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Keshavarz M, Karbalaie Niya MH, Tameshkel FS, Mozaffari Nejad AS, Monavari SH, Keyvani H. A Survey on Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) and Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Virus (XMRV) Coinfection in Tehran, Iran. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2018; 10:166-171. [PMID: 30237687 PMCID: PMC6142885 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_25_18] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a gamma retrovirus, which has been detected in patients with prostate cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and general population with a number of acquired infections such as infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The aim of this study was to determine the HTLV-1 and XMRV coinfection for the first time in Iranian patients who were admitted to the Tehran hospitals. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and ninety one patients suspected with HTLV-1 were referred to the hospitals affiliated to the Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from April 2012 to October 2016. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/ribonucleic acid (RNA) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells/cerebrospinal fluids was extracted by High Pure Viral Nucleic Acid Kit (Roche, Germany). After complementary DNA synthesis, conventional reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of HTLV-1 or XMRV-infected patients. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 16 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analyses. Results: Of the 291 patients suspected of HTLV infection, 123 (42.3%) were male with a mean age of 38±15 years. HTLV-1 RNA was found in 93 (31.9%) specimens comprising 40 men (41.3%) and 53 women (56.9%). Of the 93 patients who were HTLV-1 positive, one sample (1%) was positive for XMRV env gene. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the lack of significant detection of XMRV in patients who were HTLV-1 positive could not be associated with complications of HTLV-1. Although this is a preliminary report from Iranian patients with HTLV-1, further studies are needed to show the actual prevalence of XMRV infection by geographical distribution and various populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Keshavarz
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fahimeh Safarnezhad Tameshkel
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Research Center (GILDRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Student Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Sasan Mozaffari Nejad
- Molecular Research Center, Student Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Research Center (GILDRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Irlbeck DM, Vernon SD, McCleary KK, Bateman L, Klimas NG, Lapp CW, Peterson DL, Brown JR, Remlinger KS, Wilfret DA, Gerondelis P. No association found between the detection of either xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus or polytropic murine leukemia virus and chronic fatigue syndrome in a blinded, multi-site, prospective study by the establishment and use of the SolveCFS BioBank. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:461. [PMID: 25092471 PMCID: PMC4236736 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2009, a retrospective study reported the detection of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) in clinical isolates derived from individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS). While many efforts to confirm this observation failed, one report detected polytropic murine leukemia virus (pMLV), instead of XMRV. In both studies, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based methods were employed which could provide the basis for the development of a practical diagnostic tool. To confirm these studies, we hypothesized that the ability to detect these viruses will not only depend upon the technical details of the methods employed but also on the criteria used to diagnose CFS and the availability of well characterized clinical isolates. Methods A repository of clinical isolates from geographically distinct sites was generated by the collection of fresh blood samples from well characterized CFS and healthy subjects. Molecular techniques were used to generate assay positive controls and to determine the lower limit of detection (LLOD) for murine retroviral and Intracisternal A particle (Cell 12(4):963-72, 1977) detection methods. Results We report the establishment of a repository of well-defined, clinical isolates from five, geographically distinct regions of the US, the comparative determination of the LLODs and validation efforts for the previously reported detection methods and the results of an effort to confirm the association of these retroviral signatures in isolates from individuals with CFS in a blinded, multi-site, prospective study. We detected various, murine retroviral DNA signatures but were unable to resolve a difference in the incidence of their detection between isolates from CFS (5/72; 6.7%) and healthy (2/37; 5.4%) subjects (Fisher’s Exact Test, p-value = 1). The observed sequences appeared to reflect the detection of endogenous murine retroviral DNA, which was not identical to either XMRV or pMLV. Conclusions We were unable to confirm a previously reported association between the detection of XMRV or pMLV sequences and CFS in a prospective, multi-site study. Murine retroviral sequences were detected at a low frequency that did not differ between CFS and control subjects. The nature of these sequences appeared to reflect the detection of pre-existing, endogenous, murine retroviral DNA in the PCR reagents employed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Gerondelis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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3
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Young JL. Chronic fatigue syndrome: 3 cases and a discussion of the natural history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Postgrad Med 2013; 125:162-8. [PMID: 23391682 DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2013.01.2631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue is commonly reported in the primary care setting; however, its cause is often unclear. This article presents 3 cases involving patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who responded poorly to treatment. After clinical evaluation, all patients were found to meet criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and underwent a standard regimen of a psychostimulant medication. After treatment with psychostimulants, the 3 patients reported improved symptoms of fatigue and pain, and cognitive and core ADHD symptoms. These cases suggest that ADHD and chronic fatigue syndrome (and possibly fibromyalgia) share a common underlying mechanism. This article presents a model suggesting that over time, ADHD (predominantly inattentive type) develops into a syndrome of chronic fatigue and pain. These cases indicate that fatigue may be an important presenting symptom of adult ADHD. These cases also suggest the need for additional research to determine the prevalence of ADHD in patients who present with fatigue, and, in those meeting criteria for ADHD, the responsiveness of fatigue to psychostimulant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel L Young
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48307, USA.
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4
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Glynn SA, Busch MP, Dodd RY, Katz LM, Stramer SL, Klein HG, Simmons G, Kleinman SH, Shurin SB. Emerging infectious agents and the nation's blood supply: responding to potential threats in the 21st century. Transfusion 2013; 53:438-54. [PMID: 22690676 PMCID: PMC3644861 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2012.03742.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone A Glynn
- Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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5
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KIM SE, CHANG L. Overlap between functional GI disorders and other functional syndromes: what are the underlying mechanisms? Neurogastroenterol Motil 2012; 24:895-913. [PMID: 22863120 PMCID: PMC3812246 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2012.01993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI disorders such as functional dyspepsia, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint disorder, interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome are known as functional pain syndromes. They commonly coexist within the same individual. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of these disorders are not well understood, but it has been hypothesized that they share a common pathogenesis. PURPOSE The objective of this review is to discuss the proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms, which have been similarly studied in these conditions. These mechanisms include enhanced pain perception, altered regional brain activation, infectious etiologies, dysregulations in immune and neuroendocrine function, and genetic susceptibility. Studies suggest that these functional disorders are multifactorial, but factors which increase the vulnerability of developing these conditions are shared.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. E. KIM
- Oppenheimer Family Center of Neurobiology of Stress, Los Angeles, CA, USA
,Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - L. CHANG
- Oppenheimer Family Center of Neurobiology of Stress, Los Angeles, CA, USA
,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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6
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A multicenter blinded analysis indicates no association between chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and either xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus or polytropic murine leukemia virus. mBio 2012; 3:mBio.00266-12. [PMID: 22991430 PMCID: PMC3448165 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00266-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The disabling disorder known as chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) has been linked in two independent studies to infection with xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) and polytropic murine leukemia virus (pMLV). Although the associations were not confirmed in subsequent studies by other investigators, patients continue to question the consensus of the scientific community in rejecting the validity of the association. Here we report blinded analysis of peripheral blood from a rigorously characterized, geographically diverse population of 147 patients with CFS/ME and 146 healthy subjects by the investigators describing the original association. This analysis reveals no evidence of either XMRV or pMLV infection. Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis has an estimated prevalence of 42/10,000 in the United States, with annual direct medical costs of $7 billion. Here, the original investigators who found XMRV and pMLV (polytropic murine leukemia virus) in blood of subjects with this disorder report that this association is not confirmed in a blinded analysis of samples from rigorously characterized subjects. The increasing frequency with which molecular methods are used for pathogen discovery poses new challenges to public health and support of science. It is imperative that strategies be developed to rapidly and coherently address discoveries so that they can be carried forward for translation to clinical medicine or abandoned to focus resource investment more productively. Our study provides a paradigm for pathogen dediscovery that may be helpful to others working in this field.
