg for 15 days and blood collected twice a week from each rabbit. The animals were subsequently sacrificed and tissues from all major organs were collected for subsequent analysis. Results Following intravenous inoculation, all 6 rabbits seroconverted with raised IgG and IgM titres to EBV, but viral DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) could only be detected intermittently. Following immunosuppression however, EBV DNA could be readily detected in PBMCs from all 4 rabbits that survived the treatment. Quantitative PCR indicated an increase in EBV viral load in PBMCs as the duration of immunosuppression increased. At autopsy, splenomegaly was seen in 3/4 rabbits, but spleens from all 4 rabbit were EBV PCR positive. EBER-in situ hybridization and immunoshistochemistry revealed the presence of a large number of EBER-positive and LMP-1 positive lymphoblasts in the spleens of 3/4 rabbits. To a lesser extent, EBER-positive cells were also seen in the portal tract regions of the liver of these rabbits. Western blotting indicated that EBNA-1 and EBNA-2 were also expressed in the liver and spleen of infected animals. Conclusion EBV can infect healthy rabbits and the infected cells proliferate when the animals are immunocompromised. The infected cells expressed several EBV-latent gene products which are probably driving the proliferation, reminiscent of what is seen in immunocompromised individuals. Further work is required to explore the potential of rabbits as an animal model for studying EBV biology and tumorigenesis.
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16
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Modeling EBV infection and pathogenesis in new-generation humanized mice. Exp Mol Med 2015; 47:e135. [PMID: 25613732 PMCID: PMC4314584 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2014.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of highly immunodeficient mouse strains has allowed the reconstitution of functional human immune system components in mice. New-generation humanized mice generated in this manner have been extensively used for modeling viral infections that are exclusively human tropic. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-infected humanized mice reproduce cardinal features of EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disease and EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Erosive arthritis morphologically resembling rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has also been recapitulated in these mice. Low-dose EBV infection of humanized mice results in asymptomatic, persistent infection. Innate immune responses involving natural killer cells, EBV-specific adaptive T-cell responses restricted by human major histocompatibility and EBV-specific antibody responses are also elicited in humanized mice. EBV-associated T-/natural killer cell lymphoproliferative disease, by contrast, can be reproduced in a distinct mouse xenograft model. In this review, recent findings on the recapitulation of human EBV infection and pathogenesis in these mouse models, as well as their application to preclinical studies of experimental anti-EBV therapies, are described.
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17
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Abstract
Over the last century, the development of effective vaccine approaches to treat a number of viral infections has provided the impetus for the continual development of vaccine platforms for other viral infections, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The clinical manifestations associated with EBV infection occur either following primary infection, such as infectious mononucleosis, or following an extended period of latency, primarily the EBV-associated malignancies and potentially including a number of autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. As a consequence, two independent vaccine approaches are under development to prevent or control EBV-associated diseases. The first approach, which has been widely successful against other viral infections, is aimed at inducing a viral neutralisation antibody response to prevent primary infection. The second approach focuses upon the induction of cell-mediated immunity to control latent infected cells in persistently infected individuals. Early clinical studies have offered some insight into the potential efficacy of both of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Smith
- QIMR Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Rajiv Khanna
- QIMR Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia. .,Tumour Immunology Laboratory, Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.
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Abstract
Infectious mononucleosis is a clinical entity characterized by sore throat, cervical lymph node enlargement, fatigue, and fever most often seen in adolescents and young adults and lasting several weeks. It can be caused by a number of pathogens, but this chapter only discusses infectious mononucleosis due to primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV is a γ-herpesvirus that infects at least 90% of the population worldwide. The virus is spread by intimate oral contact among teenagers and young adults. How preadolescents acquire the virus is not known. A typical clinical picture with a positive heterophile test is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis, but heterophile antibodies are not specific and do not develop in some patients. EBV-specific antibody profiles are the best choice for staging EBV infection. In addition to causing acute illness, there can also be long-term consequences as the result of acquisition of the virus. Several EBV-related illnesses occur including certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, as well as complications of primary immunodeficiency in persons with the certain genetic mutations. A major obstacle to understanding these sequelae has been the lack of an efficient animal model for EBV infection, although progress in primate and mouse models has recently been made. Key future challenges are to develop protective vaccines and effective treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha K Dunmire
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Henry H Balfour
