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Campos RK, Liang Y, Azar SR, Ly J, Camargos VN, Hager-Soto EE, Eyzaguirre E, Sun J, Rossi SL. CD8 + T cell response promotes viral clearance and reduces chances of severe testicular damage in mouse models of long-term Zika virus infection of the testes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.575592. [PMID: 38328060 PMCID: PMC10849515 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.575592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) causes human testicular inflammation and alterations in sperm parameters and causes testicular damage in mouse models. The involvement of individual immune cells in testicular damage is not fully understood. We detected virus in the testes of the interferon (IFN) α/β receptor -/- A129 mice three weeks post-infection and found elevated chemokines in the testes, suggesting chronic inflammation and long-term infection play a role in testicular damage. In the testes, myeloid cells and CD4 + T cells were absent at 7 dpi but were present at 23 days post-infection (dpi), and CD8 + T cell infiltration started at 7 dpi. CD8 -/- mice with an antibody-depleted IFN response had a significant reduction in spermatogenesis, indicating that CD8 + T cells are essential to prevent testicular damage during long-term ZIKV infections. Our findings on the dynamics of testicular immune cells and importance of CD8 + T cells functions as a framework to understand mechanisms underlying observed inflammation and sperm alterations in humans.
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Lu AY, Gustin A, Newhouse D, Gale M. Viral Protein Accumulation of Zika Virus Variants Links with Regulation of Innate Immunity for Differential Control of Viral Replication, Spread, and Response to Interferon. J Virol 2023; 97:e0198222. [PMID: 37162358 PMCID: PMC10231147 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01982-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Asian lineage Zika virus (ZIKV) strains emerged globally, causing outbreaks linked with critical clinical disease outcomes unless the virus is effectively restricted by host immunity. We have previously shown that retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) senses ZIKV to trigger innate immunity to direct interferon (IFN) production and antiviral responses that can control ZIKV infection. However, ZIKV proteins have been demonstrated to antagonize IFN. Here, we conducted in vitro analyses to assess how divergent prototypic ZIKV variants differ in virologic properties, innate immune regulation, and infection outcome. We comparatively assessed African lineage ZIKV/Dakar/1984/ArD41519 (ZIKV/Dakar) and Asian lineage ZIKV/Malaysia/1966/P6740 (ZIKV/Malaysia) in a human epithelial cell infection model. De novo viral sequence determination identified amino acid changes within the ZIKV/Dakar genome compared to ZIKV/Malaysia. Viral growth analyses revealed that ZIKV/Malaysia accumulated viral proteins and genome copies earlier and to higher levels than ZIKV/Dakar. Both ZIKV strains activated RIG-I/IFN regulatory factor (IRF3) and NF-κB pathways to induce inflammatory cytokine expression and types I and III IFNs. However, ZIKV/Malaysia, but not ZIKV/Dakar, potently blocked downstream IFN signaling. Remarkably, ZIKV/Dakar protein accumulation and genome replication were rescued in RIG-I knockout (KO) cells late in acute infection, resulting in ZIKV/Dakar-mediated blockade of IFN signaling. We found that RIG-I signaling specifically restricts viral protein accumulation late in acute infection where early accumulation of viral proteins in infected cells confers enhanced ability to limit IFN signaling, promoting viral replication and spread. Our results demonstrate that RIG-I-mediated innate immune signaling imparts restriction of ZIKV protein accumulation, which permits IFN signaling and antiviral actions controlling ZIKV infection. IMPORTANCE ZIKV isolates are classified under African or Asian lineages. Infection with emerging Asian lineage-derived ZIKV strains is associated with increased incidence of neurological symptoms that were not previously reported during infection with African or preemergent Asian lineage viruses. In this study, we utilized in vitro models to compare the virologic properties of and innate immune responses to two prototypic ZIKV strains from distinct lineages: African lineage ZIKV/Dakar and Asian lineage ZIKV/Malaysia. Compared to ZIKV/Dakar, ZIKV/Malaysia accumulates viral proteins earlier, replicates to higher levels, and robustly blocks IFN signaling during acute infection. Early accumulation of ZIKV/Malaysia NS5 protein confers enhanced ability to antagonize IFN signaling, dampening innate immune responses to promote viral spread. Our data identify the kinetics of viral protein accumulation as a major regulator of host innate immunity, influencing host-mediated control of ZIKV replication and spread. Importantly, these findings provide a novel framework for evaluating the virulence of emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Y. Lu
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew Gustin
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel Newhouse