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7
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Arredondo M, Hackett J, de Bethencourt FR, Treviño A, Escudero D, Collado A, Qiu X, Swanson P, Soriano V, de Mendoza C. Prevalence of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus infection in different risk populations in Spain. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2012; 28:1089-94. [PMID: 22206583 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2011.0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human infection with the xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been associated controversially with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Information is lacking about the mechanisms of transmission and potential risk groups for XMRV infection. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with retroviral infections, chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, prostate cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and blood donors were tested for XMRV markers. Antibodies to XMRV proteins p15E and gp70 were examined using research assays. DNA extracted from PBMCs was tested for the presence of XMRV gag and env sequences. A total of 1103 specimens belonging to individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia (437), prostate cancer (69), HIV-1 (149), HTLV-1/2 (31), chronic hepatitis B (81), chronic hepatitis C (72), autoimmune diseases (18), and blood donors (246) were examined. Overall, three samples (0.3%) were p15E seroreactive (two HTLV-1 and one HCV patient). Another 15 (1.4%) were gp70 seroreactive (six chronic fatigue syndrome-fibromyalgia, four blood donors, two HIV-1, one prostate cancer, one HBV, and one HCV). Four specimens were initially positive for XMRV gag sequences, but none could be confirmed by repeated testing. In summary, no evidence of XMRV infection was found in populations with retroviral and viral hepatitis infections in Spain. Likewise, XMRV was not recognized in patients with autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome-fibromyalgia, prostate cancer, or healthy blood donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Arredondo
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - John Hackett
- Infectious Diseases R&D, Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, Illinois
| | | | - Ana Treviño
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Domingo Escudero
- Neurology Department, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Xiaoxing Qiu
- Infectious Diseases R&D, Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott Park, Illinois
| | | | - Vincent Soriano
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Lack of evidence for a role of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer and/or chronic fatigue syndrome. Virus Res 2012; 167:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 04/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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9
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Curriu M, Carrillo J, Massanella M, Garcia E, Cunyat F, Peña R, Wienberg P, Carrato C, Areal J, Bofill M, Clotet B, Blanco J, Cabrera C. Susceptibility of human lymphoid tissue cultured ex vivo to xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) infection. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37415. [PMID: 22616002 PMCID: PMC3353939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) was generated after a recombination event between two endogenous murine leukemia viruses during the production of a prostate cancer cell line. Although the associations of the XMRV infection with human diseases appear unlikely, the XMRV is a retrovirus of undefined pathogenic potential, able to replicate in human cells in vitro. Since recent studies using animal models for infection have yielded conflicting results, we set out an ex vivo model for XMRV infection of human tonsillar tissue to determine whether XMRV produced by 22Rv1 cells is able to replicate in human lymphoid organs. Tonsil blocks were infected and infection kinetics and its pathogenic effects were monitored RESULTS XMRV, though restricted by APOBEC, enters and integrates into the tissue cells. The infection did not result in changes of T or B-cells, immune activation, nor inflammatory chemokines. Infectious viruses could be recovered from supernatants of infected tonsils by reinfecting DERSE XMRV indicator cell line, although these supernatants could not establish a new infection in fresh tonsil culture, indicating that in our model, the viral replication is controlled by innate antiviral restriction factors. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the replication-competent retrovirus XMRV, present in a high number of laboratories, is able to infect human lymphoid tissue and produce infectious viruses, even though they were unable to establish a new infection in fresh tonsillar tissue. Hereby, laboratories working with cell lines producing XMRV should have knowledge and understanding of the potential biological biohazardous risks of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Curriu
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Carrillo
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Massanella
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Garcia
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Cunyat
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruth Peña
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peter Wienberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Déu, Passeig Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Carrato
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Areal
- Urology Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Margarita Bofill
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bonaventura Clotet
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Lluita contra la SIDA Foundation, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julià Blanco
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cecilia Cabrera
- IrsiCaixa-HIVACAT, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Germans Trias, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Carretera del Canyet S/N, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Abstract
In 2006, a new retrovirus was isolated from prostate cancer patient tissue. Named xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), this was potentially the third class of retrovirus to be pathogenic in humans. XMRV made a more dramatic impact on the wider scientific community, and indeed the media, in 2009 when it was reported to be present in a remarkably high proportion of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome as well as a significant, albeit smaller, proportion of healthy controls. The apparent strong link to disease and the fear of a previously unknown retrovirus circulating in the general population lead to a surge in XMRV research. Subsequent studies failed to find an association of XMRV with disease and, in most cases, failed to find the virus in human samples. In 2011, the case against XMRV and human disease strengthened, ending with several decisive publications revealing the origin of the virus and demonstrating contamination of samples. In this review, we outline the passage of research on XMRV and its potential association with disease from its isolation to the present day, where we find ourselves at the end of a turbulent story.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet C T Groom
- Division of Virology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Kate N Bishop
- Division of Virology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London NW7 1AA, UK
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11
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Lack of the detection of XMRV or polytropic MLV-related sequences in blood cells from HIV-1-infected patients in Spain. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2012; 59:101-4. [PMID: 21963942 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e318238b596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) and polytropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related virus are recently described human gammaretroviruses that have been associated with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. These studies have been controversial because a number of laboratories have been unable to find evidence of XMRV in similar groups of patients or controls. Because the existence of XMRV raises many questions, we decided to study its presence in a group of patients infected with HIV-1 with a high proportion of intravenous drug use and coinfection by hepatitis C virus. METHODS Forty HIV-1-infected patients under follow-up in our institution were screened for XMRV/MLV by nested polymerase chain reaction using primers targeting the gag and env region. Specific primers for mouse mitochondrial DNA were used to rule out contamination. RESULTS No evidence of XMRV or polytropic MLV-related sequences was found in any sample from patients or controls. Four samples yielded polymerase chain reaction bands whose sequence corresponded to murine endogenous retroviral sequences, however, contamination with mouse cell DNA was subsequently confirmed. CONCLUSIONS XMRV/MLV viruses do not seem to be associated with HIV-1 infection or intravenous drug use. Contamination of samples or reagents by genomic murine DNA or XMRV vectors could account for the sporadic detection of positive samples for XMRV and related agents.
