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SARS-CoV-2 Variant-Specific Infectivity and Immune Profiles Are Detectable in a Humanized Lung Mouse Model. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102272. [PMID: 36298826 PMCID: PMC9612296 DOI: 10.3390/v14102272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Small animal models that accurately model pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 variants are required for ongoing research efforts. We modified our human immune system mouse model to support replication of SARS-CoV-2 by implantation of human lung tissue into the mice to create TKO-BLT-Lung (L) mice and compared infection with two different variants in a humanized lung model. Infection of TKO-BLT-L mice with SARS-CoV-2 recapitulated the higher infectivity of the B.1.1.7 variant with more animals becoming infected and higher sustained viral loads compared to mice challenged with an early B lineage (614D) virus. Viral lesions were observed in lung organoids but no differences were detected between the viral variants as expected. Partially overlapping but distinct immune profiles were also observed between the variants with a greater Th1 profile in VIDO-01 and greater Th2 profile in B.1.1.7 infection. Overall, the TKO-BLT-L mouse supported SARS-CoV-2 infection, recapitulated key known similarities and differences in infectivity and pathogenesis as well as revealing previously unreported differences in immune responses between the two viral variants. Thus, the TKO-BLT-L model may serve as a useful animal model to study the immunopathobiology of newly emerging variants in the context of genuine human lung tissue and immune cells.
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2
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McCune JM, Weissman IL. The Ban on US Government Funding Research Using Human Fetal Tissues: How Does This Fit with the NIH Mission to Advance Medical Science for the Benefit of the Citizenry? Stem Cell Reports 2020; 13:777-786. [PMID: 31722191 PMCID: PMC6895704 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Some have argued that human fetal tissue research is unnecessary and/or immoral. Recently, the Trump administration has taken the drastic––and we believe misguided––step to effectively ban government-funded research on fetal tissue altogether. In this article, we show that entire lines of research and their clinical outcomes would not have progressed had fetal tissue been unavailable. We argue that this research has been carried out in a manner that is ethical and legal, and that it has provided knowledge that has saved lives, particularly those of pregnant women, their unborn fetuses, and newborns. We believe that those who support a ban on the use of fetal tissue are halting medical progress and therefore endangering the health and lives of many, and for this they should accept responsibility. At the very least, we challenge them to be true to their beliefs: if they wish to short-circuit a scientific process that has led to medical advances, they should pledge to not accept for themselves the health benefits that such advances provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M McCune
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Irving L Weissman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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3
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Le Tortorec A, Matusali G, Mahé D, Aubry F, Mazaud-Guittot S, Houzet L, Dejucq-Rainsford N. From Ancient to Emerging Infections: The Odyssey of Viruses in the Male Genital Tract. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1349-1414. [PMID: 32031468 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The male genital tract (MGT) is the target of a number of viral infections that can have deleterious consequences at the individual, offspring, and population levels. These consequences include infertility, cancers of male organs, transmission to the embryo/fetal development abnormalities, and sexual dissemination of major viral pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus. Lately, two emerging viruses, Zika and Ebola, have additionally revealed that the human MGT can constitute a reservoir for viruses cleared from peripheral circulation by the immune system, leading to their sexual transmission by cured men. This represents a concern for future epidemics and further underlines the need for a better understanding of the interplay between viruses and the MGT. We review here how viruses, from ancient viruses that integrated the germline during evolution through old viruses (e.g., papillomaviruses originating from Neanderthals) and more modern sexually transmitted infections (e.g., simian zoonotic HIV) to emerging viruses (e.g., Ebola and Zika) take advantage of genital tract colonization for horizontal dissemination, viral persistence, vertical transmission, and endogenization. The MGT immune responses to viruses and the impact of these infections are discussed. We summarize the latest data regarding the sources of viruses in semen and the complex role of this body fluid in sexual transmission. Finally, we introduce key animal findings that are relevant for our understanding of viral infection and persistence in the human MGT and suggest future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Le Tortorec
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Giulia Matusali
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Dominique Mahé
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Florence Aubry
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Houzet
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
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4