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Wang HW, Li HH, Wu SC, Tang CK, Yu HY, Chang YC, Sung PS, Liu WL, Su MP, Yu GY, Huang LR, Chen CH, Hsieh SL. CLEC5A mediates Zika virus-induced testicular damage. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:12. [PMID: 36803804 PMCID: PMC9936774 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00906-6] [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: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is clinically known to induce testicular swelling, termed orchitis, and potentially impact male sterility, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous reports suggested that C-type lectins play important roles in mediating virus-induced inflammatory reactions and pathogenesis. We thus investigated whether C-type lectins modulate ZIKV-induced testicular damage. METHODS C-type lectin domain family 5 member A (CLEC5A) knockout mice were generated in a STAT1-deficient immunocompromised background (denoted clec5a-/-stat1-/-) to enable testing of the role played by CLEC5A after ZIKV infection in a mosquito-to-mouse disease model. Following ZIKV infection, mice were subjected to an array of analyses to evaluate testicular damage, including ZIKV infectivity and neutrophil infiltration estimation via quantitative RT-PCR or histology and immunohistochemistry, inflammatory cytokine and testosterone detection, and spermatozoon counting. Furthermore, DNAX-activating proteins for 12 kDa (DAP12) knockout mice (dap12-/-stat1-/-) were generated and used to evaluate ZIKV infectivity, inflammation, and spermatozoa function in order to investigate the potential mechanisms engaged by CLEC5A. RESULTS Compared to experiments conducted in ZIKV-infected stat1-/- mice, infected clec5a-/-stat1-/- mice showed reductions in testicular ZIKV titer, local inflammation and apoptosis in testis and epididymis, neutrophil invasion, and sperm count and motility. CLEC5A, a myeloid pattern recognition receptor, therefore appears involved in the pathogenesis of ZIKV-induced orchitis and oligospermia. Furthermore, DAP12 expression was found to be decreased in the testis and epididymis tissues of clec5a-/-stat1-/- mice. As for CLEC5A deficient mice, ZIKV-infected DAP12-deficient mice also showed reductions in testicular ZIKV titer and local inflammation, as well as improved spermatozoa function, as compared to controls. CLEC5A-associated DAP12 signaling appears to in part regulate ZIKV-induced testicular damage. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses reveal a critical role for CLEC5A in ZIKV-induced proinflammatory responses, as CLEC5A enables leukocytes to infiltrate past the blood-testis barrier and induce testicular and epididymal tissue damage. CLEC5A is thus a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of injuries to male reproductive organs in ZIKV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Wei Wang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan ,grid.59784.370000000406229172National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Han Li
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan ,grid.59784.370000000406229172National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Shih-Cheng Wu
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10048 Taiwan ,grid.412094.a0000 0004 0572 7815Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10021 Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Kang Tang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan ,grid.260542.70000 0004 0532 3749Program of Plant Protection and Health, Academy of Circular Economy, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402202 Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ying Yu
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan ,grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617 Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chen Chang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shan Sung
- grid.28665.3f0000 0001 2287 1366Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Liu
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan
| | - Matthew P. Su
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Biological Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602 Japan ,grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XInstitute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601 Japan
| | - Guann-Yi Yu
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan
| | - Li-Rung Huang
- grid.59784.370000000406229172Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- grid.59784.370000000406229172National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan ,grid.59784.370000000406229172National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 350401 Taiwan
| | - Shie-Liang Hsieh
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan. .,Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan. .,Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan. .,Institute of Immunology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
