Acute encephalitis, a poliomyelitis-like syndrome and neurological sequelae in a hamster model for flavivirus infections

Increased Ifng and Il10 Expression Correlate with Disease in Rodent Models Experimentally Infected with Modoc Virus

Flaviviruses present an ongoing threat to global public health, although the factors that contribute to the disease remain incompletely understood. We examined an acute Modoc virus (MODV) infection of two rodent models. Viral RNA was detected in the kidneys, spleen, liver, brain, urine, and sera of experimentally infected deer mice, a reservoir host of MODV, and Syrian hamsters, a known disease model. As expected, clinical outcomes differed between species, and the levels of viral RNA recovered from various tissues demonstrated signs of differential replication and tissue tropism. Multivariate analysis indicated significance in the profile of expressed genes between species when analyzed across tissues and over time (p = 0.02). Between-subject effects with corrected models revealed a significance specific to the expression of Ifng (p = 0.01). the expression of Ifng was elevated in hamsters as compared to deer mice in brain tissues at all timepoints. As the over-expression of Ifng has been shown to correlate with decreased vascular integrity, the findings presented here offer a potential mechanism for viral dissemination into the CNS. The expression of IL10 also differed significantly between species at certain timepoints in brain tissues; however, it is uncertain how increased expression of this cytokine may influence the outcome of MODV-induced pathology.

Exploratory re-encoding of yellow fever virus genome: new insights for the design of live-attenuated viruses

Virus attenuation by genome re-encoding is a pioneering approach for generating effective live-attenuated vaccine candidates. Its core principle is to introduce a large number of synonymous substitutions into the viral genome to produce stable attenuation of the targeted virus. Introduction of large numbers of mutations has also been shown to maintain stability of the attenuated phenotype by lowering the risk of reversion and recombination of re-encoded genomes. Identifying mutations with low fitness cost is pivotal as this increases the number that can be introduced and generates more stable and attenuated viruses. Here, we sought to identify mutations with low deleterious impact on the in vivo replication and virulence of yellow fever virus (YFV). Following comparative bioinformatic analyses of flaviviral genomes, we categorised synonymous transition mutations according to their impact on CpG/UpA composition and secondary RNA structures. We then designed seventeen re-encoded viruses with 100–400 synonymous mutations in the NS2A-to-NS4B coding region of YFV Asibi and Ap7M (hamster-adapted) genomes. Each virus contained a panel of synonymous mutations designed according to the above categorisation criteria. The replication and fitness characteristics of parent and re-encoded viruses were compared in vitro using cell culture competition experiments. In vivo laboratory hamster models were also used to compare relative virulence and immunogenicity characteristics. Most of the re-encoded strains showed no decrease in replicative fitness in vitro. However, they showed reduced virulence and, in some instances, decreased replicative fitness in vivo. Importantly, the most attenuated of the re-encoded strains induced robust, protective immunity in hamsters following challenge with Ap7M, a virulent virus. Overall, the introduction of transitions with no or a marginal increase in the number of CpG/UpA dinucleotides had the mildest impact on YFV replication and virulence in vivo. Thus, this strategy can be incorporated in procedures for the finely tuned creation of substantially re-encoded viral genomes.

Astrocytes decrease adult neurogenesis during virus-induced memory dysfunction via IL-1

Memory impairment following West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease (WNND) is associated with loss of hippocampal synapses with lack of recovery. Adult neurogenesis and synaptogenesis are fundamental features of hippocampal repair, suggesting viruses impact these processes. Here, using an established model of WNND-induced cognitive dysfunction, transcriptional profiling revealed alterations in gene expression that limit adult neurogenesis, including interleukin (IL)-1. WNND-recovered animals exhibit decreased neuroblasts and increased astrogenesis, without recovery of hippocampal neurogenesis at thirty days. Analysis of cytokine production in ex vivo isolated microglia and astrocytes revealed the latter to be the predominant source of IL-1. IL-1R1-deficient, WNND-recovered mice exhibit normal neurogenesis, recovery of presynaptic termini, and resistance to spatial learning defects, the latter of which likewise occurred after treatment with IL-1R1 antagonist. Thus, preferential generation of proinflammatory astrocytes impairs neuronal progenitor cell homeostasis via expression of IL-1, which may underlie long-term cognitive consequences of WNND, but provides a therapeutic target.