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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Rajčáni J, Szenthe K, Durmanová V, Tóth A, Asványi B, Pitlik E, Stipkovits L, Szathmary S. Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4) inoculation to rabbits by intranasal and oral routes results in subacute and/or persistent infection dissimilar to human disease. Intervirology 2014; 57:254-69. [PMID: 24993954 DOI: 10.1159/000360223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We report the infection of New Zealand white rabbits with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). METHODS EBV prepared in B95-8 (producer) cells was inoculated to rabbits by combined intranasal and oral routes. Blood and white blood cell (WBC) samples were taken before infection, then on days 8, 28 and 98 post-infection (p.i.). RESULTS Administration of either 3 × 10(8) (group A, 11 rabbits) or 1 × 10(9) (group B, 10 rabbits) EBV DNA copies per animal induced subacute and/or persistent infection. The IgG antibodies in plasma were detected by ELISA as well as by immunoblot (IB). The IB bands showed mainly antibodies to the BZRF1/Zta transactivation polypeptide (69.2%), the p54 early protein (53.4%) and to the p23 capsid protein (35.8%). No anti-EBNA1 antibody was detected throughout. Viral DNA could be detected by PCR in WBCs and/or spleen of 7 out of 21 infected rabbits (30%), while 60-80% of them showed serologic response. The transiently present EBV DNA was accompanied by LMP1 antigen. CONCLUSIONS Rabbits developed persistent EBV infection in the absence of EBNA1 antibodies and by the lack of typical infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome. The absence of EBNA1 antibody may reflect the lack of EBNA1 in B cells of EBV-inoculated rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Rajčáni
- Research Triangle Europe Research Center, Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
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Fujiwara S. Reproduction of epstein-barr virus infection and pathogenesis in humanized mice. Immune Netw 2014; 14:1-6. [PMID: 24605074 PMCID: PMC3942502 DOI: 10.4110/in.2014.14.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically associated with a variety of diseases including lymphoproliferative diseases, lymphomas, carcinomas, and autoimmune diseases. Humans are the only natural host of EBV and limited species of new-world monkeys can be infected with the virus in experimental conditions. Small animal models of EBV infection, required for evaluation of novel therapies and vaccines for EBV-associated diseases, have not been available. Recently the development of severely immunodeficient mouse strains enabled production of humanized mice in which human immune system components are reconstituted and express their normal functions. Humanized mice can serve as infection models for human-specific viruses such as EBV that target cells of the immune system. This review summarizes recent studies by the author's group addressing reproduction of EBV infection and pathogenesis in humanized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyoshi Fujiwara
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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21
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Fujiwara S, Matsuda G, Imadome KI. Humanized mouse models of epstein-barr virus infection and associated diseases. Pathogens 2013; 2:153-76. [PMID: 25436886 PMCID: PMC4235711 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens2010153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus infecting more than 90% of the adult population of the world. EBV is associated with a variety of diseases including infectious mononucleosis, lymphoproliferative diseases, malignancies such as Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). EBV in nature infects only humans, but in an experimental setting, a limited species of new-world monkeys can be infected with the virus. Small animal models, suitable for evaluation of novel therapeutics and vaccines, have not been available. Humanized mice, defined here as mice harboring functioning human immune system components, are easily infected with EBV that targets cells of the hematoimmune system. Furthermore, humanized mice can mount both cellular and humoral immune responses to EBV. Thus, many aspects of human EBV infection, including associated diseases (e.g., lymphoproliferative disease, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and erosive arthritis resembling RA), latent infection, and T-cell-mediated and humoral immune responses have been successfully reproduced in humanized mice. Here we summarize recent achievements in the field of humanized mouse models of EBV infection and show how they have been utilized to analyze EBV pathogenesis and normal and aberrant human immune responses to the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyoshi Fujiwara
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan.
| | - Go Matsuda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan.
| | - Ken-Ichi Imadome
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan.
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Sano H, Nagata K, Kato K, Kanai K, Yamamoto K, Okuno K, Kuwamoto S, Higaki-Mori H, Sugihara H, Kato M, Murakami I, Kanzaki S, Hayashi K. EBNA-2 -deleted Epstein-Barr virus from P3HR-1 can infect rabbits with lower efficiency than prototype Epstein-Barr virus from B95-8. Intervirology 2013; 56:114-21. [PMID: 23295915 DOI: 10.1159/000343753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify characteristics on rabbit in vivo infection with type 2 EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA-2)-deleted Epstein-Barr virus (P3HR-1-EBV) and compare infectious efficacy of P3HR-1-EBV with previously reported prototype type 1 EBV from B95-8. METHODS Twelve Japanese White rabbits were inoculated with P3HR-1-EBV via intranasal or intravenous routes and autopsied on day 70-84. RESULTS In only 2 of 12 P3HR-1-EBV-inoculated rabbits, EBV-DNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). BamHI M rightward reading frame (BMRF)-1, EBNA-1 and BamHI Z leftward reading frame (BZLF)-1-mRNA were intermittently expressed in PBMCs. In 1 infected rabbit with continuous detection of EBV-DNA in PBMCs, many EBER-1-positive lymphocytes were observed in germinal centers and/or marginal zones in some follicles of the appendix, and for the first time a lymphocyte with EBER-1 expression infiltrating in the squamous cell layer of the tonsils was found. The other rabbit with a transient detection of EBV-DNA in PBMCs had no EBER-1-positive lymphocytes in the tissues examined. Few EBER-1-positive lymphocytes were detected in some rabbits without detection of EBV-DNA in PBMCs. CONCLUSIONS P3HR-1-EBV showed less efficient infection in rabbits than EBV from the B95-8 cell line. However, a P3HR-1-EBV-inoculated animal model is meaningful because this is the first study of EBNA-2 function on in vivo EBV infection and it demonstrated the in vivo infectivity with lytic-type infection by EBNA-2-deleted EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Sano
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan.
