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Zheng L, Wang H, Liu X, Xu C, Tian M, Shi G, Bai C, Li Z, Wang J, Liu S. A panel of multivalent nanobodies broadly neutralizing Omicron subvariants and recombinant. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29528. [PMID: 38501378 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The emerging Omicron subvariants have a remarkable ability to spread and escape nearly all current monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments. Although the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 has now diminished, it remains a significant threat to public health due to its high transmissibility and susceptibility to mutation. Therefore, it is urgent to develop broad-acting and potent therapeutics targeting current and emerging Omicron variants. Here, we identified a panel of Omicron BA.1 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD)-targeted nanobodies (Nbs) from a naive alpaca VHH library. This panel of Nbs exhibited high binding affinity to the spike RBD of wild-type, Alpha B.1.1.7, Beta B.1.351, Delta plus, Omicron BA.1, and BA.2. Through multivalent Nb construction, we obtained a subpanel of ultrapotent neutralizing Nbs against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BF.7 and even emerging XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.16 pseudoviruses. Protein structure prediction and docking analysis showed that Nb trimer 2F2E5 targets two independent RBD epitopes, thus minimizing viral escape. Taken together, we obtained a panel of broad and ultrapotent neutralizing Nbs against Omicron BA.1, Omicron BA.2, BF.7, XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.16. These multivalent Nbs hold great promise for the treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infection and could possess a superwide neutralizing breadth against novel omicron mutants or recombinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuhai Zheng
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueyan Liu
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Integrative Medicine, Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Chronic Diseases, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Assurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxiong Tian
- School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangwei Shi
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chongzhi Bai
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Critical Medicine, School of Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Assurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Sun Y, Li Q, Luo Y, Zhu H, Xu F, Lu H, Yao P, Wang Z, Zhao W, Zhou Z. Development of an RBD-Fc fusion vaccine for COVID-19. Vaccine X 2024; 16:100444. [PMID: 38327768 PMCID: PMC10847155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has passed, there are still regional outbreaks that continue to jeopardize human health. Hence, there is still a great deal of interest in developing an efficient vaccine that can quickly and effectively prevent reemerging outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2. Delta variant was once a dominant strain in the world in 2021, and we first constructed a recombinant RBDdelta-Fc fusion vaccine by coupling the RBD of Delta variant with the human Fc fragment. This Fc fusion strategy increases the immunogenicity of the recombinant RBD vaccine, with a long-lasting high level of IgG antibodies and neutralizing antibodies induced by RBDdelta-Fc vaccine. This RBDdelta-Fc vaccine, as well as the RBD-Fc vaccine prepared in our previously study, could trigger a durable immune effect by the heterologous boosting immunity, and the RBD-Fc induced a quicker humoral immune response than the homologous immunization with inactivated vaccines. In conclusion, the Fc fusion strategy has a significant role in enhancing the immunogenicity of recombinant protein vaccines, thus promising the development of a safe and efficient vaccine for the heterologous boosting against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng Sun
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Lab of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Qiaomin Li
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuanyuan Luo
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hanping Zhu
- Key Lab of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Fang Xu
- Key Lab of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Hangjing Lu
- Key Lab of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Pingping Yao
- Key Lab of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Key Lab of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Wenbin Zhao
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhan Zhou
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, 322000, China
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3
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Suryawanshi RK, Taha TY, McCavitt-Malvido M, Silva I, Khalid MM, Syed AM, Chen IP, Saldhi P, Sreekumar B, Montano M, Foresythe K, Tabata T, Kumar GR, Sotomayor-Gonzalez A, Servellita V, Gliwa A, Nguyen J, Kojima N, Arellanor T, Bussanich A, Hess V, Shacreaw M, Lopez L, Brobeck M, Turner F, Wang Y, Ghazarian S, Davis G, Rodriguez D, Doudna J, Spraggon L, Chiu CY, Ott M. Previous exposure to Spike-providing parental strains confers neutralizing immunity to XBB lineage and other SARS-CoV-2 recombinants in the context of vaccination. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2270071. [PMID: 37869789 PMCID: PMC10619466 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2270071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 recombinants is of particular concern as they can result in a sudden increase in immune evasion due to antigenic shift. Recent recombinants XBB and XBB.1.5 have higher transmissibility than previous recombinants such as "Deltacron." We hypothesized that immunity to a SARS-CoV-2 recombinant depends on prior exposure to its parental strains. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether Delta or Omicron (BA.1 or BA.2) immunity conferred through infection, vaccination, or breakthrough infection could neutralize Deltacron and XBB/XBB.1.5 recombinants. We found that Delta, BA.1, or BA.2 breakthrough infections provided better immune protection against Deltacron and its parental strains than did the vaccine booster. None of the sera were effective at neutralizing the XBB lineage or its parent BA.2.75.2, except for the sera from the BA.2 breakthrough group. These results support our hypothesis. In turn, our findings underscore the importance of multivalent vaccines that correspond to the antigenic profile of circulating variants of concern and of variant-specific diagnostics that may guide public health and individual decisions in response to emerging SARS-CoV-2 recombinants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Abdullah M. Syed
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Irene P. Chen
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute COVID-19 Research Group (QCRG), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Prachi Saldhi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Kafaya Foresythe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Venice Servellita
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amelia Gliwa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jenny Nguyen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Doudna
- Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Charles Y. Chiu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute COVID-19 Research Group (QCRG), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
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4
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Colson P, Bader W, Fantini J, Dudouet P, Levasseur A, Pontarotti P, Devaux C, Raoult D. From viral democratic genomes to viral wild bunch of quasispecies. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29209. [PMID: 37937701 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The tremendous majority of RNA genomes from pathogenic viruses analyzed and deposited in databases are consensus or "democratic" genomes. They represent the genomes most frequently found in the clinical samples of patients but do not account for the huge genetic diversity of coexisting genomes, which is better described as quasispecies. A viral quasispecies is defined as the dynamic distribution of nonidentical but closely related mutants, variants, recombinant, or reassortant viral genomes. Viral quasispecies have collective behavior and dynamics and are the subject of internal interactions that comprise interference, complementation, or cooperation. In the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection, intrahost SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity was recently notably reported for immunocompromised, chronically infected patients, for patients treated with monoclonal antibodies targeting the viral spike protein, and for different body compartments of a single patient. A question that deserves attention is whether such diversity is generated postinfection from a clonal genome in response to selection pressure or is already present at the time of infection as a quasispecies. In the present review, we summarize the data supporting that hosts are infected by a "wild bunch" of viruses rather than by multiple virions sharing the same genome. Each virion in the "wild bunch" may have different virulence and tissue tropisms. As the number of viruses replicated during host infections is huge, a viral quasispecies at any time of infection is wide and is also influenced by host-specific selection pressure after infection, which accounts for the difficulty in deciphering and predicting the appearance of more fit variants and the evolution of epidemics of novel RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Colson
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - Wahiba Bader
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Dudouet
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Levasseur
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Pontarotti
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre National de la Recherche 16 Scientifique (CNRS)-SNC5039, Marseille, France
| | - Christian Devaux
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre National de la Recherche 16 Scientifique (CNRS)-SNC5039, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
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5