A Review of Flaviviruses that Have No Known Arthropod Vector

Most viruses in the genus Flavivirus are horizontally transmitted between hematophagous arthropods and vertebrate hosts, but some are maintained in arthropod- or vertebrate-restricted transmission cycles. Flaviviruses maintained by vertebrate-only transmission are commonly referred to as no known vector (NKV) flaviviruses. Fourteen species and two subtypes of NKV flaviviruses are recognized by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), and Tamana bat virus potentially belongs to this group. NKV flaviviruses have been isolated in nature almost exclusively from bats and rodents; exceptions are the two isolates of Dakar bat virus recovered from febrile humans and the recent isolations of Sokoluk virus from field-collected ticks, which raises questions as to whether it should remain classified as an NKV flavivirus. There is evidence to suggest that two other NKV flaviviruses, Entebbe bat virus and Yokose virus, may also infect arthropods in nature. The best characterized bat- and rodent-associated NKV flaviviruses are Rio Bravo and Modoc viruses, respectively, but both have received limited research attention compared to many of their arthropod-infecting counterparts. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of NKV flaviviruses, placing a particular emphasis on their classification, host range, geographic distribution, replication kinetics, pathogenesis, transmissibility and molecular biology.

A rat model for hepatitis E virus

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the prime causes of acute viral hepatitis, and chronic hepatitis E is increasingly recognized as an important problem in the transplant setting. Nevertheless, the fundamental understanding of the biology of HEV replication is limited and there are few therapeutic options. The development of such therapies is partially hindered by the lack of a robust and convenient animal model. We propose the infection of athymic nude rats with the rat HEV strain LA-B350 as such a model. A cDNA clone, pLA-B350, was constructed and the infectivity of its capped RNA transcripts was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a subgenomic replicon, pLA-B350/luc, was constructed and validated for in vitro antiviral studies. Interestingly, rat HEV proved to be less sensitive to the antiviral activity of α-interferon, ribavirin and mycophenolic acid than genotype 3 HEV (a strain that infects humans). As a proof-of-concept, part of the C-terminal polymerase sequence of pLA-B350/luc was swapped with its genotype 3 HEV counterpart: the resulting chimeric replicon replicated with comparable efficiency as the wild-type construct, confirming that LA-B350 strain is amenable to humanization (replacement of certain sequences or motifs by their counterparts from human HEV strains). Finally, ribavirin effectively inhibited LA-B350 replication in athymic nude rats, confirming the suitability of the rat model for antiviral studies.

Summary: Rat hepatitis E virus strain LA-B350 is used as a model for antiviral studies for hepatitis E virus using a cDNA clone, replicon and in vivo studies.

The Viral Polymerase Inhibitor 7-Deaza-2'-C-Methyladenosine Is a Potent Inhibitor of In Vitro Zika Virus Replication and Delays Disease Progression in a Robust Mouse Infection Model

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus typically causing a dengue-like febrile illness, but neurological complications, such as microcephaly in newborns, have potentially been linked to this viral infection. We established a panel of in vitro assays to allow the identification of ZIKV inhibitors and demonstrate that the viral polymerase inhibitor 7-deaza-2’-C-methyladenosine (7DMA) efficiently inhibits replication. Infection of AG129 (IFN-α/β and IFN-γ receptor knock-out) mice with ZIKV resulted in acute neutrophilic encephalitis with viral antigens accumulating in neurons of the brain and spinal cord. Additionally, high levels of viral RNA were detected in the spleen, liver and kidney, and levels of IFN-γ and IL-18 were systematically increased in serum of ZIKV-infected mice. Interestingly, the virus was also detected in testicles of infected mice. In line with its in vitro anti-ZIKV activity, 7DMA reduced viremia and delayed virus-induced morbidity and mortality in infected mice, which also validates this small animal model to assess the in vivo efficacy of novel ZIKV inhibitors. Since AG129 mice can generate an antibody response, and have been used in dengue vaccine studies, the model can also be used to assess the efficacy of ZIKV vaccines.  

A robust cell-based antiviral assay was developed that allows to screen for and validate novel inhibitors of Zika virus (ZIKV) replication. The viral polymerase inhibitor 7-deaza-2’-C-methyladenosine (7DMA) was identified as a potent ZIKV inhibitor. A mouse model for ZIKV infections, which was validated for antiviral studies, demonstrated that 7DMA markedly delays virus-induced disease in this model.