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Lavender KJ, Williamson BN, Saturday G, Martellaro C, Griffin A, Hasenkrug KJ, Feldmann H, Prescott J. Pathogenicity of Ebola and Marburg Viruses Is Associated With Differential Activation of the Myeloid Compartment in Humanized Triple Knockout-Bone Marrow, Liver, and Thymus Mice. J Infect Dis 2019; 218:S409-S417. [PMID: 30085162 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) outbreaks are highly lethal, and infection results in a hemorrhagic fever with complex etiology. These zoonotic viruses dysregulate the immune system to cause disease, in part by replicating within myeloid cells that would normally innately control viral infection and shape the adaptive immune response. We used triple knockout (TKO)-bone marrow, liver, thymus (BLT) humanized mice to recapitulate the early in vivo human immune response to filovirus infection. Disease severity in TKO-BLT mice was dissimilar between EBOV and MARV with greater severity observed during EBOV infection. Disease severity was related to increased Kupffer cell infection in the liver, higher levels of myeloid dysfunction, and skewing of macrophage subtypes in EBOV compared with MARV-infected mice. Overall, the TKO-BLT model provided a practical in vivo platform to study the human immune response to filovirus infection and generated a better understanding of how these viruses modulate specific components of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry J Lavender
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Brandi N Williamson
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Greg Saturday
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Cynthia Martellaro
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Amanda Griffin
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Kim J Hasenkrug
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana
| | - Joseph Prescott
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana
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Abstract
Many organisms disperse in groups, yet this process is understudied in viruses. Recent work, however, has uncovered different types of collective infectious units, all of which lead to the joint delivery of multiple viral genome copies to target cells, favoring co-infections. Collective spread of viruses can occur through widely different mechanisms, including virion aggregation driven by specific extracellular components, cloaking inside lipid vesicles, encasement in protein matrices, or binding to cell surfaces. Cell-to-cell viral spread, which allows the transmission of individual virions in a confined environment, is yet another mode of clustered virus dissemination. Nevertheless, the selective advantages of dispersing in groups remain poorly understood in most cases. Collective dispersal might have emerged as a means of sharing efficacious viral transmission vehicles. Alternatively, increasing the cellular multiplicity of infection may confer certain short-term benefits to viruses, such as overwhelming antiviral responses, avoiding early stochastic loss of viral components required for initiating infection, or complementing genetic defects present in different viral genomes. However, increasing infection multiplicity may also entail long-term costs, such as mutation accumulation and the evolution of defective particles or other types of cheater viruses. These costs and benefits, in turn, should depend on the genetic relatedness among collective infectious unit members. Establishing the genetic basis of collective viral dispersal and performing controlled experiments to pinpoint fitness effects at different spatial and temporal scales should help us clarify the implications of these spread modes for viral fitness, pathogenicity, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Sanjuán
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat de València, C/Catedrático Agustín Escardino 9, Paterna, València, Spain
| | - María-Isabel Thoulouze
- Institut Pasteur, Structural Virology Unit, Biofilm & Viral Transmission Group, Paris, France
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Röcker A, Roan NR, Yadav JK, Fändrich M, Münch J. Structure, function and antagonism of semen amyloids. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:7557-7569. [PMID: 29873340 DOI: 10.1039/c8cc01491d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils are linear polypeptide aggregates with a cross-β structure. These fibrils are best known for their association with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, but they may also be used by living organisms as functional units, e.g. in the synthesis of melanin or in the formation of bacterial biofilms. About a decade ago, in a search for semen factors that modulate infection by HIV-1 (a sexually transmitted virus and the causative agent of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)), it was demonstrated that semen harbors amyloid fibrils capable of markedly increasing HIV infection rates. This discovery not only created novel opportunities to prevent sexual HIV-1 transmission but also stimulated research to unravel the natural role of these factors. We discuss here the identification of these intriguing structures, their molecular properties, and their effects on both sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive health. Moreover, we review strategies to antagonize semen amyloid to prevent sexual transmission of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Röcker
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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7
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Chen J, Ren R, Yu F, Wang C, Zhang X, Li W, Tan S, Jiang S, Liu S, Li L. A Degraded Fragment of HIV-1 Gp120 in Rat Hepatocytes Forms Fibrils and Enhances HIV-1 Infection. Biophys J 2017; 113:1425-1439. [PMID: 28978437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the host or viral factors that enhance HIV infection is critical for preventing sexual transmission of HIV. Amyloid fibrils derived from human semen, including semen-derived enhancer of virus infection and semenogelins, enhance HIV-1 infection dramatically in vitro. In this study, we reported that a short-degraded peptide fragment 1 (DPF1) derived from native HIV-1 envelope protein gp120-loaded rat hepatocytes, formed fibrils by self-assembly and thus enhanced HIV-1 infection by promoting the binding of HIV-1 to target cells. Furthermore, DPF1-formed fibrils might be used as a crossing seed to accelerate the formation of semen-derived enhancer of virus infection and semenogelin fibrils. It will be helpful to clarify the viral factors that affect HIV-1 infection. DPF1 as an analog of gp120 containing the critical residues for CD4 binding might be useful for designing of HIV vaccines and developing HIV entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinquan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Jiangsu Protein Drug Engineering Laboratory, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, Huai'an, China