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12
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Korn K, Reil H, Ensser A, Knöll A. No evidence of XMRV infection in immunocompromised patients and HIV-positive individuals from Germany. Infection 2012; 40:181-4. [PMID: 22350961 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-012-0249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been detected in patients with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The detection of XMRV in healthy individuals has raised concern about a possible virus transmission by blood products. However, recent studies challenge the association between XMRV and human disease. This study investigated whether or not XMRV is present in patients with altered immune function and individuals at increased risk of blood-borne viral infections in Germany. METHODS We investigated 503 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from 240 patients with iatrogenic immune suppression (71 haematopoietic stem cell recipients, 132 solid organ transplant recipients, 37 others) and 311 PBMC samples from 302 patients with HIV-1 infection for the presence of proviral XMRV by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS All 814 PBMC samples from 542 patients tested negative for XMRV DNA and positive for an internal herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) control. Human genomic DNA was detected in all samples, and 90% of the samples contained >10,000 cell equivalents per XMRV PCR reaction. CONCLUSIONS Our failure to detect proviral XMRV provides evidence against the presence of XMRV in patients at increased risk of viral infections in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Korn
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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13
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Gingaras C, Danielson BP, Vigil KJ, Vey E, Arduino RC, Kimata JT. Absence of XMRV in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ARV-treatment naïve HIV-1 infected and HIV-1/HCV coinfected individuals and blood donors. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31398. [PMID: 22348082 PMCID: PMC3278456 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been found in the prostatic tissue of prostate cancer patients and in the blood of chronic fatigue syndrome patients. However, numerous studies have found little to no trace of XMRV in different human cohorts. Based on evidence suggesting common transmission routes between XMRV and HIV-1, HIV-1 infected individuals may represent a high-risk group for XMRV infection and spread. Methodology/Principal Findings DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 179 HIV-1 infected treatment naïve patients, 86 of which were coinfected with HCV, and 54 healthy blood donors. DNA was screened for XMRV provirus with two sensitive, published PCR assays targeting XMRV gag and env and one sensitive, published nested PCR assay targeting env. Detection of XMRV was confirmed by DNA sequencing. One of the 179 HIV-1 infected patients tested positive for gag by non-nested PCR whereas the two other assays did not detect XMRV in any specimen. All healthy blood donors were negative for XMRV proviral sequences. Sera from 23 HIV-1 infected patients (15 HCV+) and 12 healthy donors were screened for the presence of XMRV-reactive antibodies by Western blot. Thirteen sera (57%) from HIV-1+ patients and 6 sera (50%) from healthy donors showed reactivity to XMRV-infected cell lysate. Conclusions/Significance The virtual absence of XMRV in PBMCs suggests that XMRV is not associated with HIV-1 infected or HIV-1/HCV coinfected patients, or blood donors. Although we noted isolated incidents of serum reactivity to XMRV, we are unable to verify the antibodies as XMRV specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmina Gingaras
- Section of Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Bryan P. Danielson
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Karen J. Vigil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Elana Vey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Roberto C. Arduino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason T. Kimata
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- * E-mail:
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14
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Restricted replication of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in pigtailed macaques. J Virol 2012; 86:3152-66. [PMID: 22238316 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.06886-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been previously linked to prostate cancer and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, recent data indicate that results interpreted as evidence of human XMRV infection reflect laboratory contamination rather than authentic in vivo infection. Nevertheless, XMRV is a retrovirus of undefined pathogenic potential that is able to replicate in human cells. Here we describe a comprehensive analysis of two male pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) experimentally infected with XMRV. Following intravenous inoculation with >10(10) RNA copy equivalents of XMRV, viral replication was limited and transient, peaking at ≤2,200 viral RNA (vRNA) copies/ml plasma and becoming undetectable by 4 weeks postinfection, though viral DNA (vDNA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells remained detectable through 119 days of follow-up. Similarly, vRNA was not detectable in lymph nodes by in situ hybridization despite detectable vDNA. Sequencing of cell-associated vDNA revealed extensive G-to-A hypermutation, suggestive of APOBEC-mediated viral restriction. Consistent with limited viral replication, we found transient upregulation of type I interferon responses that returned to baseline by 2 weeks postinfection, no detectable cellular immune responses, and limited or no spread to prostate tissue. Antibody responses, including neutralizing antibodies, however, were detectable by 2 weeks postinfection and maintained throughout the study. Both animals were healthy for the duration of follow-up. These findings indicate that XMRV replication and spread were limited in pigtailed macaques, predominantly by APOBEC-mediated hypermutation. Given that human APOBEC proteins restrict XMRV infection in vitro, human XMRV infection, if it occurred, would be expected to be characterized by similarly limited viral replication and spread.
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Zheng H, Jia H, Shankar A, Heneine W, Switzer WM. Detection of murine leukemia virus or mouse DNA in commercial RT-PCR reagents and human DNAs. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29050. [PMID: 22205995 PMCID: PMC3243700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related viruses (XMRV) have been reported in persons with prostate cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and less frequently in blood donors. Polytropic MLVs have also been described in persons with CFS and blood donors. However, many studies have failed to confirm these findings, raising the possibility of contamination as a source of the positive results. One PCR reagent, Platinum Taq polymerase (pol) has been reported to contain mouse DNA that produces false-positive MLV PCR results. We report here the finding of a large number of PCR reagents that have low levels of MLV sequences. We found that recombinant reverse-transcriptase (RT) enzymes from six companies derived from either MLV or avian myeloblastosis virus contained MLV pol DNA sequences but not gag or mouse DNA sequences. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed high relatedness to Moloney MLV, suggesting residual contamination with an RT-containing plasmid. In addition, we identified contamination with mouse DNA and a variety of MLV sequences in commercially available human DNAs from leukocytes, brain tissues, and cell lines. These results identify new sources of MLV contamination and highlight the importance of careful pre-screening of commercial specimens and diagnostic reagents to avoid false-positive MLV PCR results.
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Affiliation(s)
- HaoQiang Zheng
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Hongwei Jia
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Anupama Shankar
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Walid Heneine
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - William M. Switzer
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Absence of detectable XMRV and other MLV-related viruses in healthy blood donors in the United States. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27391. [PMID: 22110639 PMCID: PMC3215715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Preliminary studies in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and XMRV infected animals demonstrated plasma viremia and infection of blood cells with XMRV, indicating the potential risk for transfusion transmission. XMRV and MLV-related virus gene sequences have also been detected in 4–6% of healthy individuals including blood donors in the U.S. These results imply that millions of persons in the U.S. may be carrying the nucleic acid sequences of XMRV and/or MLV-related viruses, which is a serious public health and blood safety concern. Methodology/Principal Findings To gain evidence of XMRV or MLV-related virus infection in the U.S. blood donors, 110 plasma samples and 71 PBMC samples from blood donors at the NIH blood bank were screened for XMRV and MLV-related virus infection. We employed highly sensitive assays, including nested PCR and real-time PCR, as well as co-culture of plasma with highly sensitive indicator DERSE cells. Using these assays, none of the samples were positive for XMRV or MLV-related virus. Conclusions/Significance Our results are consistent with those from several other studies, and demonstrate the absence of XMRV or MLV-related viruses in the U.S. blood donors that we studied.