Neurological approaches for investigating West Nile virus disease and its treatment in rodents

West Nile virus (WNV) has had a major public health impact since its emergence in the Western Hemisphere; in 2012, nearly 3000 cases of WN neuroinvasive disease were identified in the United States. The underlying mechanisms of WN neurologic disease can only be studied to a limited extent in patients, but can be investigated in much greater detail in animal models. In this paper, we describe how we and others have employed a variety of electrophysiological and neurological techniques to study experimental WNV infections in hamsters and mice. The methods have included electrophysiological motor unit number estimation; optogenetic photoactivation of the spinal cord and electromyography; plethysmography; measurement of heart rate variability as an indication of autonomic nervous system dysfunction; and an assessment of spatial memory loss using the Morris water maze. These techniques provide a more refined assessment of disease manifestations in rodents than traditional measurements of weight loss and mortality, and should make it possible to identify targets for therapeutic intervention and to directly assess the effects of novel treatments.

Pathogenesis of Modoc virus (Flaviviridae; Flavivirus) in persistently infected hamsters

The long-term persistence of Modoc virus (MODV) infection was investigated in a hamster model. Golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were infected by subcutaneous inoculation with MODV, in which fatal encephalitis developed in 12.5% (2 of 16). Surviving hamsters shed infectious MODV in their urine during the first five months after infection, and infectious MODV was recovered by co-cultivation of kidney tissue up to eight months after infection. There were no histopathologic changes observed in the kidneys despite detection of viral antigen for 250 days after infection. Mild inflammation and neuronal degeneration in the central nervous system were the primary lesions observed during early infection. These findings confirm previous reports of persistent flavivirus infection in animals and suggest a mechanism for the maintenance of MODV in nature.

Status presens of antiviral drugs and strategies: Part II: RNA VIRUSES (EXCEPT RETROVIRUSES)

More than 40 compounds have been formally licensed for clinical use as antiviral drugs, and half of these are used for the treatment of HIV infections. The others have been approved for the therapy of herpesvirus (HSV, VZV, CMV), hepadnavirus (HBV), hepacivirus (HCV) and myxovirus (influenza, RSV) infections. New compounds are in clinical development or under preclinical evaluation, and, again, half of these are targeting HIV infections. Yet, quite a number of important viral pathogens (i.e. HPV, HCV, hemorrhagic fever viruses) remain in need of effective and/or improved antiviral therapies.

Viruses and Viral Diseases

More than 40 compounds have been formally licensed for clinical use as antiviral drugs, and half of these are used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. The others have been approved for the therapy of herpesvirus (herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV)), hepadnavirus (hepatitis B virus (HBV)), hepacivirus (hepatitis C virus (HCV)), and myxovirus (influenza, respiratory synctural virus (RSV)) infections. New compounds are in clinical development or under preclinical evaluation, and, again, half of these target HIV infections. Yet, quite a number of important viral pathogens (i.e., human papilloma virus (HPV), HCV, hemorrhagic fever viruses) remain in need of effective and/or improved antiviral therapies.

A guided tour through the antiviral drug field

Approximately 40 compounds have been formally licensed for clinical use as antiviral drugs, with half of these in use for the treatment of HIV infections. The remaining have been approved for use in the therapy of herpes virus (herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus and cytomegalovirus), hepadnavirus, hepacivirus and myxovirus (influenza and respiratory syncytial virus) infections. New compounds are in clinical development or under preclinical evaluation, and again, half of these are intended to target HIV infections. However, quite a number of important viral pathogens (i.e., human papillomavirus, hepatitis C virus and hemorrhagic fever viruses) remain in need of effective and/or improved antiviral therapies.

West Nile virus infection in two alpacas

A male alpaca acutely developed signs of anorexia and fever. Within 2 days, neurologic signs (head tremors and asymmetric ataxia) developed. West Nile virus (WNV) infection was considered a primary differential diagnosis on the basis of 6 previous cases on nearby alpaca farms on which animals had similar clinical signs. Four days after the male alpaca became ill, a female alpaca from the same farm developed similar neurologic signs. In addition to anti-inflammatory and supportive treatments, both alpacas received a transfusion of llama plasma with antibodies against WNV Seven days after the onset of clinical signs, the female alpaca had made a full recovery; however, the more severely affected male died. West Nile virus infection was confirmed post mortem by use of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay and immunohistochemical staining.

