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Ralfs P, Holland B, Salinas E, Bremer B, Wang M, Zhu J, Ambardekar C, Blasczyk H, Walker CM, Feng Z, Grakoui A. Soluble ORF2 protein enhances HEV replication and induces long-lasting antibody response and protective immunity in vivo. Hepatology 2023; 78:1867-1881. [PMID: 37185268 PMCID: PMC10603212 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The HEV is a small positive-sense RNA virus that encodes a cytoplasmic form of the capsid protein (ORF2c), essential for virion structure, and a secreted glycosylated form (ORF2s) that accumulates at high titer in serum and can mask neutralizing epitopes. We explored the contribution of ORF2s to HEV replication and its role in generating antibodies against ORF2 in a nonhuman primate model. APPROACH AND RESULTS We used a recombinant HEV genotype 3 variant that does not express ORF2s due to the introduction of stop codons (ORF2s mut ). Rhesus macaques (RMs) were given intrahepatic injections of infectious wildtype HEV (ORF2s wt ) RNA or a variant lacking ORF2s expression (ORF2s mut ). The replication of the ORF2s mut virus was delayed by ~2 weeks compared with ORF2s wt , and peak titers were nearly tenfold lower. Reversions of the 3 mutations that blocked ORF2s expression were not detected in the ORF2s mut genomes, indicating genetic stability. However, serum antibodies against ORF2 were transiently detected in RMs infected with ORF2s mut , whereas they were long-lasting in RMs infected with ORF2s wt . Moreover, RMs infected with ORF2s mut were more susceptible to reinfection, as evidenced by the viral RNA detected in fecal samples and the expansion of HEV-specific CD8 + T cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that ORF2s may be dispensable for viral replication in vivo but is required for long-lived antibody-mediated responses that protect against HEV re-exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Ralfs
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Brantley Holland
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Eduardo Salinas
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Bill Bremer
- Abigail Waxner Research Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Minghang Wang
- Abigail Waxner Research Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Jingting Zhu
- Abigail Waxner Research Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Charuta Ambardekar
- Abigail Waxner Research Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Heather Blasczyk
- Abigail Waxner Research Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205
| | | | - Zongdi Feng
- Abigail Waxner Research Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329
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Primadharsini PP, Nagashima S, Nishiyama T, Okamoto H. Three Distinct Reporter Systems of Hepatitis E Virus and Their Utility as Drug Screening Platforms. Viruses 2023; 15:1989. [PMID: 37896767 PMCID: PMC10611241 DOI: 10.3390/v15101989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly acknowledged as the primary cause of acute hepatitis. While most HEV infections are self-limiting, cases of chronic infection and fulminant hepatitis necessitate the administration of anti-HEV medications. However, there is a lack of specific antiviral drugs designed for HEV, and the currently available drug (ribavirin) has been associated with significant adverse effects. The development of innovative antiviral drugs involves targeting distinct steps within the viral life cycle: the early step (attachment and internalization), middle step (translation and RNA replication), and late step (virus particle formation and virion release). We recently established three HEV reporter systems, each covering one or two of these steps. Using these reporter systems, we identified various potential drug candidates that target different steps of the HEV life cycle. Through rigorous in vitro testing using our robust cell culture system with the genotype 3 HEV strain (JE03-1760F/P10), we confirmed the efficacy of these drugs, when used alone or in combination with existing anti-HEV drugs. This underscores their significance in the quest for an effective anti-HEV treatment. In the present review, we discuss the development of the three reporter systems, their applications in drug screening, and their potential to advance our understanding of the incompletely elucidated HEV life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Putu Prathiwi Primadharsini
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (P.P.P.); (S.N.)
| | - Shigeo Nagashima
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (P.P.P.); (S.N.)
| | - Takashi Nishiyama
- Laboratory of Membrane Proteins, Research Division for Quantitative Life Sciences, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan;
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (P.P.P.); (S.N.)
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3
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Elbahrawy A, Atalla H, Alboraie M, Alwassief A, Madian A, El Fayoumie M, Tabll AA, Aly HH. Recent Advances in Protective Vaccines against Hepatitis Viruses: A Narrative Review. Viruses 2023; 15:214. [PMID: 36680254 PMCID: PMC9862019 DOI: 10.3390/v15010214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination has been confirmed to be the safest and, sometimes, the only tool of defense against threats from infectious diseases. The successful history of vaccination is evident in the control of serious viral infections, such as smallpox and polio. Viruses that infect human livers are known as hepatitis viruses and are classified into five major types from A to E, alphabetically. Although infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) is known to be self-resolving after rest and symptomatic treatment, there were 7134 deaths from HAV worldwide in 2016. In 2019, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) resulted in an estimated 820,000 and 290,000 deaths, respectively. Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite virus that depends on HBV for producing its infectious particles in order to spread. The combination of HDV and HBV infection is considered the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is another orally transmitted virus, common in low- and middle-income countries. In 2015, it caused 44,000 deaths worldwide. Safe and effective vaccines are already available to prevent hepatitis A and B. Here, we review the recent advances in protective vaccines against the five major hepatitis viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Elbahrawy
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Hassan Atalla
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Alwassief
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Ali Madian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Mohammed El Fayoumie
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ashraf A. Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo 11517, Egypt
| | - Hussein H. Aly
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
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4
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Liu T, Wang L, Wang L. Animal Models for Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:171-184. [PMID: 37223866 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Animal models are one of the most important tools in the study of human hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. They are particularly important in light of the major limitations of the cell culture system for HEV. Besides nonhuman primates, which are extremely valuable because of their susceptibility to HEV genotypes 1-4, animals like swine, rabbit, and humanized mice are also potential models for studies of pathogenesis, cross-species infection, and the molecular biology of HEV. Identification of a useful animal model for human HEV infection studies is crucial to further investigations into this ubiquitous yet poorly understood virus and facilitate the development of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxu Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
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5
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He Q, Zhang Y, Gong W, Zeng H, Wang L. Genetic Evolution of Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:59-72. [PMID: 37223859 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Comparative analysis of the genomic sequences of multiple hepatitis E virus (HEV) isolates has revealed extensive genomic diversity among them. Recently, a variety of genetically distinct HEV variants have also been isolated and identified from large numbers of animal species, including birds, rabbits, rats, ferrets, bats, cutthroat trout, and camels, among others. Furthermore, it has been reported that recombination in HEV genomes takes place in animals and in human patients. Also, chronic HEV infection in immunocompromised individuals has revealed the presence of viral strains carrying insertions from human genes. This paper reviews current knowledge on the genomic variability and evolution of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu He
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wanyun Gong
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
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6
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Wang Y, Zhao C, Qi Y, Geng Y. Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:1-13. [PMID: 37223855 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Since the sequence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) was determined from a patient with enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis in 1989, similar sequences have been isolated from many different animals, including pigs, wild boars, deer, rabbits, bats, rats, chicken, and trout. All of these sequences have the same genomic organization, which contains open reading frames (ORFs) 1, 2, and 3, although their genomic sequences are variable. Some have proposed that they be classified as new family, Hepeviridae, which would be further divided into different genera and species according to their sequence variability. The size of these virus particles generally ranged from 27 to 34 nm. However, HEV virions produced in cell culture differ in structure from the viruses found in feces. Those from cell culture have a lipid envelope and either lack or have a little ORF3, whereas the viruses isolated from feces lack a lipid envelope but have ORF3 on their surfaces. Surprisingly, most of the secreted ORF2 proteins from both these sources are not associated with HEV RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.
| | - Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Qi
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
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7
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Zhou Y, Zhao C, Tian Y, Xu N, Wang Y. Characteristics and Functions of HEV Proteins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:15-32. [PMID: 37223856 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a non-enveloped virus containing a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome of 7.2 kb, which consists of a 5' non-coding region, three open reading frames (ORFs), and a 3' non-coding region. ORF1 is diverse between genotypes and encodes the nonstructural proteins, which include the enzymes needed for virus replication. In addition to its role in virus replication, the function of ORF1 is relevant to viral adaption in culture and may also relate to virus infection and HEV pathogenicity. ORF2 protein is the capsid protein, which is about 660 amino acids in length. It not only protects the integrity of the viral genome, but is also involved in many important physiological activities, such as virus assembly, infection, host interaction, and innate immune response. The main immune epitopes, especially neutralizing epitopes, are located on ORF2 protein, which is a candidate antigen for vaccine development. ORF3 protein is a phosphoprotein of 113 or 114 amino acids with a molecular weight of 13 kDa with multiple functions that can also induce strong immune reactivity. A novel ORF4 has been identified only in genotype 1 HEV and its translation promotes viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- RegCMC, Great Regulatory Affairs, Sanofi (China) Investment Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yabin Tian
- Division II of In Vitro Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.