| | - Ruxia Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuanxuan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suiyi Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York
| | - Shuwen Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Lin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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8
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Sheik DA, Dewhurst S, Yang J. Natural Seminal Amyloids as Targets for Development of Synthetic Inhibitors of HIV Transmission. Acc Chem Res 2017; 50:2159-2166. [PMID: 28809479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.7b00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyloids refer to a class of protein or peptide aggregates that are heterogeneous in size, morphology, and composition, and are implicated to play a central role in many neurodegenerative and systemic diseases. The strong correlation between biological activity and extent of aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins and peptides has led to an explosion of research efforts to target these materials with synthetic molecules or engineered antibodies to try to attenuate their function in disease pathology. Although many of these efforts to attenuate amyloid function have shown great promise in laboratory settings, the vast majority of work has been focused on targeting amyloids associated with neurologic diseases, which has been met with significant additional challenges that preclude clinical evaluation. Only recently have researchers started applying their efforts toward neutralizing the activity of amyloids associated with non-neurologic diseases. For instance, small peptides present in high abundance in human semen have been found to aggregate into amyloid-like fibrils, with in vitro experiments indicating that these amyloid fibrils could potentially increase the rate of infection of pathogens such as HIV by over 400 000-fold during sexual contact. Mechanistic investigations of naturally occurring seminal amyloid species such as Semen-derived Enhancer of Virus Infection (SEVI) and related natural peptide aggregates suggest that these materials interact strongly with virus particles and cell surfaces, facilitating viral attachment and internalization into cells and, thus, possibly promoting sexual transmission of disease. Such amyloid mediators in HIV transmission represent an attractive target for development of chemical approaches to attenuate their biological activity. For instance, the activity of seminal amyloids in genital fluids potentially allows for topical delivery of amyloid-targeting molecules, which could minimize common problems with systemic toxicity or permeability across biological barriers. In addition, molecules that target these amyloid mediators in viral attachment could potentially work synergistically with current antiviral agents to reduce the rate of HIV transmission. This Account will briefly summarize some of the key evidence in support of the capability of SEVI to enhance viral infection, and will highlight examples, many from our group, of recent efforts aimed at inhibiting its activity using synthetic small molecules, oligomeric peptides, and polymeric materials. We present various chemical strategies that have shown promise for neutralizing the role of SEVI in HIV transmission including the development of aggregation inhibitors of SEVI fibril formation, small molecule amyloid binders that modulate the charge or structure of SEVI, and synthetic molecules that form bioresistive coatings on SEVI and inhibit its interaction with the virus or cell surface. We discuss some unique challenges that hamper translation of these molecular strategies toward clinical evaluation, and propose several opportunities for researchers to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Sheik
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, United States
| | - Stephen Dewhurst
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Jerry Yang
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0358, United States
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Epigallocatechin Gallate Inhibits Macaque SEVI-Mediated Enhancement of SIV or SHIV Infection. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 75:232-240. [PMID: 28328549 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human semen contains a factor that can enhance HIV infection up to 10-fold in cultures. This factor is termed semen-derived enhancer of virus infection (SEVI) and is composed of proteolytic fragments (PAP248-286) from prostatic acid phosphatase in semen. In this study, we examined whether macaque SEVI can facilitate simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) or chimeric simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection. We also studied the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on macaque SEVI-mediated SIV or SHIV enhancement. METHODS SIV or SHIV was mixed with different concentrations of macaque SEVI in the presence or absence of EGCG. The mixture was added to cultures of TZM-bl cells or macaque PBMCs. The effect of EGCG on macaque SEVI was measured by Congo-red staining assay and thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay and was visualized by a transmission electron microscope. RESULTS We identified that there is one amino acid difference at the site of 277 between human PAP248-286 and macaque PAP248-286. Macaque SEVI significantly enhanced SIV or SHIV infection of TZM-bl cells and macaque PBMCs. EGCG could block macaque SEVI-mediated enhancement of SIV or SHIV infection. Mechanistically, EGCG could degrade the formation of macaque SEVI amyloid fibrils that facilitates HIV attachment to the target cells. CONCLUSIONS The finding that macaque SEVI could enhance SIV or SHIV infection indicates the possibility to use the macaque SEVI in vivo studies with the macaque models. In addition, future studies are necessary to examine whether EGCG can be used as an effective microbicide for preventing SIV or SHIV mucosal transmission.