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Makowski JA, Kensinger AH, Cunningham CL, Frye CJ, Shine M, Lackey PE, Mihailescu MR, Evanseck JD. Delta SARS-CoV-2 s2m Structure, Dynamics, and Entropy: Consequences of the G15U Mutation. ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU 2023; 3:434-443. [PMID: 37780540 PMCID: PMC10540284 DOI: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.3c00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Bioinformatic analysis of the Delta SARS-CoV-2 genome reveals a single nucleotide mutation (G15U) in the stem-loop II motif (s2m) relative to ancestral SARS-CoV-2. Despite sequence similarity, unexpected differences between SARS-CoV-2 and Delta SARS-CoV-2 s2m homodimerization experiments require the discovery of unknown structural and thermodynamic changes necessary to rationalize the data. Using our reported SARS-CoV-2 s2m model, we induced the G15U substitution and performed 3.5 microseconds of unbiased molecular dynamics simulation at 283 and 310 K. The resultant Delta s2m adopted a secondary structure consistent with our reported NMR data, resulting in significant deviations in the tertiary structure and dynamics from our SARS-CoV-2 s2m model. First, we find differences in the overall three-dimensional structure, where the characteristic 90° L-shaped kink of the SARS-CoV-2 s2m did not form in the Delta s2m resulting in a "linear" hairpin with limited bending dynamics. Delta s2m helical parameters are calculated to align closely with A-form RNA, effectively eliminating a hinge point to form the L-shape kink by correcting an upper stem defect in SARS-CoV-2 induced by a noncanonical and dynamic G:A base pair. Ultimately, the shape difference rationalizes the migration differences in reported electrophoresis experiments. Second, increased fluctuation of the Delta s2m palindromic sequence, within the terminal loop, compared to SARS-CoV-2 s2m results in an estimated increase of entropy of 6.8 kcal/mol at 310 K relative to the SARS-CoV-2 s2m. The entropic difference offers a unique perspective on why the Delta s2m homodimerizes less spontaneously, forming fewer kissing dimers and extended duplexes compared to SARS-CoV-2. In this work, both the L-shape reduction and palindromic entropic penalty provides an explanation of our reported in vitro electrophoresis homodimerization results. Ultimately, the structural, dynamical, and entropic differences between the SARS-CoV-2 s2m and Delta s2m serve to establish a foundation for future studies of the s2m function in the viral lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A. Makowski
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Computational Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Adam H. Kensinger
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Computational Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Caylee L. Cunningham
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Computational Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Caleb J. Frye
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Computational Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Morgan Shine
- Department
of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Westminster
College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania 16172, United States
| | - Patrick E. Lackey
- Department
of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Westminster
College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania 16172, United States
| | - Mihaela Rita Mihailescu
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Computational Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Evanseck
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Computational Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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6
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Chrysostomou AC, Vrancken B, Haralambous C, Alexandrou M, Gregoriou I, Ioannides M, Ioannou C, Kalakouta O, Karagiannis C, Marcou M, Masia C, Mendris M, Papastergiou P, Patsalis PC, Pieridou D, Shammas C, Stylianou DC, Zinieri B, Lemey P, Network TCOMESSAR, Kostrikis LG. Unraveling the Dynamics of Omicron (BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5) Waves and Emergence of the Deltacton Variant: Genomic Epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in Cyprus (Oct 2021-Oct 2022). Viruses 2023; 15:1933. [PMID: 37766339 PMCID: PMC10535466 DOI: 10.3390/v15091933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Commencing in December 2019 with the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), three years of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have transpired. The virus has consistently demonstrated a tendency for evolutionary adaptation, resulting in mutations that impact both immune evasion and transmissibility. This ongoing process has led to successive waves of infections. This study offers a comprehensive assessment spanning genetic, phylogenetic, phylodynamic, and phylogeographic dimensions, focused on the trajectory of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Cyprus. Based on a dataset comprising 4700 viral genomic sequences obtained from affected individuals between October 2021 and October 2022, our analysis is presented. Over this timeframe, a total of 167 distinct lineages and sublineages emerged, including variants such as Delta and Omicron (1, 2, and 5). Notably, during the fifth wave of infections, Omicron subvariants 1 and 2 gained prominence, followed by the ascendancy of Omicron 5 in the subsequent sixth wave. Additionally, during the fifth wave (December 2021-January 2022), a unique set of Delta sequences with genetic mutations associated with Omicron variant 1, dubbed "Deltacron", was identified. The emergence of this phenomenon initially evoked skepticism, characterized by concerns primarily centered around contamination or coinfection as plausible etiological contributors. These hypotheses were predominantly disseminated through unsubstantiated assertions within the realms of social and mass media, lacking concurrent scientific evidence to validate their claims. Nevertheless, the exhaustive molecular analyses presented in this study have demonstrated that such occurrences would likely lead to a frameshift mutation-a genetic aberration conspicuously absent in our provided sequences. This substantiates the accuracy of our initial assertion while refuting contamination or coinfection as potential etiologies. Comparable observations on a global scale dispelled doubt, eventually leading to the recognition of Delta-Omicron variants by the scientific community and their subsequent monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO). As our investigation delved deeper into the intricate dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Cyprus, a discernible pattern emerged, highlighting the major role of international connections in shaping the virus's local trajectory. Notably, the United States and the United Kingdom were the central conduits governing the entry and exit of the virus to and from Cyprus. Moreover, notable migratory routes included nations such as Greece, South Korea, France, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy. These empirical findings underscore that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within Cyprus was markedly influenced by the influx of new, highly transmissible variants, triggering successive waves of infection. This investigation elucidates the emergence of new waves of infection subsequent to the advent of highly contagious and transmissible viral variants, notably characterized by an abundance of mutations localized within the spike protein. Notably, this discovery decisively contradicts the hitherto hypothesis of seasonal fluctuations in the virus's epidemiological dynamics. This study emphasizes the importance of meticulously examining molecular genetics alongside virus migration patterns within a specific region. Past experiences also emphasize the substantial evolutionary potential of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance. However, as the pandemic's dynamics continue to evolve, a balanced approach between caution and resilience becomes paramount. This ethos encourages an approach founded on informed prudence and self-preservation, guided by public health authorities, rather than enduring apprehension. Such an approach empowers societies to adapt and progress, fostering a poised confidence rooted in well-founded adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bram Vrancken
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Christos Haralambous
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1148 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Alexandrou
- Microbiology Department, Larnaca General Hospital, 6301 Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - Ioanna Gregoriou
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1148 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Costakis Ioannou
- Medical Laboratory of Ammochostos General Hospital, Ammochostos General Hospital, 5310 Paralimni, Cyprus
| | - Olga Kalakouta
- Unit for Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, 1148 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Markella Marcou
- Department of Microbiology, Archbishop Makarios III Hospital, 2012 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Masia
- Medical Laboratory of Ammochostos General Hospital, Ammochostos General Hospital, 5310 Paralimni, Cyprus
| | - Michail Mendris
- Microbiology Department, Limassol General Hospital, 4131 Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Philippos C. Patsalis
- Medicover Genetics, 2409 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Despo Pieridou
- Microbiology Department, Nicosia General Hospital, 2029 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Shammas
- S.C.I.N.A. Bioanalysis Sciomedical Centre Ltd., 4040 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Dora C. Stylianou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Aglantzia, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Barbara Zinieri
- Microbiology Department, Paphos General Hospital, Achepans, 8026 Paphos, Cyprus
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Leondios G. Kostrikis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Aglantzia, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, 60-68 Phaneromenis Street, 1011 Nicosia, Cyprus
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7
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Alexiev I, Ivanov I, Giovanetti M, Cella E, Stoikov I, Donchev D, Grigorova L, Gancheva A, Dimitrova R, Scarpa F, Korsun N, Trifonova I, Dobrinov V, Kantardjiev T, Christova I, Ciccozzi M. Early Detection of the Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 XAN Variant in Bulgaria: Initial Genomic Insights into Yet Another Piece of the Growing Puzzle of Recombinant Clades. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2041. [PMID: 37630601 PMCID: PMC10457977 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The first recombinant SARS-CoV-2 variants were identified in 2022, causing public health concerns. The importance of recombinant variants has increased especially since the WHO designated the recombinant variant XBB and its lineages as subvariants that require monitoring on 20 November 2022. In this study, we provide the first insights into the new SARS-CoV-2 variant named XAN, a recombinant composed of Omicron sub-lineages BA.2 and BA.5. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 XAN variant identified in Bulgaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivailo Alexiev
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Instituto Rene Rachou Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
- Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cella
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA;
| | - Ivan Stoikov
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Deyan Donchev
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Lyubomira Grigorova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Anna Gancheva
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Reneta Dimitrova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Neli Korsun
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Ivelina Trifonova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Veselin Dobrinov
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Todor Kantardjiev
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Iva Christova
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.I.); (I.S.); (D.D.); (L.G.); (A.G.); (R.D.); (N.K.); (I.T.); (V.D.); (T.K.); (I.C.)