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Watkins RR. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Association With the Human Retrovirus XMRV. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2011. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0b013e31822949c8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Tang N, Frank A, Leckie G, Hackett J, Simmons G, Busch M, Abravaya K. Development of sensitive single-round pol or env RT-PCR assays to screen for XMRV in multiple sample types. J Virol Methods 2011; 179:127-34. [PMID: 22057262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The potential association between xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) and prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been much debated. To help resolve the potential role of XMRV in human disease, it is critical to develop sensitive and accurate reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR assays to screen for the virus. Single-round RT-PCR assays were developed on the automated m2000™ system for detection of the pol or env regions of XMRV in whole blood, plasma, urine cell pellets and urogenital swab samples. Assay performance was assessed by testing two blinded panels, one comprised of whole blood and the other of plasma spiked with serial dilutions of XMRV-infected tissue culture cells and supernatant, respectively, prepared by the Blood XMRV Scientific Research Working Group (SRWG). For both whole blood and plasma panel testing, the assays showed excellent specificity and sensitivity as compared to the other tests included in the SRWG phase I study. Analytical specificity of the assays was also evaluated. Neither pol nor env PCR assays detected a panel of potential cross-reactive microorganisms, although some cross-reaction was observed with mouse genomic DNA. Screening of 196 normal human blood donor plasma, 214 HIV-1 seropositive plasma, 20 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate cancer specimens, 4 FFPE benign prostate specimens, 400 urine pellets from prostate cancer patients, 166 urine pellets from non-prostate cancer patients, and 135 cervical swab specimens, detected no samples as unequivocally XMRV positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Tang
- Abbott Molecular Inc., Des Plaines, IL 60018, USA.
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Williams DK, Galvin TA, Ma H, Khan AS. Investigation of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) in human and other cell lines. Biologicals 2011; 39:378-83. [PMID: 21996050 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2011.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) was discovered in human prostate tumors and later in some chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients. However, subsequent studies have identified various sources of potential contamination with XMRV and other murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related sequences in test samples. Biological and nucleotide sequence analysis indicates that XMRV is distinct from known xenotropic MLVs and has a broad host range and cell tropism including human cells. Therefore, it is prudent to minimize the risk of human exposure to infection by evaluating XMRV contamination in cell lines handled in laboratory research and particularly those used in the manufacture of biological products. Nested DNA PCR assays were optimized for investigating XMRV gag and env sequences in various cell lines, which included MRC-5, Vero, HEK-293, MDCK, HeLa, and A549, that may be used in the development of some vaccines and other cell lines broadly used in research. The sensitivity of the DNA PCR assays was <10 copies in approximately 1.8 x 10(5) cells equivalent of human DNA. The results indicated the absence of XMRV in the cell lines tested; although in some cases DNA fragments identified as cellular sequences were seen following the first round of PCR amplification with the env primer pair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanya K Williams
- Laboratory of Retroviruses, Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 8800 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Robinson MJ, Erlwein O, McClure MO. Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV) does not cause chronic fatigue. Trends Microbiol 2011; 19:525-9. [PMID: 21978843 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV), a gammaretrovirus, was discovered in prostate cancer tumours by Virochip technology in 2006. It was subsequently detected in chronic fatigue patients in 2009. The association between XMRV and chronic fatigue has proved to be controversial. No study has confirmed these findings and many have refuted them. Here, we present the evidence for our contention that XMRV is not a human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Robinson
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, W2 1PG, UK
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21
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Yang J, Battacharya P, Singhal R, Kandel ES. Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) in prostate cancer cells likely represents a laboratory artifact. Oncotarget 2011; 2:358-62. [PMID: 21642749 PMCID: PMC3248192 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) in human population and its involvement in prostate cancer are subjects of ongoing research and debate. 22Rv1, which is a human cell line that serves as a common model of androgen-independent prostate cancer, was recently reported to carry infectious copies of XMRV. 22Rv1 was derived from a prostate cancer xenograft CWR22 that was serially passaged in immunodeficient mice. Based on the analysis of the DNA from CWR22 and 22Rv1, we present evidence against the presence of XMRV in CWR22 and, by inference, the tumor, from which CWR22 and 22Rv1 were established. While the presence of XMRV in 22Rv1 is likely to be an artifact, it may be a significant factor in determining the biological properties of this cell line. This consideration warrants additional caution for the interpretation of the relevance of the studies, which utilize this popular cell line as a model. It also invites a closer look at the sources of viral contamination in xenografts and cultured cells, as well as in the experiments that allege the presence of this virus in human cells and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Yang
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Department of Cell Stress Biology, Elm and Carlton St., Buffalo, NY 142263, USA
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22
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Ali MA, Dale JK, Kozak CA, Goldbach-Mansky R, Miller FW, Straus SE, Cohen JI. Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus is not associated with chronic fatigue syndrome in patients from different areas of the us in the 1990s. Virol J 2011; 8:450. [PMID: 21943244 PMCID: PMC3210120 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2009, xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) was reported in 67% of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) compared to 4% of controls. Since then numerous reports failed to detect XMRV in other cohorts of CFS patients, and some studies suggested that XMRV sequences in human samples might be due to contamination of these samples with mouse DNA. RESULTS We determined the prevalence of XMRV in patients with CFS from similar areas in the United States as the original 2009 study, along with patients with chronic inflammatory disorders and healthy persons. Using quantitative PCR, we initially detected very low level signals for XMRV DNA in 15% of patients with CFS; however, the frequency of PCR positivity was no different between patients with CFS and controls. Repeated attempts to isolate PCR products from these reactions were unsuccessful. These findings were supported by our observations that PHA and IL-2 stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with apparently low levels of XMRV, which induced virus replication in the 2009 report, resulted in the disappearance of the signal for XMRV DNA in the cells. Immunoprecipitation of XMRV-infected cell lysates using serum from patients from whom we initially detected low levels of XMRV DNA followed by immunoblotting with antibodies to XMRV gp70 protein failed to detect antibody in the patients, although one control had a weak level of reactivity. Diverse murine leukemia virus (MLV) sequences were obtained by nested PCR with a similar frequency in CFS patients and controls. Finally, we did not detect XMRV sequences in patients with several chronic inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, Bechet's disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. CONCLUSIONS We found no definitive evidence for XMRV DNA sequences or antibody in our cohort of CFS patients, which like the original 2009 study, included patients from diverse regions of the United States. In addition, XMRV was not detected in a cohort of patients with chronic inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir A Ali
- Medical Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Janet K Dale
- Medical Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Current Address: Clinical Research Program, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christine A Kozak
- Viral Biology Section, Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky
- Translational Autoinflammatory Disease Section, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Frederick W Miller
- Environmental Autoimmunity Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen E Straus
- Medical Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey I Cohen
- Medical Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Cool M, Bouchard N, Massé G, Laganière B, Dumont A, Hanna Z, Phaneuf D, Morisset R, Jolicoeur P. No detectable XMRV in subjects with chronic fatigue syndrome from Quebec. Virology 2011; 420:66-72. [PMID: 21925693 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2011.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the presence of XMRV in a cohort of Quebec patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). DNA was purified from activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and PCR was used to detect XMRV gag and env in 72 patients. Anti-XMRV antibodies were searched in sera of 62 patients by Western blot analysis. Attempts to detect XMRV antigens was made, using immunofluorescence with Gag anti-p30 antiserum on activated PBMC from 50 patients. Plasma viremia was measured by RT-PCR on 9 subjects. Finally, detection of infectious virus in 113 CFS subjects was made by co-culture of PHA+IL-2 activated PBMC with human LNCaP carcinoma cells, and by infecting the same susceptible cells with plasma, using a reverse transcriptase (RT) assay as a readout in both experiments. No detection of XMRV footprints nor infectious virus was detected with any of the approaches, in any of the tested individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Cool