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8
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Muñoz-Chimeno M, Rodriguez-Paredes V, García-Lugo MA, Avellon A. Hepatitis E genotype 3 genome: A comprehensive analysis of entropy, motif conservation, relevant mutations, and clade-associated polymorphisms. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1011662. [PMID: 36274715 PMCID: PMC9582770 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1011662] [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: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) is an EU/EEA emergent zoonosis. HEV-3 clades/subtypes have been described. Its genome contains ORF1, which encodes nonstructural proteins for virus replication, ORF2, the capsid protein, and ORF3, a multifunctional protein involved in virion pathogenesis. The study aims with respect to HEV-3 are to: (1) calculate genome entropy (excluding hypervariable region); (2) analyze the described motifs/mutations; (3) characterize clade/subtype genome polymorphisms. Seven hundred and five sequences from the GenBank database were used. The highest entropies were identified in zoonotic genotypes (HEV-3 and HEV-4) with respect to HEV-1 in X domain, RdRp, ORF2, and ORF3. There were statistically significant differences in the entropy between proteins, protease and ORF3 being the most variable and Y domain being the most conserved. Methyltransferase and Y domain motifs were completely conserved. By contrast, essential protease H581 residue and catalytic dyad exhibited amino acid changes in 1.8% and 0.4% of sequences, respectively. Several X domain amino acids were associated with clades. We found sequences with mutations in all helicase motifs except number IV. Helicase mutations related to increased virulence and/or fulminant hepatitis were frequent, the 1,110 residue being a typical HEV-3e and HEV-3f-A2 polymorphism. RdRp motifs III, V, VII also had high mutation rates. Motif III included residues that are polymorphisms of HEV-3e (F1449) and HEV-3 m (D1451). RdRp ribavirin resistance mutations were frequent, mainly 1479I (67.4, 100% in HEV-3efglmk) and 1634R/K (10.0%, almost 100% in HEV-3e). With respect to ORF2, 19/27 neutralization epitopes had mutations. The S80 residue in ORF3 presented mutations in 3.5% of cases. Amino acids in the ORF3-PSAP motif had high substitution rates, being more frequent in the first PSAP (44.8%) than in the second (1.5%). This is the first comprehensive analysis of the HEV-3 genome, aimed at improving our knowledge of the genome, and establishing the basis for future genotype-to-phenotype analysis, given that viral features associated with severity have not been explored in depth. Our results demonstrate there are important genetic differences in the studied genomes that sometimes affect significant viral structures, and constitute clade/subtype polymorphisms that may affect the clinical course or treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milagros Muñoz-Chimeno
- Hepatitis Unit, National Center of Microbiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Alcalá de Henares University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Ana Avellon
- Hepatitis Unit, National Center of Microbiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERESP Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Ana Avellon,
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Hervouet K, Ferrié M, Ankavay M, Montpellier C, Camuzet C, Alexandre V, Dembélé A, Lecoeur C, Foe AT, Bouquet P, Hot D, Vausselin T, Saliou JM, Salomé-Desnoulez S, Vandeputte A, Marsollier L, Brodin P, Dreux M, Rouillé Y, Dubuisson J, Aliouat-Denis CM, Cocquerel L. An Arginine-Rich Motif in the ORF2 capsid protein regulates the hepatitis E virus lifecycle and interactions with the host cell. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010798. [PMID: 36007070 PMCID: PMC9451086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Hepatitis E is usually asymptomatic and self-limiting but it can become chronic in immunocompromised patients and is associated with increased fulminant hepatic failure and mortality rates in pregnant women. HEV genome encodes three proteins including the ORF2 protein that is the viral capsid protein. Interestingly, HEV produces 3 isoforms of the ORF2 capsid protein which are partitioned in different subcellular compartments and perform distinct functions in the HEV lifecycle. Notably, the infectious ORF2 (ORF2i) protein is the structural component of virions, whereas the genome-free secreted and glycosylated ORF2 proteins likely act as a humoral immune decoy. Here, by using a series of ORF2 capsid protein mutants expressed in the infectious genotype 3 p6 HEV strain as well as chimeras between ORF2 and the CD4 glycoprotein, we demonstrated how an Arginine-Rich Motif (ARM) located in the ORF2 N-terminal region controls the fate and functions of ORF2 isoforms. We showed that the ARM controls ORF2 nuclear translocation likely to promote regulation of host antiviral responses. This motif also regulates the dual topology and functionality of ORF2 signal peptide, leading to the production of either cytosolic infectious ORF2i or reticular non-infectious glycosylated ORF2 forms. It serves as maturation site of glycosylated ORF2 by furin, and promotes ORF2-host cell membrane interactions. The identification of ORF2 ARM as a unique central regulator of the HEV lifecycle uncovers how viruses settle strategies to condense their genetic information and hijack cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Hervouet
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Martin Ferrié
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Maliki Ankavay
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claire Montpellier
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Charline Camuzet
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Virginie Alexandre
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Aïcha Dembélé
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Cécile Lecoeur
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Arnold Thomas Foe
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Peggy Bouquet
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - David Hot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Thibaut Vausselin
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Michel Saliou
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Sophie Salomé-Desnoulez
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Alexandre Vandeputte
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Laurent Marsollier
- Université d’Angers, Nantes Université, INSERM, Immunology and New Concepts in ImmunoTherapy, INCIT, UMR 1302, Angers, France
| | - Priscille Brodin
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Marlène Dreux
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm-U1111, CNRS-UMR5308, ENS-Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Yves Rouillé
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Cécile-Marie Aliouat-Denis
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
- * E-mail:
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Hooda P, Chaudhary M, Parvez MK, Sinha N, Sehgal D. Inhibition of Hepatitis E Virus Replication by Novel Inhibitor Targeting Methyltransferase. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081778. [PMID: 36016400 PMCID: PMC9415367 DOI: 10.3390/v14081778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is a quasi-enveloped virus having a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome (~7.2 kb), flanked with a 5′ methylated cap and a 3′ polyadenylated tail. The HEV open reading frame 1 (ORF1) encodes a 186-kDa polyprotein speculated to get processed and produce Methyltransferase (MTase), one of the four essential replication enzymes. In this study, we report the identification of the MTase inhibitor, which may potentially deplete its enzymatic activity, thus causing the cessation of viral replication. Using in silico screening through docking, we identified ten putative compounds, which were tested for their anti-MTase activity. This resulted in the identification of 3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (HPPA), with an IC50 value of 0.932 ± 0.15 μM, which could be perceived as an effective HEV inhibitor. Furthermore, the compound was tested for inhibition of HEV replication in the HEV culture system. The viral RNA copies were markedly decreased from ~3.2 × 106 in untreated cells to ~4.3 × 102.8 copies in 800 μM HPPA treated cells. Therefore, we propose HPPA as a potential drug-like inhibitor against HEV-MTase, which would need further validation through in vivo analysis using animal models and the administration of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Hooda
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida 201314, India
| | - Meenakshi Chaudhary
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida 201314, India
| | - Mohammad K. Parvez
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.K.P.); (D.S.)
| | - Neha Sinha
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Deepak Sehgal
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida 201314, India
- Correspondence: (M.K.P.); (D.S.)
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11
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans. A convenient small mammalian model for basic research and antiviral testing is still greatly needed. Although a small rodent, the Mongolian gerbil, was reported to be susceptible to swine genotype-4 HEV infection, whether the previous results were reliable and consistent needs to be validated by using biologically pure HEV stocks or infectious RNA. In this study, we revisited this gerbil infection model for human HEV of genotype 1, 3, or 4 (G1, G3, or G4) by HEV reverse genetics. Gerbils inoculated intrahepatically with capped G3 HEV RNA transcripts or intraperitoneally with infectious G3 cloned HEV produced robust infection, as evidenced by presence of HEV in livers, spleens, and feces for up to 7 weeks post inoculation, seroconversion, and pathological liver lesions. Furthermore, the value of the gerbil model in antiviral testing and type I IFN in host defense was assessed. We demonstrated the effectiveness of peg-IFNα-2a and ribavirin in inhibiting HEV replication in gerbils. By treatment with two molecule inhibitors of TBK1, we also revealed a role of RIG-I like receptor-interferon regulatory factor 3 in host anti-HEV innate immune sensing in this in vivo model. Finally, susceptibility of G4 HEV was demonstrated in intrahepatically inoculated gerbils with infectious HEV RNA transcripts, whereas no evidence for G1 HEV susceptibility was found. The availability of the convenient gerbil model will greatly facilitate HEV-specific antiviral development and assess the mechanism of host immune response during HEV infection. IMPORTANCE HEV infects >20 million people annually, causing acute viral hepatitis as well as chronic hepatitis, neurological diseases, and pregnancy-associated high mortality, which require therapeutic intervention. The HEV antiviral research is largely limited by the lack of a convenient small animal model. Here we revisit the Mongolian gerbil model for three genotypes of human HEV by infectious HEV clones and recognized standards of experimental procedures. Fecal virus shedding, seroconversion, and pathological liver lesions could be detected in HEV-inoculated gerbils. We demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of this model in testing antiviral drugs, and in assessing the mechanism of host innate immune response upon HEV infection. This conventional rodent model will aid in future antiviral development and delineating mechanism of host immune response.