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
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8
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Fang L, Xu J, Zhao Y, Fan J, Shen J, Liu W, Cao G. The effects of amino acid substitution of spike protein and genomic recombination on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1228128. [PMID: 37560529 PMCID: PMC10409611 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1228128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Over three years' pandemic of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), multiple variants and novel subvariants have emerged successively, outcompeted earlier variants and become predominant. The sequential emergence of variants reflects the evolutionary process of mutation-selection-adaption of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Amino acid substitution/insertion/deletion in the spike protein causes altered viral antigenicity, transmissibility, and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. Early in the pandemic, D614G mutation conferred virus with advantages over previous variants and increased transmissibility, and it also laid a conservative background for subsequent substantial mutations. The role of genomic recombination in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 raised increasing concern with the occurrence of novel recombinants such as Deltacron, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9.1, and XBB.1.16 in the late phase of pandemic. Co-circulation of different variants and co-infection in immunocompromised patients accelerate the emergence of recombinants. Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 genomic variations, particularly spike protein mutation and recombination, is essential to identify ongoing changes in the viral genome and antigenic epitopes and thus leads to the development of new vaccine strategies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letian Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Foreign Languages, International Exchange Center for Military Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaying Shen
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Defense, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Bioprotection, Shanghai, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Devaux CA, Fantini J. ACE2 receptor polymorphism in humans and animals increases the risk of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants during repeated intra- and inter-species host-switching of the virus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1199561. [PMID: 37520374 PMCID: PMC10373931 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1199561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Like other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 has ability to spread through human-to-human transmission and to circulate from humans to animals and from animals to humans. A high frequency of SARS-CoV-2 mutations has been observed in the viruses isolated from both humans and animals, suggesting a genetic fitness under positive selection in both ecological niches. The most documented positive selection force driving SARS-CoV-2 mutations is the host-specific immune response. However, after electrostatic interactions with lipid rafts, the first contact between the virus and host proteins is the viral spike-cellular receptor binding. Therefore, it is likely that the first level of selection pressure impacting viral fitness relates to the virus's affinity for its receptor, the angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Although sufficiently conserved in a huge number of species to support binding of the viral spike with enough affinity to initiate fusion, ACE2 is highly polymorphic both among species and within a species. Here, we provide evidence suggesting that when the viral spike-ACE2 receptor interaction is not optimal, due to host-switching, mutations can be selected to improve the affinity of the spike for the ACE2 expressed by the new host. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 is mutation-prone in the spike receptor binding domain (RBD), allowing a better fit for ACE2 orthologs in animals. It is possibly that this may also be true for rare human alleles of ACE2 when the virus is spreading to billions of people. In this study, we present evidence that human subjects expressing the rare E329G allele of ACE2 with higher allele frequencies in European populations exhibit a improved affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 spike N501Y variant of the virus. This may suggest that this viral N501Y variant emerged in the human population after SARS-CoV-2 had infected a human carrying the rare E329G allele of ACE2. In addition, this viral evolution could impact viral replication as well as the ability of the adaptive humoral response to control infection with RBD-specific neutralizing antibodies. In a shifting landscape, this ACE2-driven genetic drift of SARS-CoV-2 which we have named the 'boomerang effect', could complicate the challenge of preventing COVID with a SARS-CoV-2 spike-derived vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Devaux
- Laboratory Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU–Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS-SNC5039), Marseille, France
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S1072, Marseille, France, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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10
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Devaux CA, Fantini J. Unravelling Antigenic Cross-Reactions toward the World of Coronaviruses: Extent of the Stability of Shared Epitopes and SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike Cross-Neutralizing Antibodies. Pathogens 2023; 12:713. [PMID: 37242383 PMCID: PMC10220573 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The human immune repertoire retains the molecular memory of a very great diversity of target antigens (epitopes) and can recall this upon a second encounter with epitopes against which it has previously been primed. Although genetically diverse, proteins of coronaviruses exhibit sufficient conservation to lead to antigenic cross-reactions. In this review, our goal is to question whether pre-existing immunity against seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoVs) or exposure to animal CoVs has influenced the susceptibility of human populations to SARS-CoV-2 and/or had an impact upon the physiopathological outcome of COVID-19. With the hindsight that we now have regarding COVID-19, we conclude that although antigenic cross-reactions between different coronaviruses exist, cross-reactive antibody levels (titers) do not necessarily reflect on memory B cell frequencies and are not always directed against epitopes which confer cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the immunological memory of these infections is short-term and occurs in only a small percentage of the population. Thus, in contrast to what might be observed in terms of cross-protection at the level of a single individual recently exposed to circulating coronaviruses, a pre-existing immunity against HCoVs or other CoVs can only have a very minor impact on SARS-CoV-2 circulation at the level of human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Devaux
- Laboratory Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire—Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS-SNC5039), 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Jacques Fantini
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM UMR_S 1072, 13015 Marseille, France
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11
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Taha TY, Chen IP, Hayashi JM, Tabata T, Walcott K, Kimmerly GR, Syed AM, Ciling A, Suryawanshi RK, Martin HS, Bach BH, Tsou CL, Montano M, Khalid MM, Sreekumar BK, Renuka Kumar G, Wyman S, Doudna JA, Ott M. Rapid assembly of SARS-CoV-2 genomes reveals attenuation of the Omicron BA.1 variant through NSP6. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2308. [PMID: 37085489 PMCID: PMC10120482 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37787-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (BA.1) spread rapidly across the world and effectively evaded immune responses, its viral fitness in cell and animal models was reduced. The precise nature of this attenuation remains unknown as generating replication-competent viral genomes is challenging because of the length of the viral genome (~30 kb). Here, we present a plasmid-based viral genome assembly and rescue strategy (pGLUE) that constructs complete infectious viruses or noninfectious subgenomic replicons in a single ligation reaction with >80% efficiency. Fully sequenced replicons and infectious viral stocks can be generated in 1 and 3 weeks, respectively. By testing a series of naturally occurring viruses as well as Delta-Omicron chimeric replicons, we show that Omicron nonstructural protein 6 harbors critical attenuating mutations, which dampen viral RNA replication and reduce lipid droplet consumption. Thus, pGLUE overcomes remaining barriers to broadly study SARS-CoV-2 replication and reveals deficits in nonstructural protein function underlying Omicron attenuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Y Taha
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Irene P Chen
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Abdullah M Syed
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Alison Ciling
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Hannah S Martin
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Bryan H Bach
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stacia Wyman
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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12
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Pacchiarini N, Cronin M, Sawyer C, Williams C, Beazer A, Cottrell S, Morgan M, Saunders V, Moore C, Connor TR, Williams C. Novel recombinant SARS-CoV-2 lineage detected through genomic surveillance in Wales, UK. Microb Genom 2023; 9. [PMID: 37052600 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombination, the process whereby a segment of genetic material from one genome is inserted into another, producing a new chimeric genome, is an important evolutionary mechanism frequently observed in coronaviruses. The risks posed by recombination include the shuffling of advantageous mutations that may increase transmissibility, severity or vaccine escape. We present a genomic and epidemiological description of a new recombinant lineage of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), XR, first identified in Wales. The Pathogen Genomics Unit (Public Health Wales, UK) sequences positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests using the ARTIC SARS-CoV-2 sequencing protocol. Recombinants were detected using an in-house pipeline and the epidemiological data analysed in R. Nosocomial cases were defined as those with samples taken after >7 days in hospital. Between February and March 2022, we identified 78 samples with highly similar genomes, comprising a BA.1-like 5' end, a BA.2-like 3' end and a BA.2-like spike protein. This signature is consistent with recombination and was defined as XR by Pangolin (PANGO v1.8). A total of 50 % of cases had a sample collected whilst in hospital and the first three cases were immunocompromised patients. The patient median age was 58 years (range: 4-95 years) and most of the patients were fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (74 % third dose/booster). Three patients died within 28 days of their sample collection date, one of whom had COVID-19 listed amongst ICD10 (International Classification of Diseases 10) coded causes of death. Our integrated system enabled real-time monitoring of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 for early detection, in order to rapidly risk assess and respond. This work highlights the importance of setting-based surveillance of recombinant SARS-CoV-2, as well as the need to monitor immunocompromised populations through repeat testing and sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Pacchiarini
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Michelle Cronin
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Clare Sawyer
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Catie Williams
- Pathogen Genomics Unit, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Andrew Beazer
- Pathogen Genomics Unit, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Simon Cottrell
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Mari Morgan
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Vince Saunders
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Catherine Moore
- Wales Specialist Virology Centre, Microbiology, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Thomas R Connor
- Pathogen Genomics Unit, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Christopher Williams
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales, UK
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13
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High Throughput SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequencing from 384 Respiratory Samples Using the Illumina COVIDSeq Protocol. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030681. [PMID: 36980953 PMCID: PMC10048438 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has fostered the use of high-throughput techniques to sequence the entire severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome and track its evolution. The present study proposes a rapid and relatively less expensive sequencing protocol for 384 samples by adapting the use of an Illumina NovaSeq library to an Illumina MiSeq flow cell instrument. The SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences obtained with Illumina NovaSeq and those obtained using MiSeq instruments were compared with the objective to validate the new, modified protocol. A total of 356 (94.6%) samples yielded interpretable sequences using the modified Illumina COVIDSeq protocol, with an average coverage of 91.6%. By comparison, 357 (94.9%) samples yielded interpretable sequences with the standard COVIDSeq protocol, with an average coverage of 95.6%. Our modified COVIDSeq protocol could save 14,155 euros per run and yield results from 384 samples in 53.5 h, compared to four times 55.5 h with the standard Illumina MiSeq protocol. The modified COVIDSeq protocol thus provides high quality results comparable to those obtained with the standard COVIDSeq protocol, four times faster, while saving money.
