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Mazzara PG, Criscuolo E, Rasponi M, Massimino L, Muggeo S, Palma C, Castelli M, Clementi M, Burioni R, Mancini N, Broccoli V, Clementi N. A Human Stem Cell-Derived Neurosensory–Epithelial Circuitry on a Chip to Model Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092068. [PMID: 36140168 PMCID: PMC9495731 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Both emerging viruses and well-known viral pathogens endowed with neurotropism can either directly impair neuronal functions or induce physio-pathological changes by diffusing from the periphery through neurosensory–epithelial connections. However, developing a reliable and reproducible in vitro system modeling the connectivity between the different human sensory neurons and peripheral tissues is still a challenge and precludes the deepest comprehension of viral latency and reactivation at the cellular and molecular levels. This study shows a stable topographic neurosensory–epithelial connection on a chip using human stem cell-derived dorsal root ganglia (DRG) organoids. Bulk and single-cell transcriptomics showed that different combinations of key receptors for herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) are expressed by each sensory neuronal cell type. This neuronal–epithelial circuitry enabled a detailed analysis of HSV infectivity, faithfully modeling its dynamics and cell type specificity. The reconstitution of an organized connectivity between human sensory neurons and keratinocytes into microfluidic chips provides a powerful in vitro platform for modeling viral latency and reactivation of human viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Criscuolo
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Massimino
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Sharon Muggeo
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Palma
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Castelli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Clementi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Burioni
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicasio Mancini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.B.); (N.C.); Tel.: +39-022-643-4616 (V.B.); +39-022-643-3144 (N.C.)
| | - Nicola Clementi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.B.); (N.C.); Tel.: +39-022-643-4616 (V.B.); +39-022-643-3144 (N.C.)
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Immunization with Epstein-Barr Virus Core Fusion Machinery Envelope Proteins Elicit High Titers of Neutralizing Activities and Protect Humanized Mice from Lethal Dose EBV Challenge. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030285. [PMID: 33808755 PMCID: PMC8003492 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis and is strongly implicated in the etiology of multiple lymphoid and epithelial cancers. EBV core fusion machinery envelope proteins gH/gL and gB coordinately mediate EBV fusion and entry into its target cells, B lymphocytes and epithelial cells, suggesting these proteins could induce antibodies that prevent EBV infection. We previously reported that the immunization of rabbits with recombinant EBV gH/gL or trimeric gB each induced markedly higher serum EBV-neutralizing titers for B lymphocytes than that of the leading EBV vaccine candidate gp350. In this study, we demonstrated that immunization of rabbits with EBV core fusion machinery proteins induced high titer EBV neutralizing antibodies for both B lymphocytes and epithelial cells, and EBV gH/gL in combination with EBV trimeric gB elicited strong synergistic EBV neutralizing activities. Furthermore, the immune sera from rabbits immunized with EBV gH/gL or trimeric gB demonstrated strong passive immune protection of humanized mice from lethal dose EBV challenge, partially or completely prevented death respectively, and markedly decreased the EBV load in peripheral blood of humanized mice. These data strongly suggest the combination of EBV core fusion machinery envelope proteins gH/gL and trimeric gB is a promising EBV prophylactic vaccine.