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12
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Metzger K, Bentaleb C, Hervouet K, Alexandre V, Montpellier C, Saliou JM, Ferrié M, Camuzet C, Rouillé Y, Lecoeur C, Dubuisson J, Cocquerel L, Aliouat-Denis CM. Processing and Subcellular Localization of the Hepatitis E Virus Replicase: Identification of Candidate Viral Factories. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:828636. [PMID: 35283856 PMCID: PMC8908324 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.828636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. HEV is a positive-sense RNA virus expressing three open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes the ORF1 non–structural polyprotein, the viral replicase which transcribes the full-length genome and a subgenomic RNA that encodes the structural ORF2 and ORF3 proteins. The present study is focused on the replication step with the aim to determine whether the ORF1 polyprotein is processed during the HEV lifecycle and to identify where the replication takes place inside the host cell. As no commercial antibody recognizes ORF1 in HEV-replicating cells, we aimed at inserting epitope tags within the ORF1 protein without impacting the virus replication efficacy. Two insertion sites located in the hypervariable region were thus selected to tolerate the V5 epitope while preserving HEV replication efficacy. Once integrated into the infectious full-length Kernow C-1 p6 strain, the V5 epitopes did neither impact the replication of genomic nor the production of subgenomic RNA. Also, the V5-tagged viral particles remained as infectious as the wildtype particles to Huh-7.5 cells. Next, the expression pattern of the V5-tagged ORF1 was compared in heterologous expression and replicative HEV systems. A high molecular weight protein (180 kDa) that was expressed in all three systems and that likely corresponds to the unprocessed form of ORF1 was detected up to 25 days after electroporation in the p6 cell culture system. Additionally, less abundant products of lower molecular weights were detected in both in cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments. Concurrently, the V5-tagged ORF1 was localized by confocal microscopy inside the cell nucleus but also as compact perinuclear substructures in which ORF2 and ORF3 proteins were detected. Importantly, using in situ hybridization (RNAScope ®), positive and negative-strand HEV RNAs were localized in the perinuclear substructures of HEV-producing cells. Finally, by simultaneous detection of HEV genomic RNAs and viral proteins in these substructures, we identified candidate HEV factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Metzger
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Cyrine Bentaleb
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Kévin Hervouet
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Virginie Alexandre
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Claire Montpellier
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Michel Saliou
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 – US41 – Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie and Santé (PLBS), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Martin Ferrié
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Charline Camuzet
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Yves Rouillé
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Cécile Lecoeur
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Cécile-Marie Aliouat-Denis
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 9017 – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), Université de Lille, Lille, France
- *Correspondence: Cécile-Marie Aliouat-Denis,
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13
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El-Kafrawy SA, El-Daly MM. Hepatitis E virus in Saudi Arabia: more surveillance needed. Future Virol 2022. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a small quasi-enveloped ssRNA causing acute hepatitis. HEV is the leading cause of intermittent acute hepatitis and fulminant hepatic failure. Risk factors include drinking contaminated water in developing countries and consumption of infected animal products in developed countries. Previous reports on HEV prevalence in Saudi Arabia had small sample sizes. Nationwide systematic seroprevalence studies are needed to investigate risk factors and annual incidence. Camels play a cultural and economic role in the life of Saudi citizens with frequent human contact and potential role in zoonotic transmission. Future research needs to include larger sample-sizes and nationwide studies. Future studies should also focus on raising awareness of HEV infection and the need for wider population testing and screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Aly El-Kafrawy
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Mohamed El-Daly
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Cancela F, Noceti O, Arbiza J, Mirazo S. Structural aspects of hepatitis E virus. Arch Virol 2022; 167:2457-2481. [PMID: 36098802 PMCID: PMC9469829 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05575-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Hepatitis E is an enterically transmitted zoonotic disease that causes large waterborne epidemic outbreaks in developing countries and has become an increasing public-health concern in industrialized countries. In this setting, the infection is usually acute and self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals, although chronic cases in immunocompromised patients have been reported, frequently associated with several extrahepatic manifestations. Moreover, extrahepatic manifestations have also been reported in immunocompetent individuals with acute HEV infection. HEV belongs to the alphavirus-like supergroup III of single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses, and its genome contains three partially overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes a nonstructural protein with eight domains, most of which have not been extensively characterized: methyltransferase, Y domain, papain-like cysteine protease, hypervariable region, proline-rich region, X domain, Hel domain, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. ORF2 and ORF3 encode the capsid protein and a multifunctional protein believed to be involved in virion release, respectively. The novel ORF4 is only expressed in HEV genotype 1 under endoplasmic reticulum stress conditions, and its exact function has not yet been elucidated. Despite important advances in recent years, the biological and molecular processes underlying HEV replication remain poorly understood, primarily due to a lack of detailed information about the functions of the viral proteins and the mechanisms involved in host-pathogen interactions. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning HEV proteins and their biological properties, providing updated detailed data describing their function and focusing in detail on their structural characteristics. Furthermore, we review some unclear aspects of the four proteins encoded by the ORFs, highlighting the current key information gaps and discussing potential novel experimental strategies for shedding light on those issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cancela
- grid.11630.350000000121657640Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ofelia Noceti
- grid.414402.70000 0004 0469 0889Programa Nacional de Trasplante Hepático y Unidad Docente Asistencial Centro Nacional de Tratamiento Hepatobiliopancreatico. Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan Arbiza
- grid.11630.350000000121657640Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- grid.11630.350000000121657640Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay ,grid.11630.350000000121657640Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay ,Av. Alfredo Navarro 3051, PC 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
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15
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Bentaleb C, Hervouet K, Montpellier C, Camuzet C, Ferrié M, Burlaud-Gaillard J, Bressanelli S, Metzger K, Werkmeister E, Ankavay M, Janampa NL, Marlet J, Roux J, Deffaud C, Goffard A, Rouillé Y, Dubuisson J, Roingeard P, Aliouat-Denis CM, Cocquerel L. The endocytic recycling compartment serves as a viral factory for hepatitis E virus. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:615. [PMID: 36460928 PMCID: PMC9718719 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04646-y] [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] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Although hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major leading cause of enterically transmitted viral hepatitis worldwide, many gaps remain in the understanding of the HEV lifecycle. Notably, viral factories induced by HEV have not been documented yet, and it is currently unknown whether HEV infection leads to cellular membrane modeling as many positive-strand RNA viruses. HEV genome encodes the ORF1 replicase, the ORF2 capsid protein and the ORF3 protein involved in virion egress. Previously, we demonstrated that HEV produces different ORF2 isoforms including the virion-associated ORF2i form. Here, we generated monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize the ORF2i form and antibodies that recognize the different ORF2 isoforms. One antibody, named P1H1 and targeting the ORF2i N-terminus, recognized delipidated HEV particles from cell culture and patient sera. Importantly, AlphaFold2 modeling demonstrated that the P1H1 epitope is exposed on HEV particles. Next, antibodies were used to probe viral factories in HEV-producing/infected cells. By confocal microscopy, we identified subcellular nugget-like structures enriched in ORF1, ORF2 and ORF3 proteins and viral RNA. Electron microscopy analyses revealed an unprecedented HEV-induced membrane network containing tubular and vesicular structures. We showed that these structures are dependent on ORF2i capsid protein assembly and ORF3 expression. An extensive colocalization study of viral proteins with subcellular markers, and silencing experiments demonstrated that these structures are derived from the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC) for which Rab11 is a central player. Hence, HEV hijacks the ERC and forms a membrane network of vesicular and tubular structures that might be the hallmark of HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrine Bentaleb
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Kévin Hervouet
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Claire Montpellier
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Charline Camuzet
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Martin Ferrié
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Julien Burlaud-Gaillard
- grid.411167.40000 0004 1765 1600Inserm U1259, Morphogénèse et Antigénicité du VIH et des Virus des Hépatites (MAVIVH), Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France ,Université de Tours et CHRU de Tours, Plateforme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Tours, France
| | - Stéphane Bressanelli
- grid.457334.20000 0001 0667 2738Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | - Karoline Metzger
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Elisabeth Werkmeister
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014-US41-PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie and Santé, Lille, France
| | - Maliki Ankavay
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France ,Present Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nancy Leon Janampa
- grid.411167.40000 0004 1765 1600Inserm U1259, Morphogénèse et Antigénicité du VIH et des Virus des Hépatites (MAVIVH), Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Julien Marlet
- grid.411167.40000 0004 1765 1600Inserm U1259, Morphogénèse et Antigénicité du VIH et des Virus des Hépatites (MAVIVH), Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | | | | | - Anne Goffard
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Yves Rouillé
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Philippe Roingeard
- grid.411167.40000 0004 1765 1600Inserm U1259, Morphogénèse et Antigénicité du VIH et des Virus des Hépatites (MAVIVH), Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France ,Université de Tours et CHRU de Tours, Plateforme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Tours, France
| | - Cécile-Marie Aliouat-Denis
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
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The Viral ORF3 Protein Is Required for Hepatitis E Virus Apical Release and Efficient Growth in Polarized Hepatocytes and Humanized Mice. J Virol 2021; 95:e0058521. [PMID: 34523963 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00585-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an enterically transmitted RNA virus, is a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Additionally, HEV genotype 3 (gt3) can frequently persist in immunocompromised individuals with an increased risk for developing severe liver disease. Currently, no HEV-specific treatment is available. The viral open reading frame 3 (ORF3) protein facilitates HEV egress in vitro and is essential for establishing productive infection in macaques. Thus, ORF3, which is unique to HEV, has the potential to be explored as a target for antiviral therapy. However, significant gaps exist in our understanding of the critical functions of ORF3 in HEV infection in vivo. Here, we utilized a polarized hepatocyte culture model and a human liver chimeric mouse model to dissect the roles of ORF3 in gt3 HEV release and persistent infection. We show that ORF3's absence substantially decreased HEV replication and virion release from the apical surface but not the basolateral surface of polarized hepatocytes. While wild-type HEV established a persistent infection in humanized mice, mutant HEV lacking ORF3 (ORF3null) failed to sustain the infection despite transient replication in the liver and was ultimately cleared. Strikingly, mice inoculated with the ORF3null virus displayed no fecal shedding throughout the 6-week experiment. Overall, our results demonstrate that ORF3 is required for HEV fecal shedding and persistent infection, providing a rationale for targeting ORF3 as a treatment strategy for HEV infection. IMPORTANCE HEV infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. HEV gt3 additionally can cause persistent infection, which can rapidly progress to liver cirrhosis. Currently, no HEV-specific treatments are available. The poorly understood HEV life cycle hampers the development of antivirals for HEV. Here, we investigated the role of the viral ORF3 protein in HEV infection in polarized hepatocyte cultures and human liver chimeric mice. We found that two major aspects of the HEV life cycle require ORF3: fecal virus shedding and persistent infection. These results provide a rationale for targeting ORF3 to treat HEV infection.
