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Rivera LF, Lezcano-Coba C, Galué J, Rodriguez X, Juarez Y, de Souza WM, Capitan-Barrios Z, Valderrama A, Abrego L, Cedeño H, Jackman C, Waggoner JJ, Aguilar PV, Guzman H, Weaver SC, Tesh RB, López-Vèrges S, Donnelly CA, Estofolete CF, Nogueira ML, Faria NR, Vasilakis N, Vittor AY, Smith DR, Carrera JP. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Madariaga and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infections. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.02.24302220. [PMID: 38352566 PMCID: PMC10863014 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.24302220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Madariaga virus (MADV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) are emerging arboviruses affecting rural and remote areas of Latin America. However, there are limited clinical and epidemiological reports available, and outbreaks are occurring at an increasing frequency. We addressed this gap by analyzing all the available clinical and epidemiological data of MADV and VEEV infections recorded since 1961 in Panama. A total of 168 of human alphavirus encephalitis cases were detected in Panama from 1961 to 2023. Here we describe the clinical signs and symptoms and epidemiological characteristics of these cases, and also explored signs and symptoms as potential predictors of encephalitic alphavirus infection when compared to those of other arbovirus infections occurring in the region. Our results highlight the challenges clinical diagnosis of alphavirus disease in endemic regions with overlapping circulation of multiple arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Felipe Rivera
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Carlos Lezcano-Coba
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Josefrancisco Galué
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Xacdiel Rodriguez
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Yelissa Juarez
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | | | - Zeuz Capitan-Barrios
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
- Universidad de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá
| | - Anayansi Valderrama
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
| | - Leyda Abrego
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
- Universidad de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá
| | | | | | | | | | - Hilda Guzman
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Robert B. Tesh
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Cassia F. Estofolete
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Mauricio L. Nogueira
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Nuno R. Faria
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Paul Carrera
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
- Carson Centre for Research in Environment and Emerging Infectious Diseases, La Peñita, Darién, Panama
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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2
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Rueda Altez MS, Kimberlin DW. The dynamic landscape of emerging viral infections. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:411-413. [PMID: 38135723 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02974-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Rueda Altez
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - David W Kimberlin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Carrera JP, Araúz D, Rojas A, Cardozo F, Stittleburg V, Morales Claro I, Galue J, Lezcano-Coba C, Romero Rebello Moreira F, -Rivera LF, Chen-Germán M, Moreno B, Capitan-Barrios Z, López-Vergès S, Pascale JM, Sabino EC, Valderrama A, Hanley KA, Donnelly CA, Vasilakis N, Faria NR, Waggoner JJ. Real-time RT-PCR for Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex, Madariaga, and Eastern equine encephalitis viruses: application in human and mosquito public health surveillance in Panama. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0015223. [PMID: 37982611 PMCID: PMC10729654 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00152-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Madariaga virus (MADV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus complex (VEEV) are New World alphaviruses transmitted by mosquitoes. They cause febrile and sometimes severe neurological diseases in human and equine hosts. Detecting them during the acute phase is hindered by non-specific symptoms and limited diagnostic tools. We designed and clinically assessed real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays (rRT-PCRs) for VEEV complex, MADV, and EEEV using whole-genome sequences. Validation involved 15 retrospective serum samples from 2015 to 2017 outbreaks, 150 mosquito pools from 2015, and 118 prospective samples from 2021 to 2022 surveillance in Panama. The rRT-PCRs detected VEEV complex RNA in 10 samples (66.7%) from outbreaks, with one having both VEEV complex and MADV RNAs. VEEV complex RNA was found in five suspected dengue cases from disease surveillance. The rRT-PCR assays identified VEEV complex RNA in three Culex (Melanoconion) vomerifer pools, leading to VEEV isolates in two. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the VEEV ID subtype in positive samples. Notably, 11.9% of dengue-like disease patients showed VEEV infections. Together, our rRT-PCR validation in human and mosquito samples suggests that this method can be incorporated into mosquito and human encephalitic alphavirus surveillance programs in endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Carrera
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Dimelza Araúz
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Alejandra Rojas
- Departamento de Producción, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Fátima Cardozo
- Departamento de Producción, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Victoria Stittleburg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ingra Morales Claro