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Lloyd MG, Smith NA, Tighe M, Travis KL, Liu D, Upadhyaya PK, Kinchington PR, Chan GC, Moffat JF. A Novel Human Skin Tissue Model To Study Varicella-Zoster Virus and Human Cytomegalovirus. J Virol 2020; 94:e01082-20. [PMID: 32878893 PMCID: PMC7592229 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01082-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The herpesviruses varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are endemic to humans. VZV causes varicella (chicken pox) and herpes zoster (shingles), while HCMV causes serious disease in immunocompromised patients and neonates. More effective, less toxic antivirals are needed, necessitating better models to study these viruses and evaluate antivirals. Previously, VZV and HCMV models used fetal tissue; here, we developed an adult human skin model to study VZV and HCMV in culture and in vivo While VZV is known to grow in skin, it was unknown whether skin could support an HCMV infection. We used TB40/E HCMV and POka VZV strains to evaluate virus tropism in skin organ culture (SOC) and skin xenograft mouse models. Adult human skin from reduction mammoplasties was prepared for culture on NetWells or mouse implantation. In SOC, VZV infected the epidermis and HCMV infected the dermis. Specifically, HCMV infected fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and hematopoietic cells, with some infected cells able to transfer infection. VZV and HCMV mouse models were developed by subcutaneous transplantation of skin into SCID/beige or athymic nude mice at 2 independent sites. Viruses were inoculated directly into one xenograft, and widespread infection was observed for VZV and HCMV. Notably, we detected VZV- and HCMV-infected cells in the contralateral, uninoculated xenografts, suggesting dissemination from infected xenografts occurred. For the first time, we showed HCMV successfully grows in adult human skin, as does VZV. Thus, this novel system may provide a much-needed preclinical small-animal model for HCMV and VZV and, potentially, other human-restricted viruses.IMPORTANCE Varicella-zoster virus and human cytomegalovirus infect a majority of the global population. While they often cause mild disease, serious illness and complications can arise. Unfortunately, there are few effective drugs to treat these viruses, and many are toxic. To complicate this, these viruses are restricted to replication in human cells and tissues, making them difficult to study in traditional animal models. Current models rely heavily on fetal tissues, can be prohibitively expensive, and are often complicated to generate. While fetal tissue models provide helpful insights, it is necessary to study human viruses in human tissue systems to fully understand these viruses and adequately evaluate novel antivirals. Adult human skin is an appropriate model for these viruses because many target cells are present, including basal keratinocytes, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes. Skin models, in culture and xenografts in immunodeficient mice, have potential for research on viral pathogenesis, tissue tropism, dissemination, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan G Lloyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas A Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Dongmei Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | | | - Paul R Kinchington
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gary C Chan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer F Moffat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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Pavulraj S, Kamel M, Stephanowitz H, Liu F, Plendl J, Osterrieder N, Azab W. Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 Modulates Cytokine and Chemokine Profiles of Mononuclear Cells for Efficient Dissemination to Target Organs. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090999. [PMID: 32911663 PMCID: PMC7551999 DOI: 10.3390/v12090999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) causes encephalomyelopathy and abortion, for which cell-associated viremia and subsequent virus transfer to and replication in endothelial cells (EC) are responsible and prerequisites. Viral and cellular molecules responsible for efficient cell-to-cell spread of EHV-1 between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and EC remain unclear. We have generated EHV-1 mutants lacking ORF1, ORF2, and ORF17 genes, either individually or in combination. Mutant viruses were analyzed for their replication properties in cultured equine dermal cells, PBMC infection efficiency, virus-induced changes in the PBMC proteome, and cytokine and chemokine expression profiles. ORF1, ORF2, and ORF17 are not essential for virus replication, but ORF17 deletion resulted in a significant reduction in plaque size. Deletion of ORF2 and ORF17 gene significantly reduced cell-to-cell virus transfer from virus-infected PBMC to EC. EHV-1 infection of PBMC resulted in upregulation of several pathways such as Ras signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, platelet activation and leukocyte transendothelial migration. In contrast, chemokine signaling, RNA degradation and apoptotic pathways were downregulated. Deletion of ORF1, ORF2 and ORF17 modulated chemokine signaling and MAPK pathways in infected PBMC, which may explain the impairment of virus spread between PBMC and EC. The proteomic results were further confirmed by chemokine assays, which showed that virus infection dramatically reduced the cytokine/chemokine release in infected PBMC. This study uncovers cellular proteins and pathways influenced by EHV-1 after PBMC infection and provide an important resource for EHV-1 pathogenesis. EHV-1-immunomodulatory genes could be potential targets for the development of live attenuated vaccines or therapeutics against virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj Pavulraj
- Institut für Virologie, Robert von Ostertag-Haus, Zentrum für Infektionsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.P.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
| | - Mohamed Kamel
- Institut für Virologie, Robert von Ostertag-Haus, Zentrum für Infektionsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.P.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heike Stephanowitz
- Leibniz Institute of Molecular Pharmacology (FMP Berlin), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Fan Liu
- Leibniz Institute of Molecular Pharmacology (FMP Berlin), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (H.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Johanna Plendl
- Institut für Veterinäranatomie, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstraße 20, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Nikolaus Osterrieder
- Institut für Virologie, Robert von Ostertag-Haus, Zentrum für Infektionsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.P.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
| | - Walid Azab
- Institut für Virologie, Robert von Ostertag-Haus, Zentrum für Infektionsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (S.P.); (M.K.); (N.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-838-50087
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Abstract
During the past decade, the development of humanized mouse models and their general applications in biomedical research greatly accelerated the translation of outcomes obtained from basic research into potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in clinic. In this chapter, we firstly present an overview on the history and current progress of diverse humanized mouse models and then focus on those equipped with reconstituted human immune system. The update advancement in the establishment of humanized immune system mice and their applications in the studies of the development of human immune system and the pathogenesis of multiple human immune-related diseases are intensively reviewed here, while the shortcoming and perspective of these potent tools are discussed as well. As a valuable bridge across the gap between bench work and clinical trial, progressive humanized mouse models will undoubtedly continue to play an indispensable role in the wide area of biomedical research.