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Pankovics P, Boros Á, László Z, Szekeres S, Földvári G, Altan E, Delwart E, Reuter G. Genome characterization, prevalence and tissue distribution of astrovirus, hepevirus and norovirus among wild and laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) and mice (Mus musculus) in Hungary. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 93:104942. [PMID: 34044191 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rodents including rats are reservoir of several pathogens capable of affecting human health. In this study, faecal and different organ specimens from free-living Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) (N = 18) and faecal samples from laboratory rodents (rats N = 21 and mice N = 20) collected from different geographic areas in Hungary between 2017 and 2020 were investigated by viral metagenomics and conventional RT-PCR methods. The complete genome of three different RNA viruses, rat astrovirus, rat norovirus and rat hepevirus were characterized and analysed in detail. Rat norovirus was detected in faecal (17.6%, 3/17) and kidney (7.1%, 1/14) samples; rat astrovirus in faecal (23.5%, 4/17) and spleen (13.3%, 2/15) samples, and rat hepevirus in 43% to 67% the faecal, liver, kidney, lung, heart, muscle, brain and blood samples from Norway rats, respectively. Rat norovirus was also identifiable in 5% (1/21) of laboratory rats and rat astrovirus in 40% (8/20) of faecal samples from laboratory mice. Co-infections were found in 28% (5/18) wild Norway rats. The highest RNA viral load of astrovirus (1.81 × 108 copy/g) and norovirus (3.49 × 107 copy/g) were measured in faecal samples; while the highest RNA viral load of hepevirus (1.16 × 109 copy/g) was found in liver samples of Norway rats, respectively. This study confirms the wide geographic distribution and high prevalence of astrovirus, norovirus and hepevirus among wild rats in Hungary with confirmation of different organ involvement of as well as the detection of norovirus and astrovirus in laboratory rats and mice, respectively. This finding further strengthens the role of rodents in the spread of viral pathogens especially infecting human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Pankovics
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Ákos Boros
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán László
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Institute of Evolution, Centre for Ecological Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eda Altan
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Delwart
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gábor Reuter
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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18
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Yang YL, Nan YC. Open reading frame 3 protein of hepatitis E virus: Multi-function protein with endless potential. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:2458-2473. [PMID: 34092969 PMCID: PMC8160619 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i20.2458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a fecal-orally transmitted foodborne viral pathogen, causes acute hepatitis in humans and is responsible for hepatitis E outbreaks worldwide. Since the identification of HEV as a zoonotic agent, this virus has been isolated from a variety of hosts with an ever-expanding host range. HEV-open reading frame (ORF) 3, the smallest ORF in HEV genomes, initially had been perceived as an unremarkable HEV accessory protein. However, as novel HEV-ORF3 function has been discovered that is related to the existence of a putative third virion structural form, referred to as “quasi-enveloped” HEV particles, HEV is challenging the conventional virion structure-based classification scheme, which assigns all viruses to two groups, “enveloped” or “non-enveloped”. In this review, we systematically describe recent progress that has identified multiple pathogenic roles of HEV-ORF3, including roles in HEV virion release, biogenesis of quasi-enveloped virus, regulation of the host innate immune response, and interference with host signaling pathways. In addition, implications of HEV-ORF3-associated quasi-enveloped virions are discussed to guide future development of improved vaccines against zoonotic HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Lin Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou People's Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of General Practice, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Chen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
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19
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Wang B, Meng XJ. Structural and molecular biology of hepatitis E virus. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1907-1916. [PMID: 33995894 PMCID: PMC8079827 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the most common causes of acute viral hepatitis, mainly transmitted by fecal-oral route but has also been linked to fulminant hepatic failure, chronic hepatitis, and extrahepatic neurological and renal diseases. HEV is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with a broad host range, and strains of HEV from numerous animal species are known to cross species barriers and infect humans. HEV is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus in the family Hepeviridae. The genome typically contains three open reading frames (ORFs): ORF1 encodes a nonstructural polyprotein for virus replication and transcription, ORF2 encodes the capsid protein that elicits neutralizing antibodies, and ORF3, which partially overlaps ORF2, encodes a multifunctional protein involved in virion morphogenesis and pathogenesis. HEV virions are non-enveloped spherical particles in feces but exist as quasi-enveloped particles in circulating blood. Two types of HEV virus-like particles (VLPs), small T = 1 (270 Å) and native virion-sized T = 3 (320-340 Å) have been reported. There exist two distinct forms of capsid protein, the secreted form (ORF2S) inhibits antibody neutralization, whereas the capsid-associated form (ORF2C) self-assembles to VLPs. Four cis-reactive elements (CREs) containing stem-loops from secondary RNA structures have been identified in the non-coding regions and are critical for virus replication. This mini-review discusses the current knowledge and gaps regarding the structural and molecular biology of HEV with emphasis on the virion structure, genomic organization, secondary RNA structures, viral proteins and their functions, and life cycle of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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20
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Advances in Hepatitis E Virus Biology and Pathogenesis. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020267. [PMID: 33572257 PMCID: PMC7915517 DOI: 10.3390/v13020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the causative agents for liver inflammation across the world. HEV is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. Human HEV strains mainly belong to four major genotypes in the genus Orthohepevirus A, family Hepeviridae. Among the four genotypes, genotype 1 and 2 are obligate human pathogens, and genotype 3 and 4 cause zoonotic infections. HEV infection with genotype 1 and 2 mainly presents as acute and self-limiting hepatitis in young adults. However, HEV infection of pregnant women with genotype 1 strains can be exacerbated to fulminant hepatitis, resulting in a high rate of case fatality. As pregnant women maintain the balance of maternal-fetal tolerance and effective immunity against invading pathogens, HEV infection with genotype 1 might dysregulate the balance and cause the adverse outcome. Furthermore, HEV infection with genotype 3 can be chronic in immunocompromised patients, with rapid progression, which has been a challenge since it was reported years ago. The virus has a complex interaction with the host cells in downregulating antiviral factors and recruiting elements to generate a conducive environment of replication. The virus-cell interactions at an early stage might determine the consequence of the infection. In this review, advances in HEV virology, viral life cycle, viral interference with the immune response, and the pathogenesis in pregnant women are discussed, and perspectives on these aspects are presented.
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21
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Tian D, Yugo DM, Kenney SP, Lynn Heffron C, Opriessnig T, Karuppannan AK, Bayne J, Halbur PG, Meng XJ. Dissecting the potential role of hepatitis E virus ORF1 nonstructural gene in cross-species infection by using intergenotypic chimeric viruses. J Med Virol 2020; 92:3563-3571. [PMID: 32589758 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infects humans and more than a dozen other animal species. We previously showed that open reading frame 2 (ORF2) and ORF3 are apparently not involved in HEV cross-species infection, which infers that the ORF1 may contribute to host tropism. In this study, we utilize the genomic backbone of HEV-1 which only infects humans to construct a panel of intergenotypic chimeras in which the entire ORF1 gene or its functional domains were swapped with the corresponding regions from HEV-3 that infects both humans and pigs. We demonstrated that the chimeric HEVs were replication competent in human liver cells. Subsequently, we intrahepatically inoculated the RNA transcripts of chimeras into pigs to determine if the swapped ORF1 regions confer the chimeras' ability to infect pigs. We showed that there was no evidence of infectivity in pigs for any of the chimeras. We also investigated the role of human ribosome protein sequence S17, which expanded host range in cultured cells, in HEV cross-species infection. We demonstrated that S17 insertion in HEV ORF1 did not abolish HEV replication competency in vitro, but also did not expand HEV host tropism in vivo. The results highlight the complexity of the underlying mechanism of HEV cross-species infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debin Tian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Danielle M Yugo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Scott P Kenney
- Food Animal Health Research Program, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Wooster, Ohio
| | - C Lynn Heffron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Tanja Opriessnig
- Infection and Immunity Division, The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Anbu K Karuppannan
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Jenna Bayne
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Patrick G Halbur
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
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Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are the main causes for acute hepatitis worldwide. Both viruses had long been considered as nonenveloped viruses. However, recent work has uncovered that both viruses circulate in the bloodstream as membrane-cloaked, "quasi-enveloped" particles that are, surprisingly, infectious and likely the only form mediating virus spread within the host. The discovery of quasi-enveloped HAV and HEV particles has fundamentally changed the traditional view on the life cycle and pathogenesis of these viruses. However, because HAV and HEV are phylogenetically unrelated and their capsid assembly processes are quite distinct, it is not clear whether they use similar or different mechanisms for envelopment and exit. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about the assembly and exit processes of HAV and HEV and perspectives for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongdi Feng
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States.