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14
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Rana R, Kant R, Kumra T, Gupta S, Rana DS, Ganguly NK. An update on SARS-CoV-2 immunization and future directions. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1125305. [PMID: 36969857 PMCID: PMC10033701 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1125305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of people have died as a result of SARS-CoV-2, which was first discovered in China and has since spread globally. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may show a range of symptoms, including fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, or they may show no symptoms at all. To treat COVID-19 symptoms and avoid serious infections, many medications and vaccinations have been employed. However, to entirely eradicate COVID-19 from the world, next-generation vaccine research is required because of the devastating consequences it is having for humanity and every nation's economy. Scientists are working hard to eradicate this dangerous virus across the world. SARS-CoV-2 has also undergone significant mutation, leading to distinct viral types such as the alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and omicron variants. This has sparked discussion about the effectiveness of current vaccines for the newly formed variants. A proper comparison of these vaccinations is required to compare their efficacy as the number of people immunized against SARS-CoV-2 globally increases. Population-level statistics evaluating the capacity of these vaccines to reduce infection are therefore being developed. In this paper, we analyze the many vaccines on the market in terms of their production process, price, dosage needed, and efficacy. This article also discusses the challenges of achieving herd immunity, the likelihood of reinfection, and the importance of convalescent plasma therapy in reducing infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Rana
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi Kant
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Kumra
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sneha Gupta
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
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15
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Duerr R, Zhou H, Tada T, Dimartino D, Marier C, Zappile P, Wang G, Plitnick J, Griesemer SB, Girardin R, Machowski J, Bialosuknia S, Lasek-Nesselquist E, Hong SL, Baele G, Dittmann M, Ortigoza MB, Prasad PJ, McDonough K, Landau NR, St George K, Heguy A. Delta-Omicron recombinant escapes therapeutic antibody neutralization. iScience 2023; 26:106075. [PMID: 36844451 PMCID: PMC9937133 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of recombinant viruses is a threat to public health, as recombination may integrate variant-specific features that together result in escape from treatment or immunity. The selective advantages of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 isolates over their parental lineages remain unknown. We identified a Delta-Omicron (AY.45-BA.1) recombinant in an immunosuppressed transplant recipient treated with monoclonal antibody Sotrovimab. The single recombination breakpoint is located in the spike N-terminal domain adjacent to the Sotrovimab binding site. While Delta and BA.1 are sensitive to Sotrovimab neutralization, the Delta-Omicron recombinant is highly resistant. To our knowledge, this is the first described instance of recombination between circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants as a functional mechanism of resistance to treatment and immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Duerr
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Vaccine Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Takuya Tada
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Dacia Dimartino
- Genome Technology Center, Office of Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Christian Marier
- Genome Technology Center, Office of Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Paul Zappile
- Genome Technology Center, Office of Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Guiqing Wang
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jonathan Plitnick
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Sara B. Griesemer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Roxanne Girardin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Jessica Machowski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Sean Bialosuknia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Erica Lasek-Nesselquist
- Bioinformatics Core, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Public Health, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12144, USA
| | - Samuel L. Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Baele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Meike Dittmann
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mila B. Ortigoza
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Prithiv J. Prasad
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kathleen McDonough
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Public Health, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12144, USA
| | - Nathaniel R. Landau
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kirsten St George
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Public Health, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12144, USA
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Genome Technology Center, Office of Science and Research, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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16
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Taha TY, Chen IP, Hayashi JM, Tabata T, Walcott K, Kimmerly GR, Syed AM, Ciling A, Suryawanshi RK, Martin HS, Bach BH, Tsou CL, Montano M, Khalid MM, Sreekumar BK, Kumar GR, Wyman S, Doudna JA, Ott M. Rapid assembly of SARS-CoV-2 genomes reveals attenuation of the Omicron BA.1 variant through NSP6. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.31.525914. [PMID: 36798416 PMCID: PMC9934579 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.31.525914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Although the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (BA.1) spread rapidly across the world and effectively evaded immune responses, its viral fitness in cell and animal models was reduced. The precise nature of this attenuation remains unknown as generating replication-competent viral genomes is challenging because of the length of the viral genome (30kb). Here, we designed a plasmid-based viral genome assembly and resc ue strategy (pGLUE) that constructs complete infectious viruses or noninfectious subgenomic replicons in a single ligation reaction with >80% efficiency. Fully sequenced replicons and infectious viral stocks can be generated in 1 and 3 weeks, respectively. By testing a series of naturally occurring viruses as well as Delta-Omicron chimeric replicons, we show that Omicron nonstructural protein 6 harbors critical attenuating mutations, which dampen viral RNA replication and reduce lipid droplet consumption. Thus, pGLUE overcomes remaining barriers to broadly study SARS-CoV-2 replication and reveals deficits in nonstructural protein function underlying Omicron attenuation.
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17
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González-Vázquez LD, Arenas M. Molecular Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:407. [PMID: 36833334 PMCID: PMC9956206 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produced diverse molecular variants during its recent expansion in humans that caused different transmissibility and severity of the associated disease as well as resistance to monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal sera, among other treatments. In order to understand the causes and consequences of the observed SARS-CoV-2 molecular diversity, a variety of recent studies investigated the molecular evolution of this virus during its expansion in humans. In general, this virus evolves with a moderate rate of evolution, in the order of 10-3-10-4 substitutions per site and per year, which presents continuous fluctuations over time. Despite its origin being frequently associated with recombination events between related coronaviruses, little evidence of recombination was detected, and it was mostly located in the spike coding region. Molecular adaptation is heterogeneous among SARS-CoV-2 genes. Although most of the genes evolved under purifying selection, several genes showed genetic signatures of diversifying selection, including a number of positively selected sites that affect proteins relevant for the virus replication. Here, we review current knowledge about the molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, including the emergence and establishment of variants of concern. We also clarify relationships between the nomenclatures of SARS-CoV-2 lineages. We conclude that the molecular evolution of this virus should be monitored over time for predicting relevant phenotypic consequences and designing future efficient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Daniel González-Vázquez
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Miguel Arenas
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
- Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), 36310 Vigo, Spain
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18
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Vo V, Harrington A, Afzal S, Papp K, Chang CL, Baker H, Aguilar P, Buttery E, Picker MA, Lockett C, Gerrity D, Kan HY, Oh EC. Identification of a rare SARS-CoV-2 XL hybrid variant in wastewater and the subsequent discovery of two infected individuals in Nevada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160024. [PMID: 36356728 PMCID: PMC9640213 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The identification of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants can predict new patterns of COVID-19 community transmission and lead to the deployment of public health resources. However, increased access to at-home antigen tests and reduced free PCR tests have recently led to data gaps for the surveillance of evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. To overcome such limitations, we asked whether wastewater surveillance could be leveraged to detect rare variants circulating in a community before local detection in human cases. Here, we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of SARS-CoV-2 from a wastewater treatment plant serving Las Vegas, Nevada in April 2022. Using metrics that exceeded 100× depth at a coverage of >90 % of the viral genome, we identified a variant profile similar to the XL recombinant lineage containing 26 mutations found in BA.1 and BA.2 and three private mutations. Prompted by the discovery of this rare lineage in wastewater, we analyzed clinical COVID-19 sequencing data from Southern Nevada and identified two cases infected with the XL lineage. Taken together, our data highlight how wastewater genome sequencing data can be used to discover rare SARS-CoV-2 lineages in a community and complement local public health surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Vo
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA; Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Anthony Harrington
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Salman Afzal
- Southern Nevada Health District, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
| | - Katerina Papp
- Southern Nevada Water Authority, P.O. Box 99954, Las Vegas, NV 89193, USA
| | - Ching-Lan Chang
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Hayley Baker
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | | | - Erin Buttery
- Southern Nevada Health District, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Gerrity
- Southern Nevada Water Authority, P.O. Box 99954, Las Vegas, NV 89193, USA.