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2W 1R7
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24
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Ndongwe TP, Adedeji AO, Michailidis E, Ong YT, Hachiya A, Marchand B, Ryan EM, Rai DK, Kirby KA, Whatley AS, Burke DH, Johnson M, Ding S, Zheng YM, Liu SL, Kodama EI, Delviks-Frankenberry KA, Pathak VK, Mitsuya H, Parniak MA, Singh K, Sarafianos SG. Biochemical, inhibition and inhibitor resistance studies of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus reverse transcriptase. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 40:345-59. [PMID: 21908397 PMCID: PMC3245923 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We report key mechanistic differences between the reverse transcriptases (RT) of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), a gammaretrovirus that can infect human cells. Steady and pre-steady state kinetics demonstrated that XMRV RT is significantly less efficient in DNA synthesis and in unblocking chain-terminated primers. Surface plasmon resonance experiments showed that the gammaretroviral enzyme has a remarkably higher dissociation rate (koff) from DNA, which also results in lower processivity than HIV-1 RT. Transient kinetics of mismatch incorporation revealed that XMRV RT has higher fidelity than HIV-1 RT. We identified RNA aptamers that potently inhibit XMRV, but not HIV-1 RT. XMRV RT is highly susceptible to some nucleoside RT inhibitors, including Translocation Deficient RT inhibitors, but not to non-nucleoside RT inhibitors. We demonstrated that XMRV RT mutants K103R and Q190M, which are equivalent to HIV-1 mutants that are resistant to tenofovir (K65R) and AZT (Q151M), are also resistant to the respective drugs, suggesting that XMRV can acquire resistance to these compounds through the decreased incorporation mechanism reported in HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanyaradzwa P Ndongwe
- Christopher Bond Life Sciences Center, Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Lack of Detection of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Virus in HIV-1 Lymphoma Patients. Adv Virol 2011; 2011:797820. [PMID: 22312354 PMCID: PMC3265315 DOI: 10.1155/2011/797820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a gammaretrovirus reported to be associated with human prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Since retroviruses cause various cancers, and XMRV replication might be facilitated by HIV-1 co-infection, we asked whether certain patients with HIV-associated lymphomas are infected with XMRV. Analysis of PMBCs and plasma from 26 patients failed to detect XMRV by PCR, ELISA, or Western blot, suggesting a lack of association between XMRV and AIDS-associated lymphomas.
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Phylogeny-directed search for murine leukemia virus-like retroviruses in vertebrate genomes and in patients suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and prostate cancer. Adv Virol 2011; 2011:341294. [PMID: 22315600 PMCID: PMC3265301 DOI: 10.1155/2011/341294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2011] [Revised: 06/11/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Gammaretrovirus-like sequences occur in most vertebrate genomes. Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) like retroviruses (MLLVs) are a subset, which may be pathogenic and spread cross-species. Retroviruses highly similar to MLLVs (xenotropic murine retrovirus related virus (XMRV) and Human Mouse retrovirus-like RetroViruses (HMRVs)) reported from patients suffering from prostate cancer (PC) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) raise the possibility that also humans have been infected. Structurally intact, potentially infectious MLLVs occur in the genomes of some mammals, especially mouse. Mouse MLLVs contain three major groups. One, MERV G3, contained MLVs and XMRV/HMRV. Its presence in mouse DNA, and the abundance of xenotropic MLVs in biologicals, is a source of false positivity. Theoretically, XMRV/HMRV could be one of several MLLV transspecies infections. MLLV pathobiology and diversity indicate optimal strategies for investigating XMRV/HMRV in humans and raise ethical concerns. The alternatives that XMRV/HMRV may give a hard-to-detect “stealth” infection, or that XMRV/HMRV never reached humans, have to be considered.
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Waugh EM, Jarrett RF, Shield L, Montgomery D, Dean RTG, Mitchell A, Greaves MF, Gallagher A. The retrovirus XMRV is not directly involved in the pathogenesis of common types of lymphoid malignancy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011; 20:2232-6. [PMID: 21859953 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-11-0561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A novel retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), has been detected in prostate cancer samples and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition, the virus has been identified in PBMCs from healthy controls. These data suggest that XMRV is circulating in the human population. XMRV is closely related to murine leukemia viruses, which cause lymphoid malignancies in mice. The aim of this study was to determine whether XMRV is directly associated with common forms of human lymphoma or leukemia. METHODS DNA samples from 368 patients with lymphoid malignancies and 139 patients with benign lymphadenopathy or other malignant disease were screened for XMRV, using three specific and sensitive quantitative PCR assays. RESULTS XMRV was not detected in any sample using any of the three assays. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that this virus is not directly involved in the pathogenesis of common types of lymphoid malignancy and that XMRV is not a prevalent blood borne infection, at least in the United Kingdom. IMPACT There is no evidence that XMRV is associated with lymphoid malignancies, and further studies should resolve inconsistencies in results of studies examining XMRV prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth M Waugh
- LRF Virus Centre, MRC and University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Mi Z, Lu Y, Zhang S, An X, Wang X, Chen B, Wang Q, Tong Y. Absence of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in blood donors in China. Transfusion 2011; 52:326-31. [PMID: 21854397 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2011.03267.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a novel human gammaretrovirus that was first identified in patients with prostate cancer in 2006. Subsequent studies have shown that XMRV is also detected in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and even in some healthy controls and blood donors. However, some conflicting findings have been reported by different laboratories or in different regions. The association of XMRV with human diseases and the prevalence of XMRV in different populations needs to be further determined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS XMRV was screened in 391 blood samples from healthy blood donors in China. Nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify gag and env genes of XMRV from total RNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) and plasma, respectively. Quantitative PCR was performed to detect XMRV env gene in genomic DNA of PBMNCs. To enhance the detection sensitivity, plasma was added into LNCaP cells to amplify XMRV in the plasma samples. RESULTS No XMRV was found in the 391 blood donors in China or in the LNCaP cells inoculated with plasma from the blood donors. CONCLUSION Both PCR and virus isolation in highly permissive LNCaP cells failed to detect XMRV in 391 Chinese blood donors, indicating that XMRV infection might not be present in blood donors in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Mi
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology and Affiliated Hospital, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Erlwein O, Robinson MJ, Dustan S, Weber J, Kaye S, McClure MO. DNA extraction columns contaminated with murine sequences. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23484. [PMID: 21876752 PMCID: PMC3158089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequences of the novel gammaretrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) have been described in human prostate cancer tissue, although the amounts of DNA are low. Furthermore, XMRV sequences and polytropic (p) murine leukemia viruses (MLVs) have been reported in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). In assessing the prevalence of XMRV in prostate cancer tissue samples we discovered that eluates from naïve DNA purification columns, when subjected to PCR with primers designed to detect genomic mouse DNA contamination, occasionally gave rise to amplification products. Further PCR analysis, using primers to detect XMRV, revealed sequences derived from XMRV and pMLVs from mouse and human DNA and DNA of unspecified origin. Thus, DNA purification columns can present problems when used to detect minute amounts of DNA targets by highly sensitive amplification techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Erlwein
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J. Robinson
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Dustan
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Weber
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Kaye
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Myra O. McClure
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Phylogenetic analysis of murine leukemia virus sequences from longitudinally sampled chronic fatigue syndrome patients suggests PCR contamination rather than viral evolution. J Virol 2011; 85:10909-13. [PMID: 21849443 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00827-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related virus (XMRV) has been amplified from human prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patient samples. Other studies failed to replicate these findings and suggested PCR contamination with a prostate cancer cell line, 22Rv1, as a likely source. MLV-like sequences have also been detected in CFS patients in longitudinal samples 15 years apart. Here, we tested whether sequence data from these samples are consistent with viral evolution. Our phylogenetic analyses strongly reject a model of within-patient evolution and demonstrate that the sequences from the first and second time points represent distinct endogenous murine retroviruses, suggesting contamination.