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23
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Kumar M, Hooda P, Khanna M, Patel U, Sehgal D. Development of BacMam Induced Hepatitis E Virus Replication Model in Hepatoma Cells to Study the Polyprotein Processing. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1347. [PMID: 32625196 PMCID: PMC7315041 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The processing of polyprotein(s) to form structural and non-structural components remains an enigma due to the non-existence of an efficient and robust Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) culture system. We used the BacMam approach to construct an HEV replication model in which the HEV genome was cloned in the BacMam vector under the CMV promoter. The recombinant BacMam was used to infect Huh7 cells to transfer the HEV genome. HEV replication was authenticated by the presence of RNAs of both the polarity (+) and (−) and formation of hybrid RNA, a replication intermediate. The presence of genes for Papain-like Cysteine Protease (PCP), methyltransferase (MeT), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and ORF2 was confirmed by PCR amplification. Further, the infectious nature of the culture system was established as evidenced by the cross-infection of uninfected cells using the cell lysate from the infected cells. The HEV replication model was validated by detection of the ORF1 (Open Reading Frame1) encoded proteins, identified by Western blotting and Immunofluorescence by using epitope-specific antibodies against each protein. Consequently, discrete bands of 18, 35, 37, and 56 kDa corresponding to PCP, MeT, RdRp, and ORF2, respectively, were seen. Besides demonstrating the presence of non-structural enzymes of HEV along with ORF2, activity of a key enzyme, HEV-methyltransferase has also been observed. A 20% decrease in the replicative forms of RNA could be seen in presence of 100 μM Ribavirin after 48 h of treatment. The inhibition gradually increased from 0 to 24 to 48 h post-treatment. Summarily, infectious HEV culture system has been established, which could demonstrate the presence of HEV replicative RNA forms, the structural and non-structural proteins and the methyltransferase in its active form. The system may also be used to study the mechanism of action of Ribavirin in inhibiting HEV replication and develop a therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjeet Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Preeti Hooda
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Madhu Khanna
- Virology Lab, Department of Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Utkarsh Patel
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Deepak Sehgal
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
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24
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Saraswat S, Chaudhary M, Sehgal D. Hepatitis E Virus Cysteine Protease Has Papain Like Properties Validated by in silico Modeling and Cell-Free Inhibition Assays. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 9:478. [PMID: 32039053 PMCID: PMC6989534 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has emerged as a global health concern during the last decade. In spite of a high mortality rate in pregnant women with fulminant hepatitis, no antiviral drugs or licensed vaccine is available in India. HEV-protease is a pivotal enzyme responsible for ORF1 polyprotein processing leading to cleavage of the non-structural enzymes involved in virus replication. HEV-protease region encoding 432–592 amino acids of Genotype-1 was amplified, expressed in Sf21 cells and purified in its native form. The recombinant enzyme was biochemically characterized using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and Immunofluorescence. The enzyme activity and the inhibition studies were conducted using Zymography, FTC-casein based protease assay and ORF1 polyprotein digestion. To conduct ORF1 digestion assay, the polyprotein, natural substrate of HEV-protease, was expressed in E. coli and purified. Cleavage of 186 kDa ORF1 polyprotein by the recombinant HEV-protease lead to appearance of non-structural proteins viz. Methyltransferase, Protease, Helicase and RNA dependent RNA polymerase which were confirmed through immunoblotting using antibodies generated against specific epitopes of the enzymes. FTC-casein substrate was used for kinetic studies to determine Km and Vmax of the enzyme and also the effect of different metal ions and other protease inhibitors. A 95% inhibition was observed with E-64 which was validated through in silico analysis. The correlation coefficient between inhibition and docking score of Inhibitors was found to have a significant value of r2 = 0.75. The predicted 3D model showed two domain architecture structures similar to Papain like cysteine protease though they differed in arrangements of alpha helices and beta sheets. Hence, we propose that HEV-protease has characteristics of “Papain-like cysteine protease,” as determined through structural homology, active site residues and class-specific inhibition. However, conclusive nature of the enzyme remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Saraswat
- Virology Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Meenakshi Chaudhary
- Virology Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Deepak Sehgal
- Virology Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
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25
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Iqbal T, Rashid U, Idrees M, Afroz A, Kamili S, Purdy MA. A novel avian isolate of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan. Virol J 2019; 16:142. [PMID: 31753030 PMCID: PMC6868781 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1247-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Avian hepatitis E virus (aHEV) has been associated with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome (HSS) in chickens along with asymptomatic subclinical infection in many cases. So far, four genotypes have been described, which cause infection in chickens, specifically in broiler breeders and layer chickens. In the present study, we isolated and identified two novel aHEV strains from the bile of layer chickens in Pakistan evincing clinical symptoms related to HSS. Methodology Histology of liver and spleen tissues was carried out to observe histopathological changes in these tissues. Bile fluid and fecal suspensions were used for viral RNA isolation through MegNA pure and Trizol method which was further used for viral genome detection and characterization by cDNA synthesis and amplification of partial open reading frame (ORF) 1, ORF2 and complete ORF3. The bioinformatics tools; Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis version 6.0 (MEGA 6), Mfold and ProtScale were used for phylogenic analysis, RNA secondary structure prediction and protein hydropathy analysis, respectively. Results Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis on the basis of partial methyltranferase (MeT), helicase (Hel) domain, ORF2 and complete ORF3 sequence suggests these Pakistani aHEV (Pak aHEV) isolates may belong to a Pakistani specific clade. The overall sequence similarity between the Pak aHEV sequences was 98–100%. The ORF1/ORF3 intergenic region contains a conserved cis-reactive element (CRE) and stem-loop structure (SLS). Analysis of the amino acid sequence of ORF3 indicated two hydrophobic domains (HD) and single conserved proline-rich domain (PRD) PREPSAPP (PXXPXXPP) with a single PSAP motif found in C-terminal. Amino acid changes S15 T, A31T, Q35H and G46D unique to the Pak aHEV sequences were found in the N-terminal region of ORF3. Conclusions Our data suggests that Pak aHEV isolates may represent a novel Pakistani clade and high sequence homology to each other support the supposition they may belong to a monophyletic clade circulating in the region around Pakistan. The data presented in this study provide further information for aHEV genetic diversity, genotype mapping, global distribution and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Iqbal
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan.,Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MS-A33, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Umer Rashid
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, 53700, Pakistan.,Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Pakistan
| | - Amber Afroz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan
| | - Saleem Kamili
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MS-A33, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Michael A Purdy
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MS-A33, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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26
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Parvez MK. The hepatitis E virus RNA regulatory elements. Future Virol 2019. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2019-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad K Parvez
- Department of Pharmacognosy, King Saud University College of Pharmacy, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Pankovics P, Boros Á, Kiss T, Engelmann P, Reuter G. Genetically highly divergent RNA virus with astrovirus-like (5'-end) and hepevirus-like (3'-end) genome organization in carnivorous birds, European roller (Coracias garrulus). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 71:215-223. [PMID: 30959207 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Astroviruses (family Astroviridae) and hepeviruses (family Hepeviridae) are small, non-enveloped viruses with genetically diverse +ssRNA genome thought to be enteric pathogens infecting vertebrates including humans. Recently, many novel astro- and hepatitis E virus-like +ssRNA viruses have been described from lower vertebrate species. The non-structural proteins of astro- and hepeviruses are highly diverse, but the structural/capsid proteins represent a common phylogenetic position shed the light of their common origin by inter-viral recombination. In this study, a novel astrovirus/hepevirus-like virus with +ssRNA genome (Er/SZAL5/HUN/2011, MK450332) was serendipitously identified and characterized from 3 (8.5%) out of 35 European roller (Coracias garrulus) faecal samples by RT-PCR in Hungary. The complete genome of Er/SZAL5/HUN/2011 (MK450332) is 8402 nt-long and potentially composed three non-overlapping open reading frames (ORFs): ORF1a (4449 nt/1482aa), ORF1b (1206 nt/401aa) and ORF2 (1491 nt/496aa). The ORF1ab has an astrovirus-like genome organization containing the non-structural conserved elements (TM, CC, NLS, VPg) and enzyme residues (trypsine-like protease, RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase) with low amino acid sequence identity, 15% (ORF1a) and 44% (ORF1b), to astroviruses. Supposedly the ORF2 is a capsid protein but neither the astrovirus-like subgenomic RNA promoter (sgRNA) nor the astrovirus-like capsid characteristics have been identifiable. However, the predicted capsid protein (ORF2) showed 26% identity to the corresponding protein of hepevirus-like novel Rana hepevirus (MH330682). This novel +ssRNA virus strain Er/SZAL5/HUN/2011 with astrovirus-like genome organization in the non-structural genome regions (ORF1a and ORF1b) and Rana hepevirus-related capsid (ORF2) protein represent a potentially recombinant virus species and supports the common origin hypothesis, although, the taxonomic position of the studied virus is still under discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Pankovics
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Boros
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kiss
- Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Reuter
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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28
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Liu C, Cai W, Yin X, Tang Z, Wen G, Ambardekar C, Li X, Ying D, Feng Z, Zheng Z, Xia N. An Optimized High-Throughput Neutralization Assay for Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Involving Detection of Secreted Porf2. Viruses 2019; 11:v11010064. [PMID: 30650547 PMCID: PMC6356577 DOI: 10.3390/v11010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Current methods for evaluating the neutralizing activity of HEV-specific antibodies include immunofluorescence focus assays (IFAs) and real-time PCR, which are insensitive and operationally complicated. Here, we developed a high-throughput neutralization assay by measuring secreted pORF2 levels using an HEV antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit based on the highly replicating HEV genotype (gt) 3 strain Kernow. We evaluated the neutralizing activity of HEV-specific antibodies and the sera of vaccinated individuals (n = 15) by traditional IFA and the novel assay simultaneously. A linear regression analysis shows that there is a high degree of correlation between the two assays. Furthermore, the anti-HEV IgG levels exhibited moderate correlation with the neutralizing titers of the sera of vaccinated individuals, indicating that immunization with gt 1 can protect against gt 3 Kernow infection. We then determined specificity of the novel assay and the potential threshold of neutralizing capacity using anti-HEV IgG positive sera (n = 27) and anti-HEV IgG negative sera (n = 23). The neutralizing capacity of anti-HEV IgG positive sera was significantly stronger than that of anti-HEV IgG negative. In addition, ROC curve analysis shows that the potential threshold of neutralizing capacity of sera was 8.07, and the sensitivity and specificity of the novel assay was 88.6% and 100%, respectively. Our results suggest that the neutralization assay using the antigen ELISA kit could be a useful tool for HEV clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Wei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Xin Yin
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
| | - Zimin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Guiping Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Charuta Ambardekar
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
| | - Xinlei Li
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
| | - Dong Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Zongdi Feng
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, the Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
| | - Zizheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
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29
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Meister TL, Bruening J, Todt D, Steinmann E. Cell culture systems for the study of hepatitis E virus. Antiviral Res 2019; 163:34-49. [PMID: 30653997 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E in humans and is the leading cause of enterically-transmitted viral hepatitis worldwide. Increasing numbers of HEV infections, together with no available specific anti-HEV treatment, contributes to the pathogen's major health burden. A robust cell culture system is required for virologic studies and the development of new antiviral drugs. Unfortunately, like other hepatitis viruses, HEV is difficult to propagate in conventional cell lines. Many different cell culture systems have been tested using various HEV strains, but viral replication usually progresses very slowly, and infection with low virion counts results in non-productive HEV replication. However, recent progress involving generation of cDNA clones and passaging primary patient isolates in distinct cell lines has improved in vitro HEV propagation. This review describes various approaches to cultivate HEV in cellular and animal models and how these systems are used to study HEV infections and evaluate anti-HEV drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni L Meister
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Janina Bruening
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany.