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Spengler JR, Welch SR, Ritter JM, Harmon JR, Coleman-McCray JD, Genzer SC, Seixas JN, Scholte FEM, Davies KA, Bradfute SB, Montgomery JM, Spiropoulou CF. Mouse models of Ebola virus tolerance and lethality: characterization of CD-1 mice infected with wild-type, guinea pig-adapted, or mouse-adapted virus. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105496. [PMID: 36567020 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Development of lethal models of Ebola virus disease has been achieved by the serial passage of virus isolates from human cases in mice and guinea pigs. Use of mice infected with non-adapted virus has been limited due to the absence of overt clinical disease. In recent years, newly recognized sequelae identified in human cases has highlighted the importance of continued investigations of non-lethal infection both in humans and animal models. Here, we revisit the use of rodent-adapted and non-adapted Ebola virus (EBOV) in mice to investigate infection tolerance and future utility of these models in pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention studies. We found that like non-adapted wild-type EBOV, guinea pig-adapted EBOV resulted in widespread tissue infection, variably associated with tissue pathology, and alterations in clinical and immunological analytes in the absence of overt disease. Notably, infection with either non-lethal variant did not greatly differ from lethal mouse-adapted EBOV until near the time end-point criteria are reached in these mice. These data support future investigations of pathogenesis, convalescence, and sequelae in mouse models of virus tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Stephen R Welch
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jana M Ritter
- Infectious Disease Pathology Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica R Harmon
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - JoAnn D Coleman-McCray
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah C Genzer
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Josilene N Seixas
- Infectious Disease Pathology Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Florine E M Scholte
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katherine A Davies
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Joel M Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Evidence of Spreading Zika Virus Infection Caused by Males of Different Species. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092047. [PMID: 36146853 PMCID: PMC9506123 DOI: 10.3390/v14092047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA flavivirus and is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This arbovirus has had a significant impact on health in recent years by causing malformations, such as microcephaly in babies and Guillain–Barré syndrome in adults. Some evidence indicates that ZIKV can be sexually transmitted and may persist in the male reproductive tract for an extended period in humans. Knockout and vasectomized mice have been used as models to reveal ZIKV infection in the male reproductive tract as a virus source. ZIKV presence in male and female mosquito reproductive tracts and eggs point to venereal and vertical/transovarian transmission, again demonstrating that the reproductive tract can be involved in the spread of ZIKV. Moreover, eggs protected by eggshells have the potential to be a ZIKV reservoir. Given the +-lack of vaccines and therapies for Zika fever and the underestimated prevalence rate, an understanding of ZIKV infection and its spread from the reproductive tract, which is protected from the immune system and potentially active for virus transmission, is imperative. We must also develop cheaper, more efficient techniques for virological surveillance inside vectors and humans, control vectors with ecofriendly insecticides, and promote condom use to avoid ZIKV contamination during sexual intercourse, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
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6
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Ball EE, Pesavento PA, Van Rompay KKA, Keel MK, Singapuri A, Gomez-Vazquez JP, Dudley DM, O’Connor DH, Breitbach ME, Maness NJ, Schouest B, Panganiban A, Coffey LL. Zika virus persistence in the male macaque reproductive tract. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010566. [PMID: 35788751 PMCID: PMC9299295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is unique among mosquito-borne flaviviruses in that it is also vertically and sexually transmitted by humans. The male reproductive tract is thought to be a ZIKV reservoir; however, the reported magnitude and duration of viral persistence in male genital tissues vary widely in humans and non-human primate models. ZIKV tissue and cellular tropism and potential effects on male fertility also remain unclear. The objective of this study was to resolve these questions by analyzing archived genital tissues from 51 ZIKV-inoculated male macaques and correlating data on plasma viral kinetics, tissue tropism, and ZIKV-induced pathological changes in the reproductive tract. We hypothesized that ZIKV would persist in the male macaque genital tract for longer than there was detectable viremia, where it would localize to germ and epithelial cells and associate with lesions. We detected ZIKV RNA and infectious virus in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate gland. In contrast to prepubertal males, sexually mature macaques were significantly more likely to harbor persistent ZIKV RNA or infectious virus somewhere in the genital tract, with detection as late as 60 days post-inoculation. ZIKV RNA localized primarily to testicular stem cells/sperm precursors and epithelial cells, including Sertoli cells, epididymal duct epithelium, and glandular epithelia of the seminal vesicle and prostate gland. ZIKV infection was associated with microscopic evidence of inflammation in the epididymis and prostate gland of sexually mature males, pathologies that were absent in