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31
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Failure to Detect XMRV-Specific Antibodies in the Plasma of CFS Patients Using Highly Sensitive Chemiluminescence Immunoassays. Adv Virol 2011; 2011:854540. [PMID: 22312356 PMCID: PMC3265317 DOI: 10.1155/2011/854540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2009, Lombardi et al. reported their startling finding that the gammaretrovirus xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related retrovirus (XMRV) is present in 67% of blood samples of patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), as opposed to only 3.7% of samples from healthy individuals. However, we and others could not confirm these results, using a nested PCR assay. An alternative to this highly sensitive, but contamination-prone, technique is to measure the serological response to XMRV. Thus, we tested the plasma samples from our cohorts of CFS patients and healthy controls for the presence of XMRV-specific antibodies. Using two novel chemiluminescence immunoassays (CMIAs), we show that none of our samples have any XMRV-reactive antibodies. Taken together with our previous findings, we conclude that XMRV is not present in any human individual tested by us, regardless of CFS or healthy control.
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Origin of XMRV and its demise as a human pathogen associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Viruses 2011; 3:1312-9. [PMID: 21994780 PMCID: PMC3185801 DOI: 10.3390/v3081312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses are well known pathogens of mammals, birds and fish. Their potential to induce cancer in chickens was already described almost 100 years ago and murine retroviruses have been a subject of study for 50 years. The first human retroviruses, HTLV and HIV, were discovered more than 30 years ago, surprising researchers and physicians by the profound differences in the diseases they cause. HTLV-1 is able to induce, after decades of infection, lymphomas/leukemia or neuroimmune disorders whereas untreated HIV infection leads almost inevitably to AIDS. The recently described XMRV (xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus) appeared to possess many of the features known for HTLV and was regarded by some to be the third human retrovirus. However, recent publications by Knox et al. [1] and Paprotka et al. [2] have shed new light on this gammaretrovirus. Knox and colleagues clearly demonstrate that XMRV is absent in patients belonging to a chronic fatigue syndrome cohort who had previously been reported to be XMRV-positive [3]. This supports the growing suspicion that laboratory contamination was responsible for the postulated link between XMRV and the disease. Furthermore, Paprotka et al’s identification of XMRV’s origin and the phylogenetic analysis of known XMRV sequences are further nails in the coffin to the notion that XMRV is a clinically relevant infectious human retrovirus.
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Jerome KR, Diem K, Huang ML, Selke S, Corey L, Buchwald D. Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in monozygotic twins discordant for chronic fatigue syndrome. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 71:66-71. [PMID: 21795004 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2011.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A recent report suggested an association between xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). If confirmed, this would suggest that antiretroviral therapy might benefit patients suffering from CFS. We validated a set of assays for XMRV and evaluated the prevalence of XMRV in a cohort of monozygotic twins discordant for CFS. Stored peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were tested with 3 separate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays (one of which was nested) for XMRV DNA, and serum/plasma was tested for XMRV RNA by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. None of the PBMC samples from the twins with CFS or their unaffected co-twins was positive for XMRV, by any of the assays. One plasma sample, from an unaffected co-twin, was reproducibly positive by RT-PCR. However, serum from the same day was negative, as was a follow-up plasma sample obtained 2 days after the positive specimen. These data do not support an association of XMRV with CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith R Jerome
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
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Abstract
The potential association between xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related gammaretrovirus (XMRV) and prostate cancer (PCa) has been documented since 2006. It is important for furthering our understanding of the biological mechanisms of PCa to ascertain whether this association is causal. To summarize the available information on the epidemiological and laboratory findings of the association, we conducted a literature search of the PubMed electronic database (from March 2006 to February 2011) to identify relevant published studies that examined the association between XMRV and PCa. Although several studies showed the positive association between XMRV and PCa, more recent studies did not support this conclusion. The positive findings might be due to contamination of human samples. Further studies are needed to clarify this association.
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Maggi F, Focosi D, Lanini L, Sbranti S, Mazzetti P, Macera L, Davini S, De Donno M, Mariotti ML, Antonelli G, Scatena F, Pistello M. Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus is not found in peripheral blood cells from treatment-naive human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 18:184-8. [PMID: 21672082 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03580.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The human pathogen xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been tentatively associated with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Unfortunately, subsequent studies failed to identify the virus in various clinical settings. To determine whether XMRV circulates in humans and the relationship with its host, we searched for the virus in 124 human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients who might have been exposed to XMRV, might be prone to infection as a result of progressive immunodeficiency, and had not yet been treated with antiretroviral drugs. Using nested PCR and single-step TaqMan real-time PCR, both designed on the XMRV gag gene, we could not find any positive samples. These findings add to the growing amount of scepticism regarding XMRV.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Maggi
- Virology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
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36
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No Evidence of XMRV or MuLV Sequences in Prostate Cancer, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, or the UK Blood Donor Population. Adv Virol 2011; 2011:782353. [PMID: 22312352 PMCID: PMC3265314 DOI: 10.1155/2011/782353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a recently described retrovirus which has been claimed to infect humans and cause associated pathology. Initially identified in the US in patients with prostate cancer and subsequently in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, doubt now exists that XMRV is a human pathogen. We studied the prevalence of genetic sequences of XMRV and related MuLV sequences in human prostate cancer, from B cell lymphoma patients and from UK blood donors. Nucleic acid was extracted from fresh prostate tissue biopsies, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate tissue and FFPE B-cell lymphoma. The presence of XMRV-specific LTR or MuLV generic gag-like sequences was investigated by nested PCR. To control for mouse DNA contamination, a PCR that detected intracisternal A-type particle (IAP) sequences was included. In addition, DNA and RNA were extracted from whole blood taken from UK blood donors and screened for XMRV sequences by real-time PCR. XMRV or MuLV-like sequences were not amplified from tissue samples. Occasionally MuLV gag and XMRV-LTR sequences were amplified from Indian prostate cancer samples, but were always detected in conjunction with contaminating murine genomic DNA. We found no evidence of XMRV or MuLV infection in the UK blood donors.