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) possesses many of the features of other positive-stranded RNA viruses but also adds HEV-specific nuances, making its virus-host interactions unique. Slow virus replication kinetics and fastidious growth conditions, coupled with the historical lack of an efficient cell culture system to propagate the virus, have left many gaps in our understanding of its structure and replication cycle. Recent advances in culturing selected strains of HEV and resolving the 3D structure of the viral capsid are filling in knowledge gaps, but HEV remains an extremely understudied pathogen. Many steps in the HEV life cycle and many aspects of HEV pathogenesis remain unknown, such as the host and viral factors that determine cross-species infection, the HEV-specific receptor(s) on host cells, what determines HEV chronicity and the ability to replicate in extrahepatic sites, and what regulates processing of the open reading frame 1 (ORF1) nonstructural polyprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Kenney
- Food Animal Health Research Program, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio 44691
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
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31
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Zhu YO, Aw P, Aung MM, Lee HK, Hibberd M, Lee GH. Patterns of mutation within an emerging endemic lineage of HEV-3a. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:191-198. [PMID: 30315669 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus can cause chronic infections in immuno-suppressed patients, and cases have been on the rise globally. Viral mutations during such infections are difficult to characterize. We deep-sequenced viral populations from 15 immunocompromised patients with chronic HEV to identify the viral lineage and describe viral mutational hotspots within and across patients. A total of 21 viral RNA samples were collected between 2012 and 2017 from a single hospital in Singapore. Sequences covering a total of 3894 bp of the HEV genome were obtained. Phylogenetic analyses identified all sequences as belonging to the HEV-3a sub-clade and clearly indicate a unique local lineage. Deep sequencing reveals variable viral population complexity during infections. Comparisons of viral samples from the same patients spaced 2-19 months apart revealed rapid nucleotide replacements in the dominant viral sequence in both ribavirin treated and treatment-naive patients. Mutational hotspots were identified within ORF3 and the PCP/HVR domain of ORF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan O Zhu
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Pauline Aw
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Myo Myint Aung
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Hong Kai Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Molecular Diagnosis Centre, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Martin Hibberd
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Guan Huei Lee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
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32
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Life cycle and morphogenesis of the hepatitis E virus. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:196. [PMID: 30498191 PMCID: PMC6265337 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0198-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is transmitted primarily via contaminated water and food by the fecal oral route and causes epidemics in developing countries. In industrialized countries, zoonotic transmission of HEV is prevalent. In addition, HEV is the major cause of acute hepatitis in healthy adults and can cause chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients, with pregnant HEV-infected women having increased mortality rates of approximately 25%. HEV was once an understudied and neglected virus. However, in recent years, the safety of blood products with respect to HEV has increasingly been considered to be a public health problem. The establishment of HEV infection models has enabled significant progress to be made in understanding its life cycle. HEV infects cells via a receptor (complex) that has yet to be identified. The HEV replication cycle is initiated immediately after the (+) stranded RNA genome is released into the cell cytosol. Subsequently, infectious viral particles are released by the ESCRT complex as quasi-enveloped viruses (eHEVs) into the serum, whereas feces and urine contain only nonenveloped infectious viral progeny. The uncoating of the viral envelope takes place in the biliary tract, resulting in the generation of a nonenveloped virus that is more resistant to environmental stress and possesses a higher infectivity than that of eHEV. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the HEV life cycle, viral morphogenesis, established model systems and vaccine development.
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Todt D, Meister TL, Steinmann E. Hepatitis E virus treatment and ribavirin therapy: viral mechanisms of nonresponse. Curr Opin Virol 2018; 32:80-87. [PMID: 30384328 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause chronic infections in immunosuppressed patients with adverse clinical outcomes. Intervention strategies are limited with ribavirin (RBV) being the only main therapeutic option as off-label drug. Recent reports on RBV monotherapy failures show a coherence with the presence of certain single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and in-frame insertions in the hypervariable region of open reading frame 1 in the HEV genome. Importantly, some of the alterations were present in the viral population as minor variant before RBV administration. Individualized infection medicine by early detection of emerging viral variants in patients could improve treatment outcome and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Toni Luise Meister
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Wang D, Zhang Y, Ma C, Ma D, Zhao Q, Wang F, Huang Y, Li J, Zhang L, Zhou EM. Live recombinant Lactococcuslactis expressing avian hepatitis virus ORF2 protein: Immunoprotection against homologous virus challenge in chickens. Vaccine 2018; 36:1108-1115. [PMID: 29406242 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Avian hepatitis E virus (aHEV) is a pathogen associated with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome in chickens. To date, no commercial vaccine is available for preventing aHEV infection. In this study, three recombinant LactococcuslactisNZ9000experimental live vaccines expressing cytoplasmic, secreted, and cell wall-anchored forms of aHEV truncated ORF2 protein spanning amino acids 249-606 (ΔORF2) were constructed using pTX8048 vector and characterized. Each chicken was immunized three times at two-week intervals with one of the three live aHEV ORF2 vaccines (experimental group) or with live vaccine containing empty vector only (control group). Both groups were then challenged with aHEV and evaluated to compare immune responses and immunogenic effects. Serum IgG levels, secretory IgA (sIgA) levels in bile and jejunal lavage fluid, and mRNA expression levels ofIL-2 and IFN-γ in liver and spleen were significantly higher in experimental chickens than in controls. Meanwhile, post-challenge serum and fecal virus loads were significantly lower in experimental chickens versus controls. Moreover, on day 7 post infection (PI), serum lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly higher in controls than experimental chickens. Furthermore, at day 28 PI, obvious gross pathological lesions and histopathological changes typical for aHEV infection were observed in control livers and spleens, with only moderate pathological changes observed in the experimental group. The results of this study collectively demonstrate that an oral vaccineusing L.lactisNZ9000 as a delivery vector for aHEV immunogenic antigen could effectively control aHEV infection of chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Chunli Ma
- Food College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Dexing Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China.
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Fen Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yuchen Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Lili Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shanxi, PR China.
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35
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Cao D, Ni YY, Walker M, Huang YW, Meng XJ. Roles of the genomic sequence surrounding the stem-loop structure in the junction region including the 3' terminus of open reading frame 1 in hepatitis E virus replication. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1524-1531. [PMID: 29718575 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a member of the family Hepeviridae, causes both acute and chronic viral hepatitis. We have previously demonstrated that the stem-loop structure in the junction region (JR) of HEV genome plays a critical role in HEV replication. However, the function of the sequence bordering the JR, including the 3' terminus of open reading frame (ORF1), in HEV replication is unknown. In this study, a panel of HEV Renilla luciferase (Rluc) replicons containing various deletions at 5' or 3' termini of the JR was constructed to determine the effect of the deletions on HEV replication in Huh7 human liver cells. We showed that even a single nucleotide deletion at the 5' terminus of the JR abolished HEV replication, whereas deletions at the 3' terminus of the JR also decreased virus replication efficiency. Furthermore, we also constructed firefly luciferase and Rluc dual-reporter HEV replicons containing the 3' terminal ORF1 of various lengths and the JR inserted upstream of the Rluc reporter. A higher level of HEV replication was observed in cells transfected with replicons containing the 3' terminal ORF1 than that of the JR only replicon. We also showed that the ORF3 noncoding sequence along with the JR promoted a higher level of translation activity than that promoted by JR and the ORF2 noncoding sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianjun Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Yan-Yan Ni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Michelle Walker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Yao-Wei Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
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36
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Hepatitis E in High-Income Countries: What Do We Know? And What Are the Knowledge Gaps? Viruses 2018; 10:v10060285. [PMID: 29799485 PMCID: PMC6024799 DOI: 10.3390/v10060285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a positive-strand RNA virus transmitted by the fecal–oral route. HEV genotypes 1 and 2 infect only humans and cause mainly waterborne outbreaks. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are widely represented in the animal kingdom, and are mainly transmitted as a zoonosis. For the past 20 years, HEV infection has been considered an imported disease in developed countries, but now there is evidence that HEV is an underrecognized pathogen in high-income countries, and that the incidence of confirmed cases has been steadily increasing over the last decade. In this review, we describe current knowledge about the molecular biology of HEV, its clinical features, its main routes of transmission, and possible therapeutic strategies in developed countries.