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Josefrancisco Galue
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Carlos Lezcano-Coba
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Filipe Romero Rebello Moreira
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luis Felipe -Rivera
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Maria Chen-Germán
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Brechla Moreno
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Zeuz Capitan-Barrios
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama
| | - Sandra López-Vergès
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Juan Miguel Pascale
- Clinical of Tropical Diseases and Research Unit, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Ester C. Sabino
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anayansi Valderrama
- Viral Emerging Disease Dynamics Group, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
- Department of Medical Entomology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Kathryn A. Hanley
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
| | - Christl A. Donnelly
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nikos Vasilakis
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Center for Tropical Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nuno R. Faria
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC-GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jesse J. Waggoner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Kafai NM, Janova H, Cain MD, Alippe Y, Muraro S, Sariol A, Elam-Noll M, Klein RS, Diamond MS. Entry receptor LDLRAD3 is required for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus peripheral infection and neurotropism leading to pathogenesis in mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112946. [PMID: 37556325 PMCID: PMC10529316 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an encephalitic alphavirus responsible for epidemics of neurological disease across the Americas. Low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing 3 (LDLRAD3) is a recently reported entry receptor for VEEV. Here, using wild-type and Ldlrad3-deficient mice, we define a critical role for LDLRAD3 in controlling steps in VEEV infection, pathogenesis, and neurotropism. Our analysis shows that LDLRAD3 is required for efficient VEEV infection and pathogenesis prior to and after central nervous system invasion. Ldlrad3-deficient mice survive intranasal and intracranial VEEV inoculation and show reduced infection of neurons in different brain regions. As LDLRAD3 is a determinant of pathogenesis and an entry receptor required for VEEV infection of neurons of the brain, receptor-targeted therapies may hold promise as countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Kafai
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hana Janova
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Matthew D Cain
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yael Alippe
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Stefanie Muraro
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alan Sariol
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michelle Elam-Noll
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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5
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Mapping Eastern (EEE) and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitides (VEE) among Equines Using Geographical Information Systems, Colombia, 2008–2019. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030707. [PMID: 36992416 PMCID: PMC10056775 DOI: 10.3390/v15030707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) viruses are zoonotic pathogens affecting humans, particularly equines. These neuroarboviruses compromise the central nervous system and can be fatal in different hosts. Both have significantly influenced Colombia; however, few studies analyse its behaviour, and none develop maps using geographic information systems to characterise it. Objective: To describe the temporal-spatial distribution of those viruses in Colombia between 2008 and 2019. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study, based on weekly reports by municipalities of the ICA, of the surveillance of both arboviruses in equines, in Colombia, from 2008 to 2019. The data were converted into databases in Microsoft Access 365®, and multiple epidemiological maps were generated with the Kosmo RC1®3.0 software coupled to shape files of all municipalities in the country. Results: In the study period, 96 cases of EEE and 70 of VEE were reported, with 58% of EEE cases occurring in 2016 and 20% of EEV cases in 2013. The most affected municipalities for EEE corresponded to the department of Casanare: Yopal (20), Aguazul (16), and Tauramena (10). In total, 40 municipalities in the country reported ≥1 case of EEE. Conclusions: The maps allow a quick appreciation of groups of neighbouring municipalities in different departments (1° political division) and regions of the country affected by those viruses, which helps consider the expansion of the disease associated with mobility and transport of equines between other municipalities, also including international borders, such as is the case with Venezuela. In that country, especially for EEV, municipalities in the department of Cesar are bordering and at risk for that arboviral infection. there is a high risk of equine encephalitis outbreaks, especially for VEE. This poses a risk also, for municipalities in the department of Cesar, bordering with Venezuela.
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6
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Suhrbier A. Phase 1 success for a trivalent vaccine for the equine encephalitis viruses. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:1100-1102. [PMID: 35568050 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00122-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Suhrbier
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, GVN Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, Australia.