uninfected controls, which could have significant effects on male fertility. The findings from this study increase our understanding of persistent ZIKV infection which can inform risk of sexual transmission during assisted reproductive therapies as well as potential impacts on male fertility. Zika virus (ZIKV) spread since 2015 led to establishment of urban epidemic cycles involving humans and Aedes mosquitoes. ZIKV is also sexually and vertically transmitted and causes congenital Zika syndrome. Together, these features show that ZIKV poses significant global public health risks. By virtue of similar reproductive anatomy and physiology to humans, macaques serve as a useful model for ZIKV infection. However, macaque studies to date have been limited by small sample size, typically 1 to 5 animals. Although mounting evidence identifies the male reproductive tract as a significant ZIKV reservoir, data regarding the duration of ZIKV persistence, potential for sexual transmission, and male genitourinary sequelae remain sparse. Here, we analyzed archived genital tissues from more than 50 ZIKV-inoculated male macaques. Our results show that ZIKV can persist in the male macaque reproductive tract after the resolution of viremia, with virus localization to sperm precursors and epithelial cells, and microscopic evidence of inflammation in the epididymis and prostate gland. Our findings help explain cases of sexual transmission of ZIKV in humans, which also carries a risk for transmission via assisted fertility procedures, even after resolution of detectable viremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Ball
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- United States Army, Veterinary Corps
| | - Patricia A. Pesavento
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Koen K. A. Van Rompay
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - M. Kevin Keel
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Anil Singapuri
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Jose P. Gomez-Vazquez
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Dawn M. Dudley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - David H. O’Connor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Meghan E. Breitbach
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J. Maness
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Los Angeles, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Blake Schouest
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Antonito Panganiban
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Los Angeles, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Lark L. Coffey
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Aggio JB, Porto BN, Duarte dos Santos CN, Mosimann ALP, Wowk PF. Human Neutrophils Present Mild Activation by Zika Virus But Reduce the Infection of Susceptible Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:784443. [PMID: 35747137 PMCID: PMC9210994 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.784443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the Zika virus (ZIKV) has highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of virus-host interactions in order to pave the way for the development of antiviral therapies. The present work aimed to address the response of neutrophils during ZIKV infection. Neutrophils are important effector cells in innate immunity implicated in the host’s response to neurotropic arboviruses. Our results indicate that human neutrophils were not permissive to Asian or African ZIKV strain replication. In fact, after stimulation with ZIKV, neutrophils were mild primed against the virus as evaluated through CD11b and CD62L modulation, secretion of inflammatory cytokines and granule content, production of reactive oxygen species, and neutrophil extracellular traps formation. Overall, neutrophils did not affect ZIKV infectivity. Moreover, in vitro ZIKV infection of primary innate immune cells did not trigger neutrophil migration. However, neutrophils co-cultured with ZIKV susceptible cell lineages resulted in lower cell infection frequencies, possibly due to cell-to-cell contact. In vivo, neutrophil depletion in immunocompetent mice did not affect ZIKV spreading to the draining lymph nodes. The data suggest that human neutrophils do not play an antiviral role against ZIKV per se, but these cells might participate in an infected environment shaping the ZIKV infection in other target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Bernardi Aggio
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Nery Porto
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Biology of Breathing Group, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Ana Luiza Pamplona Mosimann
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Pryscilla Fanini Wowk, ; Ana Luiza Pamplona Mosimann,
| | - Pryscilla Fanini Wowk
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Pryscilla Fanini Wowk, ; Ana Luiza Pamplona Mosimann,