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37
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Nan Y, Wu C, Zhao Q, Sun Y, Zhang YJ, Zhou EM. Vaccine Development against Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: Open Questions and Remaining Challenges. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:266. [PMID: 29520257 PMCID: PMC5827553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a fecal-orally transmitted foodborne viral pathogen that causes acute hepatitis in humans and is responsible for hepatitis E outbreaks worldwide. Since the discovery of HEV as a zoonotic agent, this virus has been isolated from a variety of hosts with an ever-expanding host range. Recently, a subunit HEV vaccine developed for the prevention of human disease was approved in China, but is not yet available to the rest of the world. Meanwhile, notable progress and knowledge has been made and revealed in recent years to better understand HEV biology and infection, including discoveries of quasi-enveloped HEV virions and of a new function of the HEV-ORF3 product. However, the impact of these new findings on the development of a protective vaccine against zoonotic HEV infection requires further discussion. In this review, hallmark characteristics of HEV zoonosis, the history of HEV vaccine development, and recent discoveries in HEV virology are described. Moreover, special attention is focused on quasi-enveloped HEV virions and the potential role of the HEV-ORF3 product as antibody-neutralization target on the surface of quasi-enveloped HEV virions to provide new insights for the future development of improved vaccines against zoonotic HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Yani Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Yan-Jin Zhang
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
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38
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Montpellier C, Wychowski C, Sayed IM, Meunier JC, Saliou JM, Ankavay M, Bull A, Pillez A, Abravanel F, Helle F, Brochot E, Drobecq H, Farhat R, Aliouat-Denis CM, Haddad JG, Izopet J, Meuleman P, Goffard A, Dubuisson J, Cocquerel L. Hepatitis E Virus Lifecycle and Identification of 3 Forms of the ORF2 Capsid Protein. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:211-223.e8. [PMID: 28958858 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Approximately 2 billion people live in areas endemic for HEV and are at risk of infection. The HEV genome encodes 3 proteins, including the ORF2 capsid protein. Detailed analyses of the HEV life cycle has been hampered by the lack of an efficient viral culture system. METHODS We performed studies with gt3 HEV cell culture-produced particles and patient blood and stool samples. Samples were fractionated on iodixanol gradients and cushions. Infectivity assays were performed in vitro and in human liver chimeric mice. Proteins were analyzed by biochemical and proteomic approaches. Infectious particles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. HEV antigen levels were measured with the Wantaï enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS We developed an efficient cell culture system and isolated HEV particles that were infectious in vitro and in vivo. Using transmission electron microscopy, we defined the ultrastructure of HEV cell culture-produced particles and particles from patient sera and stool samples. We also identified the precise sequence of the infectious particle-associated ORF2 capsid protein. In cultured cells and in samples from patients, HEV produced 3 forms of the ORF2 capsid protein: infectious/intracellular ORF2 (ORF2i), glycosylated ORF2 (ORF2g), and cleaved ORF2 (ORF2c). The ORF2i protein associated with infectious particles, whereas the ORF2g and ORF2c proteins were massively secreted glycoproteins not associated with infectious particles. ORF2g and ORF2c were the most abundant antigens detected in sera from patients. CONCLUSIONS We developed a cell culture system and characterized HEV particles; we identified 3 ORF2 capsid proteins (ORF2i, ORF2g, and ORFc). These findings will advance our understanding of the HEV life cycle and improve diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Montpellier
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Czeslaw Wychowski
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France.
| | - Ibrahim M Sayed
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Jean-Michel Saliou
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Maliki Ankavay
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Anne Bull
- Inserm-U966, University F. Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - André Pillez
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Florence Abravanel
- CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
| | - François Helle
- EA4294, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Etienne Brochot
- EA4294, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Hervé Drobecq
- University of Lille, CNRS, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR 8161-M3T-Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Target Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Rayan Farhat
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Cécile-Marie Aliouat-Denis
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Juliano G Haddad
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Goffard
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France.
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Nan Y, Wu C, Zhao Q, Zhou EM. Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: An Ignored Risk for Public Health. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2396. [PMID: 29255453 PMCID: PMC5723051 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a quasi-enveloped, single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. HEV belongs to the family Hepeviridae, a family comprised of highly diverse viruses originating from various species. Since confirmation of HEV's zoonosis, HEV-induced hepatitis has been a public health concern both for developing and developed countries. Meanwhile, the demonstration of a broad host range for zoonotic HEV suggests the existence of a variety of transmission routes that could lead to human infection. Moreover, anti-HEV antibody serosurveillance worldwide demonstrates a higher than expected HEV prevalence rate that conflicts with the rarity and sporadic nature of reported acute hepatitis E cases. In recent years, chronic HEV infection, HEV-related acute hepatic failure, and extrahepatic manifestations caused by HEV infection have been frequently reported. These observations suggest a significant underestimation of the number and complexity of transmission routes previously predicted to cause HEV-related disease, with special emphasis on zoonotic HEV as a public health concern. Significant research has revealed details regarding the virology and infectivity of zoonotic HEV in both humans and animals. In this review, the discovery of HEV zoonosis, recent progress in our understanding of the zoonotic HEV host range, and classification of diverse HEV or HEV-like isolates from various hosts are reviewed in a historic context. Ultimately, this review focuses on current understanding of viral pathogenesis and cross-species transmission of zoonotic HEV. Moreover, host factors and viral determinants influencing HEV host tropism are discussed to provide new insights into HEV transmission and prevalence mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
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40
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Wang L, Wang L. Animal Models for Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 948:161-173. [PMID: 27738984 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-0942-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Animal models are one of the most important tools in the study of human hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. They are particularly important in light of the major limitations of the cell culture system for HEV. Besides nonhuman primates, which are extremely valuable because of their susceptibility to HEV genotypes 1-4, animals like swine, rabbit, and chicken are also potential models for studies of pathogenesis, cross-species infection, and the molecular biology of HEV. Identification of the most useful animal model for human HEV infection studies is crucial to further investigations into this ubiquitous yet poorly understood virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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41
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a globally important pathogen of acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. The HEV ORF1 gene encodes a nonstructural polyprotein, essential for RNA replication and virus infectivity. Expression and processing of ORF1 polyprotein are shown in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, however, its proteolysis into individual proteins is still debated. While molecular or biochemical characterization of methyltransferase, protease, hypervariable region, helicase and RNA polymerase domains in ORF1 has been achieved, the role of the X and Y domains in the HEV life cycle has only been demonstrated very recently. Clinically, detection of a number of ORF1 mutants in infected patients is implicated in disease severity, mortality and drug nonresponse. Moreover, several artificial lethal mutations in ORF1 offer a potential basis for developing live-attenuated vaccines for HEV. This article intends to present the molecular and clinical updates on the HEV ORF1 polyprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khalid Parvez
- Department of Pharmacognosy, King Saud University College of Pharmacy, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Donnelly MC, Scobie L, Crossan CL, Dalton H, Hayes PC, Simpson KJ. Review article: hepatitis E-a concise review of virology, epidemiology, clinical presentation and therapy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 46:126-141. [PMID: 28449246 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute icteric hepatitis and acute liver failure in the developing world. During the last decade, there has been increasing recognition of autochthonous (locally acquired) HEV infection in developed countries. Chronic HEV infection is now recognised, and in transplant recipients this may lead to cirrhosis and organ failure. AIM To detail current understanding of the molecular biology of HEV, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and propose future directions for basic science and clinical research. METHODS PubMed was searched for English language articles using the key words "hepatitis E", "viral hepatitis", "autochthonous infection", "antiviral therapy", "liver transplantation", "acute", "chronic", "HEV", "genotype", "transmission" "food-borne", "transfusion". Additional relevant publications were identified from article reference lists. RESULTS There has been increasing recognition of autochthonous HEV infection in Western countries, mainly associated with genotype 3. Chronic HEV infection has been recognised since 2008, and in transplant recipients this may lead to cirrhosis and organ failure. Modes of transmission include food-borne transmission, transfusion of blood products and solid organ transplantation. Ribavirin therapy is used to treat patients with chronic HEV infection, but new therapies are required as there have been reports of treatment failure with ribavirin. CONCLUSIONS Autochthonous HEV infection is a clinical issue with increasing burden. Future work should focus on increasing awareness of HEV infection in the developed world, emphasising the need for clinicians to have a low threshold for HEV testing, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. Patients at potential risk of chronic HEV infection must also be educated and given advice regarding prevention of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Donnelly
- Department of Hepatology and Scottish Liver Transplant Unit, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - L Scobie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - C L Crossan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Dalton
- Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - P C Hayes
- Department of Hepatology and Scottish Liver Transplant Unit, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - K J Simpson
- Department of Hepatology and Scottish Liver Transplant Unit, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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43
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Genotype-Specific Evolution of Hepatitis E Virus. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.02241-16. [PMID: 28202767 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02241-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis globally. HEV comprises four genotypes with different geographic distributions and host ranges. We utilize this natural case-control study for investigating the evolution of zoonotic viruses compared to single-host viruses, using 244 near-full-length HEV genomes. Genome-wide estimates of the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous evolutionary changes (dN/dS ratio) located a region of overlapping reading frames, which is subject to positive selection in genotypes 3 and 4. The open reading frames (ORFs) involved have functions related to host-pathogen interaction, so genotype-specific evolution of these regions may reflect their fitness. Bayesian inference of evolutionary rates shows that genotypes 3 and 4 have significantly higher rates than genotype 1 across all ORFs. Reconstruction of the phylogenies of zoonotic genotypes demonstrates significant intermingling of isolates between hosts. We speculate that the genotype-specific differences may result from cyclical adaptation to different hosts in genotypes 3 and 4.IMPORTANCE Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly recognized as a pathogen that affects both the developing and the developed world. While most often clinically mild, HEV can be severe or fatal in certain demographics, such as expectant mothers. Like many other viral pathogens, HEV has been classified into several distinct genotypes. We show that most of the HEV genome is evolutionarily constrained. One locus of positive selection is unusual in that it encodes two distinct protein products. We are the first to detect positive selection in this overlap region. Genotype 1, which infects humans only, appears to be evolving differently from genotypes 3 and 4, which infect multiple species, possibly because genotypes 3 and 4 are unable to achieve the same fitness due to repeated host jumps.