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7
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Hopkins HK, Traverse EM, Barr KL. Chikungunya Encephalitis: an Inconsistently Reported Headache and Cause of Death in Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00258-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus of the family Togaviridae with outbreaks occurring across Africa, Asia, parts of Europe, and South and Central America. There are three main lineages of CHIKV, including the West African lineage, the East Central South African (ECSA) lineage, and the Asian lineage. While CHIKV infection usually results in a self-limited febrile illness, there have been reports of concerning neurological manifestations, including encephalitis. Herein we discuss findings of over 700 cases of CHIKV encephalitis and risk factors for death. Additionally, we examined the genotypes of CHIKV associated with encephalitis and found that both the Asian and ECSA lineages were responsible for encephalitis but not the West African lineage. Protein analysis of consensus sequences of CHIKV strains associated with encephalitis identified mutations in the nsP1, nsP2, and nsP3 proteins. Reports and manuscripts of CHIKV encephalitis were inconsistent in reporting viral, demographic, and clinical features which complicated the delineation of risk factors associated with the disease and viral evolution. As climate change contributes to the range expansion of natural vectors, it is important for researchers and clinicians to consistently report patient and viral data to facilitate research and countermeasures for the ecology and epidemiology of CHIKV due to the lack of a targeted treatment or vaccine.
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Ortiz DI, Piche-Ovares M, Romero-Vega LM, Wagman J, Troyo A. The Impact of Deforestation, Urbanization, and Changing Land Use Patterns on the Ecology of Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases in Central America. INSECTS 2021; 13:20. [PMID: 35055864 PMCID: PMC8781098 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Central America is a unique geographical region that connects North and South America, enclosed by the Caribbean Sea to the East, and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This region, encompassing Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua, is highly vulnerable to the emergence or resurgence of mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases due to a combination of key ecological and socioeconomic determinants acting together, often in a synergistic fashion. Of particular interest are the effects of land use changes, such as deforestation-driven urbanization and forest degradation, on the incidence and prevalence of these diseases, which are not well understood. In recent years, parts of Central America have experienced social and economic improvements; however, the region still faces major challenges in developing effective strategies and significant investments in public health infrastructure to prevent and control these diseases. In this article, we review the current knowledge and potential impacts of deforestation, urbanization, and other land use changes on mosquito-borne and tick-borne disease transmission in Central America and how these anthropogenic drivers could affect the risk for disease emergence and resurgence in the region. These issues are addressed in the context of other interconnected environmental and social challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana I. Ortiz
- Biology Program, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA 16172, USA
| | - Marta Piche-Ovares
- Laboratorio de Virología, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
- Departamento de Virología, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 40104, Costa Rica
| | - Luis M. Romero-Vega
- Departamento de Patología, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 40104, Costa Rica;
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Vectores (LIVe), Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
| | - Joseph Wagman
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Program, Center for Malaria Control and Elimination, PATH, Washington, DC 20001, USA;
| | - Adriana Troyo
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Vectores (LIVe), Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica
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Calvert AE, Bennett SL, Hunt AR, Fong RH, Doranz BJ, Roehrig JT, Blair CD. Exposing cryptic epitopes on the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus E1 glycoprotein prior to treatment with alphavirus cross-reactive monoclonal antibody allows blockage of replication early in infection. Virology 2021; 565:13-21. [PMID: 34626907 PMCID: PMC8765347 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) can cause fatal encephalitis in humans and equids. Some MAbs to the E1 glycoprotein are known to be cross-reactive, weakly neutralizing in vitro but can protect from disease in animal models. We investigated the mechanism of neutralization of VEEV infection by the broadly cross-reactive E1-specific MAb 1A4B-6. 1A4B-6 protected 3-week-old Swiss Webster mice prophylactically from lethal VEEV challenge. Likewise, 1A4B-6 inhibited virus growth in vitro at a pre-attachment step after virions were incubated at 37 °C and inhibited virus-mediated cell fusion. Amino acid residue N100 in the fusion loop of E1 protein was identified as critical for binding. The potential to elicit broadly cross-reactive MAbs with limited virus neutralizing activity in vitro but that can inhibit virus entry and protect animals from infection merits further exploration for vaccine and therapeutic developmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Calvert
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
| | - Susan L Bennett
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Ann R Hunt
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | | | | | - John T Roehrig
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Carol D Blair
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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