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HIV-Enhancing and HIV-Inhibiting Properties of Cationic Peptides and Proteins. Viruses 2017; 9:v9050108. [PMID: 28505117 PMCID: PMC5454421 DOI: 10.3390/v9050108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides and proteins have historically been ascribed roles in innate immunity that infer killing of microbial and viral pathogens and protection of the host. In the context of sexually transmitted HIV-1, we take an unconventional approach that questions this paradigm. It is becoming increasingly apparent that many of the cationic polypeptides present in the human genital or anorectal mucosa, or human semen, are capable of enhancing HIV-1 infection, often in addition to other reported roles as viral inhibitors. We explore how the in vivo environment may select for or against the HIV-enhancing aspects of these cationic polypeptides by focusing on biological relevance. We stress that the distinction between enhancing and inhibiting HIV-1 infection is not mutually exclusive to specific classes of cationic polypeptides. Understanding how virally enhancing peptides and proteins act to promote sexual transmission of HIV-1 would be important for the design of topical microbicides, mucosal vaccines, and other preventative measures.
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11
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Sipe JD, Benson MD, Buxbaum JN, Ikeda SI, Merlini G, Saraiva MJM, Westermark P. Amyloid fibril proteins and amyloidosis: chemical identification and clinical classification International Society of Amyloidosis 2016 Nomenclature Guidelines. Amyloid 2016; 23:209-213. [PMID: 27884064 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2016.1257986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Nomenclature Committee of the International Society of Amyloidosis (ISA) met during the XVth Symposium of the Society, 3 July-7 July 2016, Uppsala, Sweden, to assess and formulate recommendations for nomenclature for amyloid fibril proteins and the clinical classification of the amyloidoses. An amyloid fibril must exhibit affinity for Congo red and with green, yellow or orange birefringence when the Congo red-stained deposits are viewed with polarized light. While congophilia and birefringence remain the gold standard for demonstration of amyloid deposits, new staining and imaging techniques are proving useful. To be included in the nomenclature list, in addition to congophilia and birefringence, the chemical identity of the protein must be unambiguously characterized by protein sequence analysis when possible. In general, it is insufficient to identify a mutation in the gene of a candidate amyloid protein without confirming the variant changes in the amyloid fibril protein. Each distinct form of amyloidosis is uniquely characterized by the chemical identity of the amyloid fibril protein that deposits in the extracellular spaces of tissues and organs and gives rise to the disease syndrome. The fibril proteins are designated as protein A followed by a suffix that is an abbreviation of the parent or precursor protein name. To date, there are 36 known extracellular fibril proteins in humans, 2 of which are iatrogenic in nature and 9 of which have also been identified in animals. Two newly recognized fibril proteins, AApoCII derived from apolipoprotein CII and AApoCIII derived from apolipoprotein CIII, have been added. AApoCII amyloidosis and AApoCIII amyloidosis are hereditary systemic amyloidoses. Intracellular protein inclusions displaying some of the properties of amyloid, "intracellular amyloid" have been reported. Two proteins which were previously characterized as intracellular inclusions, tau and α-synuclein, are now recognized to form extracellular deposits upon cell death and thus have been included in Table 1 as ATau and AαSyn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean D Sipe
- a Department of Biochemistry (Retired) , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Merrill D Benson
- b Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Joel N Buxbaum
- c Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine , The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla , CA , USA
| | - Shu-Ichi Ikeda
- d Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology) , Shinshu University School of Medicine , Matsumoto , Japan
| | - Giampaolo Merlini
- e Amyloid Research and Treatment Center, University of Pavia and IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo , Pavia , Italy
| | - Maria J M Saraiva
- f Amyloid Unit, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Porto , Porto , Portugal , and
| | - Per Westermark
- g Department of Immunology , Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
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