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Replication of Epstein-Barr virus primary infection in human tonsil tissue explants. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25490. [PMID: 21998663 PMCID: PMC3187765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may cause a variety of virus-associated diseases, but no antiviral agents have yet been developed against this virus. Animal models are thus indispensable for the pathological analysis of EBV-related infections and the elucidation of therapeutic methods. To establish a model system for the study of EBV infection, we tested the ability of B95–8 virus and recombinant EBV expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to replicate in human lymphoid tissue. Human tonsil tissues that had been surgically removed during routine tonsillectomy were sectioned into small blocks and placed on top of collagen sponge gels in culture medium at the air-interface, then a cell-free viral suspension was directly applied to the top of each tissue block. Increasing levels of EBV DNA in culture medium were observed after 12–15 days through 24 days post-infection in tissue models infected with B95–8 and EGFP-EBV. Expression levels of eight EBV-associated genes in cells collected from culture medium were increased during culture. EBV-encoded small RNA-positive cells were detected in the interfollicular areas in paraffin-embedded sections. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that most EGFP+ cells were CD3− CD56− CD19+ HLA-DR+, and represented both naïve (immunoglobulin D+) and memory (CD27+) B cells. Moreover, EBV replication in this model was suppressed by acyclovir treatment in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that this model has potential for use in the pathological analysis of local tissues at the time of primary infection, as well as for screening novel antiviral agents.
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A novel animal model of Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in humanized mice. Blood 2011; 117:5663-73. [PMID: 21467545 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-09-305979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) is a rare yet devastating disorder caused by EBV infection in humans. However, the mechanism of this disease has yet to be elucidated because of a lack of appropriate animal models. Here, we used a human CD34(+) cell-transplanted humanized mouse model and reproduced pathologic conditions resembling EBV-HLH in humans. By 10 weeks postinfection, two-thirds of the infected mice died after exhibiting high and persistent viremia, leukocytosis, IFN-γ cytokinenemia, normocytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. EBV-infected mice also showed systemic organ infiltration by activated CD8(+) T cells and prominent hemophagocytosis in BM, spleen, and liver. Notably, the level of EBV load in plasma correlated directly with both the activation frequency of CD8(+) T cells and the level of IFN-γ in plasma. Moreover, high levels of EBV-encoded small RNA1 were detected in plasma of infected mice, reflecting what has been observed in patients. These findings suggest that our EBV infection model mirrors virologic, hematologic, and immunopathologic aspects of EBV-HLH. Furthermore, in contrast to CD8(+) T cells, we found a significant decrease of natural killer cells, myeloid dendritic cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the spleens of infected mice, suggesting that the collapse of balanced immunity associates with the progression of EBV-HLH pathogenesis.
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25
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Lifelong persistent EBV infection of rabbits with EBER1-positive lymphocyte infiltration and mild sublethal hemophagocytosis. Virus Res 2010; 153:172-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2010.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2010] [Revised: 07/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Okuno K, Takashima K, Kanai K, Ohashi M, Hyuga R, Sugihara H, Kuwamoto S, Kato M, Sano H, Sairenji T, Kanzaki S, Hayashi K. Epstein-Barr virus can infect rabbits by the intranasal or peroral route: an animal model for natural primary EBV infection in humans. J Med Virol 2010; 82:977-86. [PMID: 20419811 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is spread universally in humans, and it causes infectious mononucleosis and sometimes induces serious EBV-associated disease. The detailed mechanism of primary infection in humans has remained unclear, because it is difficult to examine the dynamics of EBV in vivo. In this study, a natural EBV-infection rabbit model by intranasal or peroral inoculation is described. Ten male rabbits were examined for EBV-DNA or mRNA expression and anti-EBV antibodies in blood. Four of 10 rabbits showed the evidence of EBV infection; detection of EBV-DNA or EBV-related genes mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, increased EBV antibodies in the plasma, and the presence of lymphocytes expressing EBER1 and EBV-related gene proteins in the lymphoid tissues of a rabbit. Three of four infected rabbits were detected transiently EBV-DNA and/or mRNA of EBV-related genes such as EBNA1, EBNA2, BZLF1, and EA in blood, while in one of four, EBV-DNA and/or mRNA were detected for more than 200 days after viral inoculation. The level of EA-IgG increased and its level was maintained in all infected rabbits, whereas those of VCA-IgM and VCA-IgG increased transiently, and EBNA-IgG was not elevated. Pathological examination of a rabbit infected transiently revealed some scattered lymphocytes expressing EBER1, LMP1, and EBNA2 in the spleen and lymph nodes. EA expression was also observed in the spleen. These findings suggest that EBV can infect the rabbit by the intranasal or peroral route, and that this rabbit model is useful for examining the pathophysiology of natural primary EBV infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Okuno
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.
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