Experimental Usutu virus infection of suckling mice causes neuronal and glial cell apoptosis and demyelination

Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus of the Japanese encephalitis virus group has been responsible for avian mortality in Austria since 2001. In the present study, the neuropathogenicity and neuroinvasiveness of USUV for 1-week-old suckling mice was investigated. After intraperitoneal inoculation, clinical signs like depression, disorientation, paraplegia, paralysis and coma were observed between 6 and 11 days post infection. Histologically, there was widespread neuronal apoptosis especially in the brain stem. Inflammatory infiltrates were scarce. Apoptosis was also present in white matter of cerebellum, medulla and spinal cord, and was frequently accompanied by primary demyelination. While apoptosis of neurons was clearly associated with presence of viral signals, the cause of apoptosis of white matter cells was more ambiguous. However, focal immunostaining was found in the white matter, especially in the spinal cord. As with all flaviviruses, USUV proved to be neuropathogenic for mice. In contrast to other flaviviruses, neuroinvasion occurred only in animals that were not older than 1 week at the time of inoculation. While neuronal apoptosis is a general aspect of flavivirus pathogenicity, demyelination seems to be a unique feature of USUV infection.

Recent advancement in flavivirus vaccine development

Lately, the magnitude of cumulative diseases burden caused by flaviviruses, such as dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, West Nile virus and yellow fever virus, has reached an unprecedented level with the sizes of human and animal populations at risk increasing sharply. These diseases present highly complex medical, economic and ecologic problems, some effecting primarily human and others affecting human, livestock and wildlife. The large body of recent publications on the development of vaccines taking advantage of new generations of bio-engineering techniques clearly reflects the profound interests and deep sense of urgency in the scientific and medical communities in combating those diseases. This review reveals a collection of remarkable progresses thus far made in flaviviral vaccine research not only employing a diverse range of new strategies but also re-tooling old techniques to improve the existing vaccines. The efficacy and safety of some of the new vaccine candidates have been evaluated and proven in human clinical trials. Besides the technical advancement in vaccine development, in this review, the importance of somewhat neglected and yet critical subjects, such as adequacy of animal model, vaccine safety, vaccine formulation and delivery, complication in serodiagostics and economic factor, was examined in-depth.

Antivirals and antiviral strategies

In recent years, the demand for new antiviral strategies has increased markedly. There are many contributing factors to this increased demand, including the ever-increasing prevalence of chronic viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, and the emergence of new viruses such as the SARS coronavirus. The potential danger of haemorrhagic fever viruses and eradicated viruses such as variola virus being used as bioterrorist weapons has also increased the profile of antiviral drug discovery. Here, the virus infections for which antiviral therapy is needed and the compounds that are available, or are being developed, for the treatment of these infections are described.

Exchanging the yellow fever virus envelope proteins with Modoc virus prM and E proteins results in a chimeric virus that is neuroinvasive in SCID mice

A chimeric flavivirus infectious cDNA was constructed by exchanging the premembrane (prM) and envelope (E) genes of the yellow fever virus vaccine strain 17D (YF17D) with the corresponding genes of Modoc virus (MOD). This latter virus belongs to the cluster of the "not-known vector" flaviviruses and is, unlike YF17D, neuroinvasive in SCID mice. Replication of in vitro-transcribed RNA from this chimeric flavivirus was shown by [(3)H]uridine labeling and RNA analysis. Expression of the MOD prM and E proteins was monitored by radioimmunoprecipitation and revealed that the MOD proteins were correctly and efficiently produced from the chimeric precursor protein. The MOD E protein was shown to be N-linked glycosylated, whereas prM, as predicted from the genome sequence, did not contain N-linked carbohydrates. In Vero cells, the chimeric virus replicated with a similar efficiency as the parental viruses, although it formed smaller plaques than YF17D and MOD. In SCID mice that had been infected intraperitoneally with the chimeric virus, the viral load increased steadily until death. The MOD/YF virus, like MOD from which it had acquired the prM and E structural proteins, but unlike YF, proved neuroinvasive in SCID mice. Animals developed neurological symptoms about 15 days after inoculation and died shortly thereafter. The distribution of MOD/YF RNA in the brain of infected mice was similar to that observed in MOD-infected mice. The observations provide compelling evidence that the determinants of neuroinvasiveness of flaviviruses are entirely located in the envelope proteins prM and E.