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Lima MLD, Cabral ÁS, Bittar C, Falleiros Junior LR, Guerra LHA, Carneiro BM, de Souza Ferreira LC, Nogueira ML, Taboga SR, Calmon MF, Rahal P. Early infection of Zika virus in the male reproductive system of AG129 mice: molecular and immunohistochemical evaluation. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1279-1287. [PMID: 35460509 PMCID: PMC9433484 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00761-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV), an important arbovirus, and the virus persistence in semen raise several questions about how and where it circulates in the male reproductive system (MRS). Several studies reported detection of the virus in testes, epididymis, and prostate at 5 days post-infection (dpi) or more in animal models. In the present study, we investigated the interactions of ZIKV with mouse MRS using the AG129 strain, a ZIKV permissive immunodeficient mouse strain, at two dpi. Viral RNA was detected in blood, testes, epididymis, and prostatic complexes (prostate and seminal vesicles). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses, based on the envelope protein, showed an early infection in organs of MRS since ZIKV positive antigens were detected in cells within or surrounding blood vessels, Sertoli, and germ cells in testes and epithelial cells in epididymis and prostate. Positive antigens for NS5 protein, the virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, were also detected by IHC in these organs and circulating leukocytes, suggesting that the virus replicates in these sites as early as 2 days post-infection. Analysis of the early stages of ZIKV infection in MRS may improve the current knowledge about this issue and contribute to the development of therapies directed to the infection at this site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Letícia Duarte Lima
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ágata Silva Cabral
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cintia Bittar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Roberto Falleiros Junior
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique Alves Guerra
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Moreira Carneiro
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Exact and Natural Science, Rondonópolis Federal University (UFR), Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | - Maurício Lacerda Nogueira
- Department of Infectious, Dermatological and Parasitic Infections, São José Do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilia Freitas Calmon
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Rahal
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Flow-FISH as a Tool for Studying Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses. BIOTECH 2021; 10:21. [PMID: 35822795 PMCID: PMC9245478 DOI: 10.3390/biotech10040021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many techniques are currently in use to study microbes. These can be aimed at detecting, identifying, and characterizing bacterial, fungal, and viral species. One technique that is suitable for high-throughput analysis is flow cytometry-based fluorescence in situ hybridization, or Flow-FISH. This technique employs (fluorescently labeled) probes directed against DNA or (m)RNA, for instance targeting a gene or microorganism of interest and provides information on a single-cell level. Furthermore, by combining Flow-FISH with antibody-based protein detection, proteins of interest can be measured simultaneously with genetic material. Additionally, depending on the type of Flow-FISH assay, Flow-FISH can also be multiplexed, allowing for the simultaneous measurement of multiple gene targets and/or microorganisms. Together, this allows for, e.g., single-cell gene expression analysis or identification of (sub)strains in mixed cultures. Flow-FISH has been used in mammalian cells but has also been extensively employed to study diverse microbial species. Here, the use of Flow-FISH for studying microorganisms is reviewed. Specifically, the detection of (intracellular) pathogens, studying microorganism biology and disease pathogenesis, and identification of bacterial, fungal, and viral strains in mixed cultures is discussed, with a particular focus on the viruses EBV, HIV-1, and SARS-CoV-2.
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10
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The Specificity of the Persistent IgM Neutralizing Antibody Response in Zika Virus Infections among Individuals with Prior Dengue Virus Exposure. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0040021. [PMID: 33980647 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00400-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue viruses (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are related mosquito-borne flaviviruses with similar disease manifestations, vector ecologies, and geographic ranges. The ability to differentiate these viruses serologically is vital due to the teratogenic nature of ZIKV and the potential confounding of preexisting cross-reactive anti-DENV antibodies. Here, we illustrate the kinetics of the IgM neutralizing antibody (NAb) response using longitudinal samples ranging from acute ZIKV infection to late convalescence from individuals with evidence of prior DENV infection. By serially depleting antibody isotypes prior to the neutralization assay, we determined that IgM contributes predominantly to ZIKV neutralization and is less cross-reactive than the IgG NAb. The IgM NAb peaked around 14 days (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 13 to 15) and had a median duration of 257 days (95% CI, 133 to 427). These results demonstrate the persistence of IgM NAb after ZIKV infection and imply its potential role in diagnosis, vaccine evaluation, serosurveillance, and research on flavivirus-host interactions.