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Reuter G, Boros Á, Mátics R, Kapusinszky B, Delwart E, Pankovics P. A novel avian-like hepatitis E virus in wild aquatic bird, little egret (Egretta garzetta), in Hungary. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 46:74-77. [PMID: 27876615 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), family Hepeviridae, has public health concerns because of its zoonotic potential; however, the host species spectrum, animal to animal transmissions, the natural chain of hepevirus infections and the genetic diversity of HEV in wildlife especially in birds are less known. Using random amplification and next generation sequencing technology a genetically divergent avian HEV was serendipitously identified in wild bird in Hungary. HEV RNA was detected with high faecal viral load (1.33×108genomiccopies/ml) measured by real-time PCR in faecal sample from a little egret (Egretta garzetta). The complete genome of HEV strain little egret/kocsag02/2014/HUN (KX589065) is 6660-nt long including a 18-nt 5' end and a 103-nt 3' end (excluding the poly(A)-tail). Sequence analyses indicated that the ORF1 (4554nt/1517aa), ORF2 (1728nt/593aa) and ORF3 (339nt/112aa) encoded proteins of little egret/kocsag02/2014/HUN shared the highest identity (62.8%, 71% and 61.5%) to the corresponding proteins of genotype 1 avian (chicken) HEV in species Orthohepevirus B, respectively. This study reports the identification and complete genome characterization of a novel orthohepevirus distantly related to avian (chicken) HEVs at the first time in wild bird. It is important to recognize all potential hosts, reservoirs and spreaders in nature and to reconstruct the phylogenetic history of hepeviruses. Birds could be an important reservoir of HEV generally and could be infected with genetically highly divergent strains of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Reuter
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Ákos Boros
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Róbert Mátics
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Hungarian Nature Research Society (HuNaReS), Ajka, Hungary
| | | | - Eric Delwart
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Péter Pankovics
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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45
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Nan Y, Zhang YJ. Molecular Biology and Infection of Hepatitis E Virus. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1419. [PMID: 27656178 PMCID: PMC5013053 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a viral pathogen transmitted primarily via fecal-oral route. In humans, HEV mainly causes acute hepatitis and is responsible for large outbreaks of hepatitis across the world. The case fatality rate of HEV-induced hepatitis ranges from 0.5 to 3% in young adults and up to 30% in infected pregnant women. HEV strains infecting humans are classified into four genotypes. HEV strains from genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic, whereas those from genotypes 1 and 2 have no known animal reservoirs. Recently, notable progress has been accomplished for better understanding of HEV biology and infection, such as chronic HEV infection, in vitro cell culture system, quasi-enveloped HEV virions, functions of the HEV proteins, mechanism of HEV antagonizing host innate immunity, HEV pathogenesis and vaccine development. However, further investigation on the cross-species HEV infection, host tropism, vaccine efficacy, and HEV-specific antiviral strategy is still needed. This review mainly focuses on molecular biology and infection of HEV and offers perspective new insight of this enigmatic virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F UniversityYangling, China; Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, College ParkMD, USA
| | - Yan-Jin Zhang
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park MD, USA
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46
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Yang Y, Lin S, Nan Y, Ma Z, Yang L, Zhang Y. A Linear Surface Epitope in a Proline-Rich Region of ORF3 Product of Genotype 1 Hepatitis E Virus. Viruses 2016; 8:v8080227. [PMID: 27548202 PMCID: PMC4997589 DOI: 10.3390/v8080227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the viral pathogens causing hepatitis in humans. HEV open reading frame 3 (ORF3) encodes a small multifunctional protein (VP13), which is essential for HEV infection. In this study, a linear epitope was identified in a polyproline (PXXP) motif from VP13 of genotype 1 HEV by using a monoclonal antibody. The epitope was detected in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. Epitope mapping showed that the epitope locates in a proline-rich region containing a PXXP motif in amino acid residues 66-75 of VP13. The epitope was also detected in HEV-infected liver cells and reacted with genotype 1-specific antibodies in an HEV-positive human serum sample. The results demonstrated that the epitope in the PXXP motif of the genotype 1 VP13 is linear and surface-oriented, which should facilitate in-depth studies on the viral protein and HEV biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglin Yang
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
- Nanjing Red Cross Blood Center, Nanjing 210003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shaoli Lin
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Yuchen Nan
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xi'an 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Zexu Ma
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Liping Yang
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Yanjin Zhang
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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van Tong H, Hoan NX, Wang B, Wedemeyer H, Bock CT, Velavan TP. Hepatitis E Virus Mutations: Functional and Clinical Relevance. EBioMedicine 2016; 11:31-42. [PMID: 27528267 PMCID: PMC5049923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a major cause of acute hepatitis and affects more than 20 million individuals, with three million symptomatic cases and 56,000 recognized HEV-related deaths worldwide. HEV is endemic in developing countries and is gaining importance in developed countries, due to increased number of autochthone cases. Although HEV replication is controlled by the host immune system, viral factors (especially specific viral genotypes and mutants) can modulate HEV replication, infection and pathogenesis. Limited knowledge exists on the contribution of HEV genome variants towards pathogenesis, susceptibility and to therapeutic response. Nonsynonymous substitutions can modulate viral proteins structurally and thus dysregulate virus-host interactions. This review aims to compile knowledge and discuss recent advances on the casual role of HEV heterogeneity and its variants on viral morphogenesis, pathogenesis, clinical outcome and antiviral resistance. HEV causes acute hepatitis and recently comes into focus because of persistent infection in immunocompromised patients. HEV variability can be associated with clinical pathogenesis and transmission dynamics. Mutations in the HEV genome can influence HEV physiology and virus-host interaction. HEV mutations and variability are likely associated with fulminant hepatic failure and chronic hepatitis E. The Y1320H and G1634R/K mutations in the RdRp domain contribute to antiviral resistance through enhancing HEV replication.
We searched MEDLINE database and PubMed for articles from 1980 through June 30, 2016. Search terms used in various combinations were “hepatitis E”, “hepatitis E virus”, “hepatitis E virus infection”, “hepatitis E virus mutation”, “HEV variability”, “HEV genotype”, “HEV drug resistance”, “HEV replication” and “ribavirin”. Articles resulting from these searches and relevant references cited in those articles were selected based on their related topics and were reviewed. Abstracts and reports from meetings were also included. Articles published in English were included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang van Tong
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Nghiem Xuan Hoan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - C-Thomas Bock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
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Mahilkar S, Paingankar MS, Lole KS. Hepatitis E virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase: RNA template specificities, recruitment and synthesis. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:2231-2242. [PMID: 27324050 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a positive-sense RNA virus and member of the genus Orthohepevirus in the family Hepeviridae. Although HEV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (HEV-RdRp) plays an important role in the HEV life cycle, its template specificities are not completely understood. We expressed HEV-RdRp protein with His-tag in a bacterial system and analysed template specificities using different putative cis-regulatory elements in the HEV genome. The enzyme showed highest affinity for the 3' non-coding region (NCR), then for the 5'NCR and least for the putative subgenomic promoter (SgP). The enzyme could co-bind to 3'NCR and putative SgP templates together, as evident from the supershift in binding assay, indicating presence of different binding sites for these elements. Proteomic analysis revealed that the RNA elements share two common peptides for binding, while a third peptide, which is highly conserved across different HEV genotypes, is specific for 3'NCR. We propose that, during the early phases of replication, as negative sense antigenome copies accumulate at the replication site, they probably initiate promoter swapping from 3'NCR to SgP, to favour synthesis of subgenomic RNA and to prevent synthesis of genomic RNA. The conserved site for 3'NCR binding could be potential antiviral target and needs further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakuntala Mahilkar
- Hepatitis Division, National Institute of Virology, Microbial Containment Complex, Sus Road, Pashan, 411021 Pune, India
| | - Mandar S Paingankar
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Biology Research, Laboratory Savitribai Phule Pune University, 411007 Pune, India
| | - Kavita S Lole
- Hepatitis Division, National Institute of Virology, Microbial Containment Complex, Sus Road, Pashan, 411021 Pune, India
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49
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Reuter G, Boros Á, Mátics R, Kapusinszky B, Delwart E, Pankovics P. Divergent hepatitis E virus in birds of prey, common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and red-footed falcon (F. vespertinus), Hungary. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 43:343-6. [PMID: 27282471 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), family Hepeviridae, has raised considerable public health concerns because of its zoonotic potential; however, the animal to animal transmissions and the natural chain of hepevirus infections in wildlife are less known. Using random amplification and next generation sequencing technology a novel HEV in birds of prey was serendipitously identified in Hungary. HEV RNA was detected in total of 2 (18%) of the 11 and 1 (14%) of the 7 faecal samples from common kestrels and red-footed falcons, respectively. High faecal viral load (2.03×10(8) genomic copies/ml) measured by qPCR. The complete genome of strain kestrel/MR22/2014/HUN (KU670940) HEV is 7033-nt long including a 35-nt 5'end and a 63-nt 3'end (excluding the poly(A)-tail). Sequence analyses indicated that the ORF1 (4920nt/639 aa), ORF2 (1989nt/662 aa) and ORF3 (360nt/119aa) proteins of kestrel/MR22/2014/HUN shared the highest identity (58.1%, 66.8% and 28.5%) to the corresponding proteins of ferret, rat and human genotype 4 Orthohepeviruses, respectively. Interestingly, the ORF3 protein is potentially initiated with leucine (L) using an alternate, non-AUG (UUG) start codon. This study reports the identification and complete genome characterization of a novel Orthohepevirus species related to mammalian HEVs in birds of prey. It is important to recognize all potential hosts, reservoirs and spreaders in nature and to reconstruct the phylogenetic history of hepeviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Reuter
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary, University of Pécs Medical Center, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Ákos Boros
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary, University of Pécs Medical Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Róbert Mátics
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Pécs Medical Center, Hungary; Hungarian Nature Research Society, (HuNaReS), Ajka, Hungary
| | | | - Eric Delwart
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Péter Pankovics
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, National Reference Laboratory of Gastroenteric Viruses, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Pécs, Hungary, University of Pécs Medical Center, Pécs, Hungary
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Ojha NK, Lole KS. Hepatitis E virus ORF1 encoded non structural protein–host protein interaction network. Virus Res 2016; 213:195-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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