| | - Horng-Yuan Kan
- Southern Nevada Health District, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA.
| | - Edwin C Oh
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA; Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, UNLV School of Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.
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19
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Zhou ZJ, Yang CH, Ye SB, Yu XW, Qiu Y, Ge XY. VirusRecom: an information-theory-based method for recombination detection of viral lineages and its application on SARS-CoV-2. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:6886420. [PMID: 36567622 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac513] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic recombination is an important driving force for viral evolution, and recombination events have been reported for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, which significantly alter viral infectivity and transmissibility. However, it is difficult to identify viral recombination, especially for low-divergence viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, since it is hard to distinguish recombination from in situ mutation. Herein, we applied information theory to viral recombination analysis and developed VirusRecom, a program for efficiently screening recombination events on viral genome. In principle, we considered a recombination event as a transmission process of ``information'' and introduced weighted information content (WIC) to quantify the contribution of recombination to a certain region on viral genome; then, we identified the recombination regions by comparing WICs of different regions. In the benchmark using simulated data, VirusRecom showed a good balance between precision and recall compared to two competing tools, RDP5 and 3SEQ. In the detection of SARS-CoV-2 XE, XD and XF recombinants, VirusRecom providing more accurate positions of recombination regions than RDP5 and 3SEQ. In addition, we encapsulated the VirusRecom program into a command-line-interface software for convenient operation by users. In summary, we developed a novel approach based on information theory to identify viral recombination within highly similar sequences, providing a useful tool for monitoring viral evolution and epidemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jian Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China
| | - Chen-Hui Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China
| | - Sheng-Bao Ye
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Yu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China.,Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, 162 Xinjian W. Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410000, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China
| | - Xing-Yi Ge
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, 27 Tianma Rd., Changsha, Hunan, 410012, China
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20
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Bader W, Delerce J, Aherfi S, La Scola B, Colson P. Quasispecies Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 of 15 Different Lineages during the First Year of the Pandemic Prompts Scratching under the Surface of Consensus Genome Sequences. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15658. [PMID: 36555300 PMCID: PMC9779826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tremendous majority of SARS-CoV-2 genomic data so far neglected intra-host genetic diversity. Here, we studied SARS-CoV-2 quasispecies based on data generated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of complete genomes. SARS-CoV-2 raw NGS data had been generated for nasopharyngeal samples collected between March 2020 and February 2021 by the Illumina technology on a MiSeq instrument, without prior PCR amplification. To analyze viral quasispecies, we designed and implemented an in-house Excel file (“QuasiS”) that can characterize intra-sample nucleotide diversity along the genomes using data of the mapping of NGS reads. We compared intra-sample genetic diversity and global genetic diversity available from Nextstrain. Hierarchical clustering of all samples based on the intra-sample genetic diversity was performed and visualized with the Morpheus web application. NGS mapping data from 110 SARS-CoV-2-positive respiratory samples characterized by a mean depth of 169 NGS reads/nucleotide position and for which consensus genomes that had been obtained were classified into 15 viral lineages were analyzed. Mean intra-sample nucleotide diversity was 0.21 ± 0.65%, and 5357 positions (17.9%) exhibited significant (>4%) diversity, in ≥2 genomes for 1730 (5.8%) of them. ORF10, spike, and N genes had the highest number of positions exhibiting diversity (0.56%, 0.34%, and 0.24%, respectively). Nine hot spots of intra-sample diversity were identified in the SARS-CoV-2 NSP6, NSP12, ORF8, and N genes. Hierarchical clustering delineated a set of six genomes of different lineages characterized by 920 positions exhibiting intra-sample diversity. In addition, 118 nucleotide positions (0.4%) exhibited diversity at both intra- and inter-patient levels. Overall, the present study illustrates that the SARS-CoV-2 consensus genome sequences are only an incomplete and imperfect representation of the entire viral population infecting a patient, and that quasispecies analysis may allow deciphering more accurately the viral evolutionary pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahiba Bader
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jeremy Delerce
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sarah Aherfi
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
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21
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Kurhade C, Zou J, Xia H, Liu M, Yang Q, Cutler M, Cooper D, Muik A, Sahin U, Jansen KU, Ren P, Xie X, Swanson KA, Shi PY. Neutralization of Omicron sublineages and Deltacron SARS-CoV-2 by three doses of BNT162b2 vaccine or BA.1 infection. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1828-1832. [PMID: 35792746 PMCID: PMC9331225 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2099305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Distinct SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages have evolved showing increased fitness and immune evasion than the original Omicron variant BA.1. Here, we report the neutralization activity of sera from BNT162b2 vaccinated individuals or unimmunized Omicron BA.1-infected individuals against Omicron sublineages and "Deltacron" variant (XD). BNT162b2 post-dose 3 immune sera neutralized USA-WA1/2020, Omicron BA.1-, BA.2-, BA.2.12.1-, BA.3-, BA.4/5-, and XD-spike SARS-CoV-2s with geometric mean titres (GMTs) of 1335, 393, 298, 315, 216, 103, and 301, respectively; thus, BA.4/5 SARS-CoV-2 spike variant showed the highest propensity to evade vaccine neutralization compared to the original Omicron variants BA.1. BA.1-convalescent sera neutralized USA-WA1/2020, BA.1-, BA.2-, BA.2.12.1-, BA.3-, BA.4/5-, and Deltacron-spike SARS-CoV-2s with GMTs of 15, 430, 110, 109, 102, 25, and 284, respectively. The unique mutation F486V in the BA.4/5 spike contributes to the increased evasion of antibody neutralization by sublineage BA.4/5. The low neutralization titres of vaccinated sera or convalescent sera from BA.1 infected individuals against the emerging and rapidly spreading Omicron BA.4/5 variants provide important results for consideration in the selection of an updated vaccine in the current Omicron wave.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT04368728.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya Kurhade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hongjie Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mingru Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Qi Yang
- Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Mark Cutler
- Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - David Cooper
- Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ping Ren
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Xuping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kena A. Swanson
- Pfizer Vaccine Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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22
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Preethi M, Roy L, Lahkar S, Borse V. Outlook of various diagnostics and nanodiagnostic techniques for COVID-19. BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS: X 2022; 12:100276. [PMID: 36345412 PMCID: PMC9632232 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosx.2022.100276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The sudden outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought to the fore the existing threat of disease-causing pathogens that affect public health all over the world. It has left the best healthcare systems struggling to contain the spread of disease and its consequences. Under challenging circumstances, several innovative technologies have emerged that facilitated quicker diagnosis and treatment. Nanodiagnostic devices are biosensing platforms developed using nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, etc. These devices have the edge over conventional techniques such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) because of their ease of use, quicker analysis, possible miniaturization, and scope for use in point-of-care (POC) treatment. This review discusses the techniques currently used for COVID-19 diagnosis, emphasizing nanotechnology-based diagnostic devices. The commercialized nanodiagnostic devices in various research and development stages are also reviewed. The advantages of nanodiagnostic devices over other techniques are discussed, along with their limitations. Additionally, the important implications of the utility of nanodiagnostic devices in COVID-19, their prospects for future development for use in clinical and POC settings, and personalized healthcare are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosam Preethi
- NanoBioSens Lab, Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Lavanika Roy
- NanoBioSens Lab, Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Sukanya Lahkar
- NanoBioSens Lab, Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Vivek Borse
- NanoBioSens Lab, Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
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23
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Fantini J, Chahinian H, Yahi N. A Vaccine Strategy Based on the Identification of an Annular Ganglioside Binding Motif in Monkeypox Virus Protein E8L. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112531. [PMID: 36423140 PMCID: PMC9693861 DOI: 10.3390/v14112531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent outbreak of Monkeypox virus requires the development of a vaccine specifically directed against this virus as quickly as possible. We propose here a new strategy based on a two-step analysis combining (i) the search for binding domains of viral proteins to gangliosides present in lipid rafts of host cells, and (ii) B epitope predictions. Based on previous studies of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 proteins, we show that the Monkeypox virus cell surface-binding protein E8L possesses a ganglioside-binding motif consisting of several subsites forming a ring structure. The binding of the E8L protein to a cluster of gangliosides GM1 mimicking a lipid raft domain is driven by both shape and electrostatic surface potential complementarities. An induced-fit mechanism unmasks selected amino acid side chains of the motif without significantly affecting the secondary structure of the protein. The ganglioside-binding motif overlaps three potential linear B epitopes that are well exposed on the unbound E8L surface that faces the host cell membrane. This situation is ideal for generating neutralizing antibodies. We thus suggest using these three sequences derived from the E8L protein as immunogens in a vaccine formulation (recombinant protein, synthetic peptides or genetically based) specific for Monkeypox virus. This lipid raft/ganglioside-based strategy could be used for developing therapeutic and vaccine responses to future virus outbreaks, in parallel to existing solutions.