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Tanner A, Hallam SJ, Nielsen SJ, Cuadra GI, Berges BK. Development of human B cells and antibodies following human hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to Rag2(-/-)γc(-/-) mice. Transpl Immunol 2015; 32:144-50. [PMID: 25843523 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Humanized mice represent a valuable model system to study the development and functionality of the human immune system. In the RAG-hu mouse model highly immunodeficient Rag2(-/-)γc(-/-) mice are transplanted with human CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells, resulting in human hematopoiesis and a predominant production of B and T lymphocytes. Human adaptive immune responses have been detected towards a variety of antigens in humanized mice but both cellular and humoral immune responses tend to be weak and sporadically detected. The underlying mechanisms for inconsistent responses are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the kinetics of human B cell development and antibody production in RAG-hu mice to better understand the lack of effective antibody responses. We found that T cell levels in blood did not significantly change from 8 to 28 weeks post-engraftment, while B cells reached a peak at 14 weeks. Concentrations of 3 antibody classes (IgM, IgG, IgA) were found to be at levels about 0.1% or less of normal human levels, but human antibodies were still detected up to 32 weeks after engraftment. Human IgM was detected in 92.5% of animals while IgG and IgA were detected in about half of animals. We performed flow cytometric analysis of human B cells in bone marrow, spleen, and blood to examine the presence of precursor B cells, immature B cells, naïve B cells, and plasma B cells. We detected high levels of surface IgM(+) B cells (immature and naïve B cells) and low levels of plasma B cells in these organs, suggesting that B cells do not mature properly in this model. Low levels of human T cells in the spleen were observed, and we suggest that the lack of T cell help may explain poor B cell development and antibody responses. We conclude that human B cells that develop in humanized mice do not receive the signals necessary to undergo class-switching or to secrete antibody effectively, and we discuss strategies to potentially overcome these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Tanner
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Steven J Hallam
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Stanton J Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - German I Cuadra
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Bradford K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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Abstract
Many of the viral pathogens that cause infectious diseases in humans have a highly restricted species tropism, making the study of their pathogenesis and the development of clinical therapies difficult. The improvement of humanized mouse models over the past 30 years has greatly facilitated researchers' abilities to study host responses to viral infections in a cost effective and ethical manner. From HIV to hepatotropic viruses to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, humanized mice have led to the identification of factors crucial to the viral life cycle, served as an outlet for testing candidate therapies, and improved our abilities to analyze human immune responses to infection. In tackling both new and old viruses as they emerge, humanized mice will continue to be an indispensable tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Gaska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, 110 Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-1014, USA
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, 110 Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-1014, USA.
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Sasaki E. Prospects for genetically modified non-human primate models, including the common marmoset. Neurosci Res 2015; 93:110-5. [PMID: 25683291 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified mice have contributed much to studies in the life sciences. In some research fields, however, mouse models are insufficient for analyzing the molecular mechanisms of pathology or as disease models. Often, genetically modified non-human primate (NHP) models are desired, as they are more similar to human physiology, morphology, and anatomy. Recent progress in studies of the reproductive biology in NHPs has enabled the introduction of exogenous genes into NHP genomes or the alteration of endogenous NHP genes. This review summarizes recent progress in the production of genetically modified NHPs, including the common marmoset, and future perspectives for realizing genetically modified NHP models for use in life sciences research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Sasaki
- Advanced Research Center, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Center of Applied Developmental Biology, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan.
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