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Knox K, Carrigan D, Simmons G, Teque F, Zhou Y, Hackett J, Qiu X, Luk KC, Schochetman G, Knox A, Kogelnik AM, Levy JA. No evidence of murine-like gammaretroviruses in CFS patients previously identified as XMRV-infected. Science 2011; 333:94-7. [PMID: 21628393 DOI: 10.1126/science.1204963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Members of the gammaretroviruses--such as murine leukemia viruses (MLVs), most notably XMRV [xenotropic murine leukemia virus (X-MLV)-related virus--have been reported to be present in the blood of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). We evaluated blood samples from 61 patients with CFS from a single clinical practice, 43 of whom had previously been identified as XMRV-positive. Our analysis included polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction procedures for detection of viral nucleic acids and assays for detection of infectious virus and virus-specific antibodies. We found no evidence of XMRV or other MLVs in these blood samples. In addition, we found that these gammaretroviruses were strongly (X-MLV) or partially (XMRV) susceptible to inactivation by sera from CFS patients and healthy controls, which suggested that establishment of a successful MLV infection in humans would be unlikely. Consistent with previous reports, we detected MLV sequences in commercial laboratory reagents. Our results indicate that previous evidence linking XMRV and MLVs to CFS is likely attributable to laboratory contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstance Knox
- Wisconsin Viral Research Group, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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38
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Tuke PW, Tettmar KI, Tamuri A, Stoye JP, Tedder RS. PCR master mixes harbour murine DNA sequences. Caveat emptor! PLoS One 2011; 6:e19953. [PMID: 21647447 PMCID: PMC3102076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND XMRV is the most recently described retrovirus to be found in Man, firstly in patients with prostate cancer (PC) and secondly in 67% of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 3.7% of controls. Both disease associations remain contentious. Indeed, a recent publication has concluded that "XMRV is unlikely to be a human pathogen". Subsequently related but different polytropic MLV (pMLV) sequences were also reported from the blood of 86.5% of patients with CFS. and 6.8% of controls. Consequently we decided to investigate blood donors for evidence of XMRV/pMLV. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Testing of cDNA prepared from the whole blood of 80 random blood donors, generated gag PCR signals from two samples (7C and 9C). These had previously tested negative for XMRV by two other PCR based techniques. To test whether the PCR mix was the source of these sequences 88 replicates of water were amplified using Invitrogen Platinum Taq (IPT) and Applied Biosystems Taq Gold LD (ABTG). Four gag sequences (2D, 3F, 7H, 12C) were generated with the IPT, a further sequence (12D) by ABTG re-amplification of an IPT first round product. Sequence comparisons revealed remarkable similarities between these sequences, endogeous MLVs and the pMLV sequences reported in patients with CFS. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Methodologies for the detection of viruses highly homologous to endogenous murine viruses require special caution as the very reagents used in the detection process can be a source of contamination and at a level where it is not immediately apparent. It is suggested that such contamination is likely to explain the apparent presence of pMLV in CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip W Tuke
- Transfusion Microbiology Research and Development, National Transfusion Microbiology Laboratories, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Colindale, London, United Kingdom.
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No association of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related viruses with prostate cancer. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19065. [PMID: 21573232 PMCID: PMC3087753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The association of the xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) with prostate cancer continues to receive heightened attention as studies report discrepant XMRV prevalences ranging from zero up to 23%. It is unclear if differences in the diagnostic testing, disease severity, geography, or other factors account for the discordant results. We report here the prevalence of XMRV in a population with well-defined prostate cancers and RNase L polymorphism. We used broadly reactive PCR and Western blot (WB) assays to detect infection with XMRV and related murine leukemia viruses (MLV). Methodology/Principal Findings We studied specimens from 162 US patients diagnosed with prostate cancer with a intermediate to advanced stage (Gleason Scores of 5–10; moderate (46%) poorly differentiated tumors (54%)). Prostate tissue DNA was tested by PCR assays that detect XMRV and MLV variants. To exclude contamination with mouse DNA, we also designed and used a mouse-specific DNA PCR test. Detailed phylogenetic analysis was used to infer evolutionary relationships. RNase L typing showed that 9.3% were homozygous (QQ) for the R462Q RNase L mutation, while 45.6% and 45.1% were homozygous or heterozygous, respectively. Serologic testing was performed by a WB test. Three of 162 (1.9%) prostate tissue DNA were PCR-positive for XMRV and had undetectable mouse DNA. None was homozygous for the QQ mutation. Plasma from all three persons was negative for viral RNA by RT-PCR. All 162 patients were WB negative. Phylogenetic analysis inferred a distinct XMRV. Conclusions and Their Significance We found a very low prevalence of XMRV in prostate cancer patients. Infection was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis and absence of contaminating mouse DNA. The finding of undetectable antibodies and viremia in all three patients may reflect latent infection. Our results do not support an association of XMRV or MLV variants with prostate cancer.
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40
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Absence of XMRV retrovirus and other murine leukemia virus-related viruses in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. J Virol 2011; 85:7195-202. [PMID: 21543496 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00693-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a multisystem disorder characterized by prolonged and severe fatigue that is not relieved by rest. Attempts to treat CFS have been largely ineffective primarily because the etiology of the disorder is unknown. Recently, CFS has been associated with xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) as well as other murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related viruses, though not all studies have found these associations. We collected blood samples from 100 CFS patients and 200 self-reported healthy volunteers from the same geographical area. We analyzed these in a blind manner using molecular, serological, and viral replication assays. We also analyzed samples from patients in the original study that reported XMRV in CFS patients. We did not find XMRV or related MLVs either as viral sequences or infectious viruses, nor did we find antibodies to these viruses in any of the patient samples, including those from the original study. We show that at least some of the discrepancy with previous studies is due to the presence of trace amounts of mouse DNA in the Taq polymerase enzymes used in these previous studies. Our findings do not support an association between CFS and MLV-related viruses, including XMRV, and the off-label use of antiretrovirals for the treatment of CFS does not seem justified at present.
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41
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42
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Soriano V. XMRV, un nuevo retrovirus humano en busca de enfermedad. Med Clin (Barc) 2011; 136:669-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2010.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. J Clin Immunol 2011; 31:584-7. [PMID: 21509625 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-011-9535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV)-specific proviral DNA has been recently detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Since chronic fatigue is commonly reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) we aimed at testing the presence of this virus in these patients. METHODS Ninety-five SLE patients, 45 of whom had a Fatigue Severity Scale score higher than 3, were included. Molecular analyses were performed by PCR from DNA obtained from the whole blood of both SLE patients and 50 healthy controls. RESULTS None of the 145 samples analyzed yielded the specific XMRV PCR product. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that XMRV is not detected in blood neither from SLE patients nor from healthy controls. It leads to infer that other environmental and biological triggers (different from XMRV) may account for the increased levels of fatigue over the course of SLE.