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24
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Sarkar P, Banerjee S, Chakrabarti S, Chakrabarti P, Bandyopadhyay A, Mitra AG, Saha S, Roy A, Sarkar S. Genome characterization, phylogenomic assessment and spatio-temporal dynamics study of highly mutated BA variants from India. Indian J Med Microbiol 2022; 43:66-72. [PMID: 36400646 PMCID: PMC9664238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The emergence of highly mutated and transmissible BA variants has caused an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 infections worldwide. Thorough analysis of its genome structure and phylogenomic evolutionary details will serve as scientific reference for future research. Method Here, we have analyzed the BA variants from India using whole-genome sequencing, spike protein mutation study, spatio-temporal surveillance, phylogenomic assessment and epitope mapping. Results The predominance of BA.2/BA.2-like was observed in India during COVID-19 third wave. Genome analysis and mutation study highlighted the existence of 2128 amino acid changes within BA as compared to NC_045512.2. Presence of 23 unknown mutation sites (spanning region 61–831) were observed among the Indian BA variants as compared to the global BA strains. Unassigned probable Omicron showed the highest number of mutations (370) followed by BA.1 (104), BA.2.3 (56), and BA.2 (27). Presence of mutations ‘Q493R + Q498R + N501Y’, and ‘K417 N + E484A + N501Y’ remained exclusive to BA.2 as well as unassigned probable Omicron. The time-tree and phylogenomic network assessed the evolutionary relationship of the BA variants. Existence of 424 segregating sites and 113 parsimony informative sites within BA genomes were observed through haplotype network analysis. Epitope mapping depicted the presence of unique antigenic sites within the receptor binding domain of the BA variants that could be exploited for robust vaccine development. Conclusion These findings provide important scientific insights about the nature, diversity, and evolution of Indian BA variants. The study further divulges in the avenues of therapeutic upgradation for better management and eventual eradication of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poulomi Sarkar
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, WB 700032, India,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Salt Lake, WB 700091, India
| | - Sarthak Banerjee
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, WB 700032, India,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Salt Lake, WB 700091, India
| | - Saikat Chakrabarti
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, WB 700032, India,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Salt Lake, WB 700091, India
| | - Partha Chakrabarti
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, WB 700032, India
| | - Arun Bandyopadhyay
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, WB 700032, India,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Salt Lake, WB 700091, India
| | | | - Soumen Saha
- MEDICA Super-specialty Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Aviral Roy
- MEDICA Super-specialty Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Siddik Sarkar
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, WB 700032, India,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Salt Lake, WB 700091, India,Corresponding author. CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, WB-700032, India
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25
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The SARS-CoV-2 Delta-Omicron Recombinant Lineage (XD) Exhibits Immune-Escape Properties Similar to the Omicron (BA.1) Variant. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214057. [PMID: 36430535 PMCID: PMC9696394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 lineage, XD, emerged that harbors a spike gene that is largely derived from the Omicron variant BA.1 in the genetic background of the Delta variant. This finding raised concerns that the recombinant virus might exhibit altered biological properties as compared to the parental viruses and might pose an elevated threat to human health. Here, using pseudotyped particles, we show that ACE2 binding and cell tropism of XD mimics that of BA.1. Further, XD and BA.1 displayed comparable sensitivity to neutralization by antibodies induced upon vaccination with BNT162b2/Comirnaty (BNT) or BNT vaccination followed by breakthrough infection. Our findings reveal important biological commonalities between XD and Omicron BA.1 host cell entry and its inhibition by antibodies.
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26
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Farheen S, Araf Y, Tang YD, Zheng C. The Deltacron conundrum: Its origin and potential health risks. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5096-5102. [PMID: 35815524 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), since its outbreak in December 2019, has been capable of continuing the pandemic by mutating itself into different variants. Mass vaccinations, antibiotic treatment therapy, herd immunity, and preventive measures have reduced the disease's severity from the emerging variants. However, the virus is undergoing recombination among the current two variants: Delta and Omicron, resulting in a new variant, informally known as "Deltacron," which was controversial as it might be a product of lab contamination between Omicron and Delta samples. However, the proclamation was proved wrong, and the experts are putting more effort into better understanding the variant's epidemiological characteristics to control potential outbreaks. This review has discussed the potential mutations in the novel variant and prospective risk factors and therapeutic options in the context of this new variant. This study could be used as a guide for implementing appropriate controls in a sudden outbreak of this new variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saria Farheen
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.,School of Environment and Life Sciences, Independent University Bangladesh, Bashundhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh.,Department of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Yan-Dong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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27
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The Rise and Fall of SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Ongoing Diversification of Omicron. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092009. [PMID: 36146815 PMCID: PMC9505243 DOI: 10.3390/v14092009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In late December of 2019, high-throughput sequencing technologies enabled rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 as the etiological agent of COVID-19, and global sequencing efforts are now a critical tool for monitoring the ongoing spread and evolution of this virus. Here, we provide a short retrospective analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants by analyzing a subset (n = 97,437) of all publicly available SARS-CoV-2 genomes (n = ~11.9 million) that were randomly selected but equally distributed over the course of the pandemic. We plot the appearance of new variants of concern (VOCs) over time and show that the mutation rates in Omicron (BA.1) and Omicron sub-lineages (BA.2–BA.5) are significantly elevated compared to previously identified SARS-CoV-2 variants. Mutations in Omicron are primarily restricted to the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, while 24 other viral proteins—including those involved in SARS-CoV-2 replication—are generally conserved. Collectively, this suggests that the genetic distinction of Omicron primarily arose from selective pressures on the spike, and that the fidelity of replication of this variant has not been altered.