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11
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Vogt MB, Frere F, Hawks SA, Perez CE, Coutermarsh-Ott S, Duggal NK. Persistence of Zika virus RNA in the epididymis of the murine male reproductive tract. Virology 2021; 560:43-53. [PMID: 34023724 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) can infect developing fetuses in utero and cause severe congenital defects independent of route of maternal infection. Infected men can shed ZIKV RNA in semen for over six months. Whether prolonged viral RNA shedding in semen indicates a persistent infection in the male reproductive tract is unknown. We hypothesized that if ZIKV establishes a persistent infection in the male reproductive tract (MRT), then immunosuppressant treatment should stimulate ZIKV replication and seminal shedding. Male mice were infected with ZIKV and immunosuppressed when they shed viral RNA but not infectious virus in ejaculates. Following immunosuppression, we did not detect infectious virus in ejaculates. However, we did detect ZIKV positive and negative sense RNA in the epididymal lumens of mice treated with cyclophosphamide, suggesting that ZIKV persists in the epididymis. This study provides insight into the mechanisms behind ZIKV sexual transmission, which may inform public health decisions regarding ZIKV risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan B Vogt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Francesca Frere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Seth A Hawks
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Claudia E Perez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sheryl Coutermarsh-Ott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nisha K Duggal
- 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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12
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Pletnev AG, Maximova OA, Liu G, Kenney H, Nagata BM, Zagorodnyaya T, Moore I, Chumakov K, Tsetsarkin KA. Epididymal epithelium propels early sexual transmission of Zika virus in the absence of interferon signaling. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2469. [PMID: 33927207 PMCID: PMC8084954 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22729-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition of Zika virus (ZIKV) sexual transmission (ST) among humans challenges our understanding of the maintenance of mosquito-borne viruses in nature. Here we dissected the relative contributions of the components of male reproductive system (MRS) during early male-to-female ZIKV transmission by utilizing mice with altered antiviral responses, in which ZIKV is provided an equal opportunity to be seeded in the MRS tissues. Using microRNA-targeted ZIKV clones engineered to abolish viral infectivity to different parts of the MRS or a library of ZIKV genomes with unique molecular identifiers, we pinpoint epithelial cells of the epididymis (rather than cells of the testis, vas deferens, prostate, or seminal vesicles) as a most likely source of the sexually transmitted ZIKV genomes during the early (most productive) phase of ZIKV shedding into the semen. Incorporation of this mechanistic knowledge into the development of a live-attenuated ZIKV vaccine restricts its ST potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Pletnev
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Olga A Maximova
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Guangping Liu
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Heather Kenney
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bianca M Nagata
- Infectious Disease and Pathogenesis Section, Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Tatiana Zagorodnyaya
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Ian Moore
- Infectious Disease and Pathogenesis Section, Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Konstantin Chumakov
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Konstantin A Tsetsarkin
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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13
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Sheng Z, Gao N, Fan D, Wu N, Zhang Y, Han D, Zhang Y, Tan W, Wang P, An J. Zika virus disrupts the barrier structure and Absorption/Secretion functions of the epididymis in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009211. [PMID: 33667230 PMCID: PMC7968736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that Zika virus (ZIKV) damages testis and leads to infertility in mice; however, the infection in the epididymis, another important organ of male reproductive health, has gained less attention. Previously, we detected lesions in the epididymis in interferon type I and II receptor knockout male mice during ZIKV infection. Herein, the pathogenesis of ZIKV in the epididymis was further assessed in the infected mice after footpad inoculation. ZIKV efficiently replicated in the epididymis, and principal cells were susceptible to ZIKV. ZIKV infection disrupted the histomorphology of the epididymis, and the effects were characterized by a decrease in the thickness of the epithelial layer and an increase in the luminal diameter, especially at the proximal end. Significant inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the epididymis accompanied by an increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-28. The expression of tight junction proteins was downregulated and associated with disordered arrangement of the junctions. Importantly, the expression levels of aquaporin 1 and lipocalin 8, indicators of the absorption and secretion functions of the epididymis, were markedly reduced, and the proteins were redistributed. These events synergistically altered the microenvironment for sperm maturation, disturbed sperm transport downstream, and may impact male reproductive health. Overall, these results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of the male reproductive damage caused by ZIKV infection and the possible contribution of epididymal injury into this process. Therefore, male fertility of the population in areas of ZIKV epidemic requires additional attention. Unlike other mosquito-transmitted