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44
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Schutzer SE, Rounds MA, Natelson BH, Ecker DJ, Eshoo MW. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from chronic fatigue syndrome patients for multiple human ubiquitous viruses and xenotropic murine leukemia-related virus. Ann Neurol 2011; 69:735-8. [PMID: 21472770 DOI: 10.1002/ana.22389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports showed many patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) harbor a retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia-related virus (XMRV), in blood; other studies could not replicate this finding. A useful next step would be to examine cerebrospinal fluid, because in some patients CFS is thought to be a brain disorder. Finding a microbe in the central nervous system would have greater significance than in blood because of the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. We examined cerebrospinal fluid from 43 CFS patients using polymerase chain reaction techniques, but did not find XMRV or multiple other common viruses, suggesting that exploration of other causes or pathogenetic mechanisms is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Schutzer
- Departments of Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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45
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Gray ER, Garson JA, Breuer J, Edwards S, Kellam P, Pillay D, Towers GJ. No evidence of XMRV or related retroviruses in a London HIV-1-positive patient cohort. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18096. [PMID: 21448291 PMCID: PMC3063244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 02/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have implicated a recently discovered gammaretrovirus, XMRV (Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus), in chronic fatigue syndrome and prostate cancer, though whether as causative agent or opportunistic infection is unclear. It has also been suggested that the virus can be found circulating amongst the general population. The discovery has been controversial, with conflicting results from attempts to reproduce the original studies. Methodology/Principal Findings We extracted peripheral blood DNA from a cohort of 540 HIV-1-positive patients (approximately 20% of whom have never been on anti-retroviral treatment) and determined the presence of XMRV and related viruses using TaqMan PCR. While we were able to amplify as few as 5 copies of positive control DNA, we did not find any positive samples in the patient cohort. Conclusions/Significance In view of these negative findings in this highly susceptible group, we conclude that it is unlikely that XMRV or related viruses are circulating at a significant level, if at all, in HIV-1-positive patients in London or in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor R Gray
- Department of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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46
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Erlwein O, Robinson MJ, Kaye S, Wills G, Izui S, Wessely S, Weber J, Cleare A, Collier D, McClure MO. Investigation into the presence of and serological response to XMRV in CFS patients. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17592. [PMID: 21408077 PMCID: PMC3052320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel human gammaretrovirus xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), originally described in prostate cancer, has also been implicated in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). When later reports failed to confirm the link to CFS, they were often criticised for not using the conditions described in the original study. Here, we revisit our patient cohort to investigate the XMRV status in those patients by means of the original PCR protocol which linked the virus to CFS. In addition, sera from our CFS patients were assayed for the presence of xenotropic virus envelope protein, as well as a serological response to it. The results further strengthen our contention that there is no evidence for an association of XMRV with CFS, at least in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Erlwein
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J. Robinson
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Kaye
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Wills
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shozo Izui
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simon Wessely
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Camberwell, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Weber
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Cleare
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Camberwell, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Collier
- Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Myra O. McClure
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Simmons G, Glynn SA, Holmberg JA, Coffin JM, Hewlett IK, Lo SC, Mikovits JA, Switzer WM, Linnen JM, Busch MP. The Blood Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Virus Scientific Research Working Group: mission, progress, and plans. Transfusion 2011; 51:643-53. [PMID: 21366602 PMCID: PMC3071162 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2011.03063.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Graham Simmons
- Blood Systems Research Institute and University of California, San Francisco, California 94118, USA.
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48
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Lintas C, Guidi F, Manzi B, Mancini A, Curatolo P, Persico AM. Lack of infection with XMRV or other MLV-related viruses in blood, post-mortem brains and paternal gametes of autistic individuals. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16609. [PMID: 21373179 PMCID: PMC3043069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired language,
communication and social skills, as well as by repetitive and stereotypic
patterns of behavior. Many autistic subjects display a dysregulation of the
immune system which is compatible with an unresolved viral infection with
prenatal onset, potentially due to vertical viral transmission. Recently,
the xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been
implicated in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and in prostate cancer by
several, though not all studies. Methodology/Principal Findings We assessed whether XMRV or other murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related viruses
are involved in autistic disorder. Using nested PCR targeted to
gag genomic sequences, we screened DNA samples from:
(i) peripheral blood of 102 ASD patients and 97 controls, (ii) post-mortem
brain samples of 20 ASD patients and 17 sex- and age-matched controls, (iii)
semen samples of 11 fathers of ASD children, 25 infertile individuals and 7
fertile controls. No XMRV gag DNA sequences were detected,
whereas peripheral blood samples of 3/97 (3.1%) controls were
positive for MLV. Conclusions|Significance No MLV-related virus was detected in blood, brain, and semen samples of ASD
patients or fathers. Hence infection with XMRV or other MLV-related viruses
is unlikely to contribute to autism pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Lintas
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and
Neurogenetics, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and
Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Experimental Neurosciences, I.R.C.C.S.
“Fondazione Santa Lucia”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Guidi
- Institute of Hematology, Catholic University
of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Manzi
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry,
University “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Mancini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic
University of the Sacred Heart, Rome Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry,
University “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio M. Persico
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and
Neurogenetics, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and
Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Experimental Neurosciences, I.R.C.C.S.
“Fondazione Santa Lucia”, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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49
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Satterfield BC, Garcia RA, Jia H, Tang S, Zheng H, Switzer WM. Serologic and PCR testing of persons with chronic fatigue syndrome in the United States shows no association with xenotropic or polytropic murine leukemia virus-related viruses. Retrovirology 2011; 8:12. [PMID: 21342521 PMCID: PMC3050813 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-8-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2009, a newly discovered human retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MuLV)-related virus (XMRV), was reported by Lombardi et al. in 67% of persons from the US with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) by PCR detection of gag sequences. Although six subsequent studies have been negative for XMRV, CFS was defined more broadly using only the CDC or Oxford criteria and samples from the US were limited in geographic diversity, both potentially reducing the chances of identifying XMRV positive CFS cases. A seventh study recently found polytropic MuLV sequences, but not XMRV, in a high proportion of persons with CFS. Here we tested blood specimens from 45 CFS cases and 42 persons without CFS from over 20 states in the United States for both XMRV and MuLV. The CFS patients all had a minimum of 6 months of post-exertional malaise and a high degree of disability, the same key symptoms described in the Lombardi et al. study. Using highly sensitive and generic DNA and RNA PCR tests, and a new Western blot assay employing purified whole XMRV as antigen, we found no evidence of XMRV or MuLV in all 45 CFS cases and in the 42 persons without CFS. Our findings, together with previous negative reports, do not suggest an association of XMRV or MuLV in the majority of CFS cases.
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NF-kappaB activation stimulates transcription and replication of retrovirus XMRV in human B-lineage and prostate carcinoma cells. J Virol 2011; 85:3179-86. [PMID: 21270144 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02333-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a gammaretrovirus linked to prostate carcinoma and chronic fatigue syndrome. Here we report that NF-κB activation can markedly increase XMRV production. The inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which activates NF-κB, significantly augmented viral Gag protein production in XMRV-infected cells. Reporter assays showed that TNF-α and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), an intrinsic NF-κB activator, increased long terminal repeat (LTR)-dependent XMRV transcription. We identified two NF-κB binding sites (designated κB-1 and κB-2) in the LTR U3 region of XMRV and demonstrated that both sites bind to the NF-κB component p65/RelA. Mutation of the κB-1 site, but not the κB-2 site, impaired responsiveness to TNF-α and LMP1 in reporter assays. A mutant XMRV with a mutation at the κB-1 site replicated significantly less efficiently than the wild-type XMRV in the prostate carcinoma LNCaP, DU145, and PC-3 cell lines, HEK293 cells, the EBV-immortalized cell line IB4, and the Burkitt's lymphoma cell line BJAB. These results demonstrate that TNF-α and EBV LMP1 enhance XMRV replication in prostate carcinoma and B-lineage cells through the κB-1 site in the XMRV LTR, suggesting that inflammation, EBV infection, and other conditions leading to NF-κB activation may promote XMRV spread in humans.
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