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Lentini A, Pereira A, Winqvist O, Reinius B. Monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1/BA.2 lineage transition in the Swedish population reveals increased viral RNA levels in BA.2 cases. MED 2022; 3:636-643.e4. [PMID: 35981541 PMCID: PMC9359497 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, multiple waves of variants of concern have swept across populations, leading to a chain of new and yet more contagious variants dominating COVID-19 cases. Here, we tracked the remarkably rapid shift from Omicron BA.1 to BA.2 sublineage dominance in the Swedish population in early 2022 at a day-by-day basis. Methods Using a custom SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 lineage-typing RT-PCR assay, we analyzed 174,933 clinical upper airway samples collected during January to March 2022. Findings Our study demonstrates the feasibility and reliability of parallel lineage assignment of select variants at population scale, tracking the dominant sublineage transition from BA.1 to BA.2 at day-to-day resolution and uncovering nearly 2-fold higher levels of viral RNA in cases infected with Omicron BA.2 relative to BA.1. Conclusions Our data provide unique insights into the Omicron BA.1 to BA.2 transition that occurred in Sweden during early 2022, and later, across the world. This may help to understand the increased transmissibility of the BA.2 variant. Early population tracking is critical for informed decision-making and handling of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic during outbreaks of variant strains of concern. Omicron variant infections emerged during late 2021, but at the time, lineage assignment relied on sequencing or separate genotyping assays in addition to the clinical SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, burdening laboratories and restricting the scope of lineage monitoring. Here, researchers at the Karolinska Institute and ABC Labs developed a single RT-PCR assay to simultaneously classify COVID-19 and Omicron BA.1 lineage status and demonstrated the feasibility of parallel lineage assignment of select variants at population scale. The authors show, at day-to-day resolution, the rapid transition from Omicron BA.1 to BA.2 sublineage dominance in the Swedish population, exposing factors that could influence this transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lentini
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
| | | | | | - Björn Reinius
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden.
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Duerr R, Zhou H, Tada T, Dimartino D, Marier C, Zappile P, Wang G, Plitnick J, Griesemer SB, Girardin R, Machowski J, Bialosuknia S, Lasek-Nesselquist E, Hong SL, Baele G, Dittmann M, Ortigoza MB, Prasad PJ, McDonough K, Landau NR, George KS, Heguy A. Delta-Omicron recombinant escapes therapeutic antibody neutralization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.04.06.487325. [PMID: 35411351 PMCID: PMC8996620 DOI: 10.1101/2022.04.06.487325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background The emergence of recombinant viruses is a threat to public health. Recombination of viral variants may combine variant-specific features that together catalyze viral escape from treatment or immunity. The selective advantages of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 isolates over their parental lineages remain unknown. Methods Multi-method amplicon and metagenomic sequencing of a clinical swab and the in vitro grown virus allowed for high-confidence detection of a novel recombinant variant. Mutational, phylogeographic, and structural analyses determined features of the recombinant genome and spike protein. Neutralization assays using infectious as well as pseudotyped viruses and point mutants thereof defined the recombinant's sensitivity to a panel of monoclonal antibodies and sera from vaccinated and/or convalescent individuals. Results A novel Delta-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 recombinant was identified in an unvaccinated, immunosuppressed kidney transplant recipient treated with monoclonal antibody Sotrovimab. The recombination breakpoint is located in the spike N-terminal domain, adjacent to the Sotrovimab quaternary binding site, and results in a 5'-Delta AY.45 and a 3'-Omicron BA.1 mosaic spike protein. Delta and BA.1 are sensitive to Sotrovimab neutralization, whereas the Delta-Omicron recombinant is highly resistant to Sotrovimab, both with and without the RBD resistance mutation E340D. Conclusions Recombination between circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants can functionally contribute to immune escape. It is critical to validate phenotypes of mosaic viruses and monitor immunosuppressed COVID-19 patients treated with monoclonal antibodies for the selection of recombinant and immune escape variants. (Funded by NYU, the National Institutes of Health, and others).
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Detection of SARS-CoV-2 intra-host recombination during superinfection with Alpha and Epsilon variants in New York City. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3645. [PMID: 35752633 PMCID: PMC9233664 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31247-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombination is an evolutionary process by which many pathogens generate diversity and acquire novel functions. Although a common occurrence during coronavirus replication, detection of recombination is only feasible when genetically distinct viruses contemporaneously infect the same host. Here, we identify an instance of SARS-CoV-2 superinfection, whereby an individual was infected with two distinct viral variants: Alpha (B.1.1.7) and Epsilon (B.1.429). This superinfection was first noted when an Alpha genome sequence failed to exhibit the classic S gene target failure behavior used to track this variant. Full genome sequencing from four independent extracts reveals that Alpha variant alleles comprise around 75% of the genomes, whereas the Epsilon variant alleles comprise around 20% of the sample. Further investigation reveals the presence of numerous recombinant haplotypes spanning the genome, specifically in the spike, nucleocapsid, and ORF 8 coding regions. These findings support the potential for recombination to reshape SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity.
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Temte JL, Barlow S, Temte E, Goss M, Bateman A, Florek K, Uzicanin A. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Codetection With Influenza A and Other Respiratory Viruses Among School-Aged Children and Their Household Members-12 March 2020 to 22 February 2022, Dane County, Wisconsin. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:S205-S215. [PMID: 35737942 PMCID: PMC9278263 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concurrent detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and another respiratory virus in individuals can document contemporaneous circulation. We used an ongoing, community-based study of school-aged children and their households to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 codetections with other respiratory viruses in a non-medically attended population over a 2-year period. METHODS Household enrollment was predicated on an acute respiratory illness in a child residing in that household who was also a kindergarten through 12th-grade student in the participating school district. Demographic, symptom, and household composition data and self-collected nasal specimens were obtained on the recruitment day, and 7 and 14 days later, from the index child and all other household members. All specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Day 0 specimens from the index children were simultaneously tested for 16 pathogens using a commercial respiratory pathogen panel (RPP). To assess viral codetections involving SARS-CoV-2, all household specimens were tested via RPP if the index child's day 0 specimen tested positive to any of the 16 pathogen targets in RPP and any household member tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Of 2109 participants (497 index children in 497 households with 1612 additional household members), 2 (0.1%) were positive for both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A; an additional 11 (0.5%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and another RPP-covered respiratory virus. Codetections predominantly affected school-aged children (12 of 13 total) and were noted in 11 of 497 households. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 codetections with other respiratory viruses were uncommon and predominated in school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Temte
- Alternate corresponding author: Jonathan L. Temte, MD/PhD University of Wisconsin-Madison Dept of Family Medicine and Community Health 1100 Delaplaine Court Madison, WI 53515
| | - Shari Barlow
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Madison, WI
| | - Emily Temte
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Madison, WI
| | - Maureen Goss
- Corresponding author: Maureen Goss, MPH University of Wisconsin-Madison Dept of Family Medicine and Community Health 1100 Delaplaine Court Madison, WI 53715
| | | | | | - Amra Uzicanin
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta, GA
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Guérin P, Yahi N, Azzaz F, Chahinian H, Sabatier JM, Fantini J. Structural Dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: A 2-Year Retrospective Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Variants (from Alpha to Omicron) Reveals an Early Divergence between Conserved and Variable Epitopes. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123851. [PMID: 35744971 PMCID: PMC9230616 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the epitope evolution of the spike protein in 1,860,489 SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The structural dynamics of these epitopes was determined by molecular modeling approaches. The D614G mutation, selected in the first months of the pandemic, is still present in currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. This mutation facilitates the conformational change leading to the demasking of the ACE2 binding domain. D614G also abrogated the binding of facilitating antibodies to a linear epitope common to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. The main neutralizing epitope of the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the spike protein showed extensive structural variability in SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially Delta and Omicron. This epitope is located on the flat surface of the NTD, a large electropositive area which binds to electronegatively charged lipid rafts of host cells. A facilitating epitope located on the lower part of the NTD appeared to be highly conserved among most SARS-CoV-2 variants, which may represent a risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Overall, this retrospective analysis revealed an early divergence between conserved (facilitating) and variable (neutralizing) epitopes of the spike protein. These data aid in the designing of new antiviral strategies that could help to control COVID-19 infection by mimicking neutralizing antibodies or by blocking facilitating antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nouara Yahi
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
| | - Fodil Azzaz
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
| | - Henri Chahinian
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Inst Neurophysiopathol, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, CEDEX, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Burel E, Colson P, Lagier JC, Levasseur A, Bedotto M, Lavrard-Meyer P, Fournier PE, La Scola B, Raoult D. Sequential Appearance and Isolation of a SARS-CoV-2 Recombinant between Two Major SARS-CoV-2 Variants in a Chronically Infected Immunocompromised Patient. Viruses 2022; 14:1266. [PMID: 35746737 PMCID: PMC9227898 DOI: 10.3390/v14061266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic recombination is a major evolutionary mechanism among RNA viruses, and it is common in coronaviruses, including those infecting humans. A few SARS-CoV-2 recombinants have been reported to date whose genome harbored combinations of mutations from different mutants or variants, but only a single patient's sample was analyzed, and the virus was not isolated. Here, we report the gradual emergence of a hybrid genome of B.1.160 and Alpha variants in a lymphoma patient chronically infected for 14 months, and we isolated the recombinant virus. The hybrid genome was obtained by next-generation sequencing, and the recombination sites were confirmed by PCR. This consisted of a parental B.1.160 backbone interspersed with two fragments, including the spike gene, from an Alpha variant. An analysis of seven sequential samples from the patient decoded the recombination steps, including the initial infection with a B.1.160 variant, then a concurrent infection with this variant and an Alpha variant, the generation of hybrid genomes, and eventually the emergence of a predominant recombinant virus isolated at the end of the patient's follow-up. This case exemplifies the recombination process of SARS-CoV-2 in real life, and it calls for intensifying the genomic surveillance in patients coinfected with different SARS-CoV-2 variants, and more generally with several RNA viruses, as this may lead to the appearance of new viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Burel
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.C.); (J.-C.L.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (P.L.-M.); (P.-E.F.)
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.C.); (J.-C.L.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (P.L.-M.); (P.-E.F.)
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Lagier
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.C.); (J.-C.L.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (P.L.-M.); (P.-E.F.)
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Levasseur
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.C.); (J.-C.L.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (P.L.-M.); (P.-E.F.)
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Marielle Bedotto
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.C.); (J.-C.L.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (P.L.-M.); (P.-E.F.)
| | - Philippe Lavrard-Meyer
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.C.); (J.-C.L.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (P.L.-M.); (P.-E.F.)
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.C.); (J.-C.L.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (P.L.-M.); (P.-E.F.)
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (VITROME), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.C.); (J.-C.L.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (P.L.-M.); (P.-E.F.)
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (E.B.); (P.C.); (J.-C.L.); (A.L.); (M.B.); (P.L.-M.); (P.-E.F.)
- Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
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Li H, Chen Z, Liu X, Hu P. T cell epitopes are largely conserved in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant (BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, and GKA). J Med Virol 2022; 94:4591-4592. [PMID: 35676232 PMCID: PMC9348460 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hu Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Focosi D, Maggi F. Recombination in Coronaviruses, with a Focus on SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2022; 14:1239. [PMID: 35746710 PMCID: PMC9228924 DOI: 10.3390/v14061239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombination is a common evolutionary tool for RNA viruses, and coronaviruses are no exception. We review here the evidence for recombination in SARS-CoV-2 and reconcile nomenclature for recombinants, discuss their origin and fitness, and speculate how recombinants could make a difference in the future of the COVID-19 pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Li M, Wang H, Tian L, Pang Z, Yang Q, Huang T, Fan J, Song L, Tong Y, Fan H. COVID-19 vaccine development: milestones, lessons and prospects. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:146. [PMID: 35504917 PMCID: PMC9062866 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With the constantly mutating of SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of Variants of Concern (VOC), the implementation of vaccination is critically important. Existing SARS-CoV-2 vaccines mainly include inactivated, live attenuated, viral vector, protein subunit, RNA, DNA, and virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines. Viral vector vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, and mRNA vaccines may induce additional cellular or humoral immune regulations, including Th cell responses and germinal center responses, and form relevant memory cells, greatly improving their efficiency. However, some viral vector or mRNA vaccines may be associated with complications like thrombocytopenia and myocarditis, raising concerns about the safety of these COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we systemically assess the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, including the possible complications and different effects on pregnant women, the elderly, people with immune diseases and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), transplant recipients, and cancer patients. Based on the current analysis, governments and relevant agencies are recommended to continue to advance the vaccine immunization process. Simultaneously, special attention should be paid to the health status of the vaccines, timely treatment of complications, vaccine development, and ensuring the lives and health of patients. In addition, available measures such as mix-and-match vaccination, developing new vaccines like nanoparticle vaccines, and optimizing immune adjuvant to improve vaccine safety and efficacy could be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maochen Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Han Wang
- Laboratory for Clinical Immunology, Harbin Children's Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Lili Tian
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zehan Pang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qingkun Yang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Tianqi Huang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Junfen Fan
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China. .,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
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Strohl WR, Ku Z, An Z, Carroll SF, Keyt BA, Strohl LM. Passive Immunotherapy Against SARS-CoV-2: From Plasma-Based Therapy to Single Potent Antibodies in the Race to Stay Ahead of the Variants. BioDrugs 2022; 36:231-323. [PMID: 35476216 PMCID: PMC9043892 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is now approaching 2 years old, with more than 440 million people infected and nearly six million dead worldwide, making it the most significant pandemic since the 1918 influenza pandemic. The severity and significance of SARS-CoV-2 was recognized immediately upon discovery, leading to innumerable companies and institutes designing and generating vaccines and therapeutic antibodies literally as soon as recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein sequence was available. Within months of the pandemic start, several antibodies had been generated, tested, and moved into clinical trials, including Eli Lilly's bamlanivimab and etesevimab, Regeneron's mixture of imdevimab and casirivimab, Vir's sotrovimab, Celltrion's regdanvimab, and Lilly's bebtelovimab. These antibodies all have now received at least Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) and some have received full approval in select countries. To date, more than three dozen antibodies or antibody combinations have been forwarded into clinical trials. These antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 all target the receptor-binding domain (RBD), with some blocking the ability of the RBD to bind human ACE2, while others bind core regions of the RBD to modulate spike stability or ability to fuse to host cell membranes. While these antibodies were being discovered and developed, new variants of SARS-CoV-2 have cropped up in real time, altering the antibody landscape on a moving basis. Over the past year, the search has widened to find antibodies capable of neutralizing the wide array of variants that have arisen, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. The recent rise and dominance of the Omicron family of variants, including the rather disparate BA.1 and BA.2 variants, demonstrate the need to continue to find new approaches to neutralize the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus. This review highlights both convalescent plasma- and polyclonal antibody-based approaches as well as the top approximately 50 antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, their epitopes, their ability to bind to SARS-CoV-2 variants, and how they are delivered. New approaches to antibody constructs, including single domain antibodies, bispecific antibodies, IgA- and IgM-based antibodies, and modified ACE2-Fc fusion proteins, are also described. Finally, antibodies being developed for palliative care of COVID-19 disease, including the ramifications of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhiqiang Ku
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX USA
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Methylene blue, Mycophenolic acid, Posaconazole, and Niclosamide inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant BA.1 infection of human airway epithelial organoids. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2022; 3:100158. [PMID: 35935678 PMCID: PMC9338451 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sublineages of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) Omicron variants continue to amass mutations in the spike (S) glycoprotein, which leads to immune evasion and rapid spread of the virus across the human population. Here we demonstrate the susceptibility of the Omicron variant BA.1 (B.1.1.529.1) to four repurposable drugs, Methylene blue (MB), Mycophenolic acid (MPA), Posaconazole (POS), and Niclosamide (Niclo) in post-exposure treatments of primary human airway cell cultures. MB, MPA, POS, and Niclo are known to block infection of human nasal and bronchial airway epithelial explant cultures (HAEEC) with the Wuhan strain, and four variants of concern (VoC), Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (B.1.1.28), Delta (B.1.617.2) (Weiss et al., 2021, Murer et al., 2022). Our results here not only reinforce the broad anti-coronavirus effects of MB, MPA, POS and Niclo, but also demonstrate that the Omicron variant BA.1 (B.1.1.529.1) sheds infectious virus from HAEEC over at least 15 d, and maintains both intracellular and extracellular viral genomic RNA without overt toxicity, suggesting viral persistence. The data emphasize the potential of repurposable drugs against COVID-19.
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