flaviviruses, ZIKV can persistently replicate in the male reproductive system and is sexually transmitted. ZIKV infection was reported to damage testis. However, ZIKV-induced epididymal injury was not investigated in detail. Clinically, epididymitis is closely associated with male infertility. In this study, a mouse model was used to demonstrate that ZIKV causes histomorphological and functional changes in the epididymis, which may alter the microenvironment of sperm maturation and movement and finally lead to male infertility. Therefore, long-term investigation of male reproductive health may be needed in the areas of ZIKV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Sheng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongying Fan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Wu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechnics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weilong Tan
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechnics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peigang Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (PW); (JA)
| | - Jing An
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (PW); (JA)
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14
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Zika Virus Replication in Myeloid Cells during Acute Infection Is Vital to Viral Dissemination and Pathogenesis in a Mouse Model. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00838-20. [PMID: 32847848 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00838-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) can establish infection in immune privileged sites such as the testes, eye, and placenta. Whether ZIKV infection of white blood cells is required for dissemination of the virus to immune privileged sites has not been definitively shown. To assess whether initial ZIKV replication in myeloid cell populations is critical for dissemination during acute infection, recombinant ZIKVs were generated that could not replicate in these specific cells. ZIKV was cell restricted by insertion of a complementary sequence to a myeloid-specific microRNA in the 3' untranslated region. Following inoculation of a highly sensitive immunodeficient mouse model, crucial immune parameters, such as quantification of leukocyte cell subsets, cytokine and chemokine secretion, and viremia, were assessed. Decreased neutrophil numbers in the spleen were observed during acute infection with myeloid-restricted ZIKV that precluded the generation of viremia and viral dissemination to peripheral organs. Mice inoculated with a nontarget microRNA control ZIKV demonstrated increased expression of key cytokines and chemokines critical for neutrophil and monocyte recruitment and increased neutrophil influx in the spleen. In addition, ZIKV-infected Ly6Chi monocytes were identified in vivo in the spleen. Mice inoculated with myeloid-restricted ZIKV had a decrease in Ly6Chi ZIKV RNA-positive monocytes and a lack of inflammatory cytokine production compared to mice inoculated with control ZIKV.IMPORTANCE Myeloid cells, including monocytes, play a crucial role in immune responses to pathogens. Monocytes have also been implicated as "Trojan horses" during viral infections, carrying infectious virus particles to immune privileged sites and/or to sites protected by physical blood-tissue barriers, such as the blood-testis barrier and the blood-brain barrier. In this study, we found that myeloid cells are crucial to Zika virus (ZIKV) pathogenesis. By engineering ZIKV clones to encode myeloid-specific microRNA target sequences, viral replication was inhibited in myeloid cells by harnessing the RNA interference pathway. Severely immunodeficient mice inoculated with myeloid-restricted ZIKV did not demonstrate clinical signs of disease and survived infection. Furthermore, viral dissemination to peripheral organs was not observed in these mice. Lastly, we identified Ly6Cmid/hi murine monocytes as the major myeloid cell population that disseminates ZIKV.
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15
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Schmidt JK, Mean KD, Puntney RC, Alexander ES, Sullivan R, Simmons HA, Zeng X, Weiler AM, Friedrich TC, Golos TG. Zika virus in rhesus macaque semen and reproductive tract tissues: a pilot study of acute infection†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1030-1042. [PMID: 32761051 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although sexual transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) is well-documented, the viral reservoir(s) in the male reproductive tract remains uncertain in humans and immune-intact animal models. We evaluated the presence of ZIKV in a rhesus macaque pilot study to determine persistence in semen, assess the impact of infection on sperm functional characteristics, and define the viral reservoir in the male reproductive tract. Five adult male rhesus monkeys were inoculated with 105 PFU of Asian-lineage ZIKV isolate PRVABC59, and two males were inoculated with the same dose of African-lineage ZIKV DAKAR41524. Viremia and viral RNA (vRNA) shedding in semen were monitored, and a cohort of animals were necropsied for tissue collection to assess tissue vRNA burden and histopathology. All animals exhibited viremia for limited periods (1-11 days); duration of shedding did not differ significantly between viral isolates. There were sporadic low levels of vRNA in the semen from some, but not all animals. Viral RNA levels in reproductive tract tissues were also modest and present in the epididymis in three of five cases, one case in the vas deferens, but not detected in testis, seminal vesicles or prostate. ZIKV infection did not impact semen motility parameters as assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Despite some evidence of prolonged ZIKV RNA shedding in human semen and high tropism of ZIKV for male reproductive tract tissues in mice deficient in Type 1 interferon signaling, in the rhesus macaques assessed in this pilot study, we did not consistently find ZIKV RNA in the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna K Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Riley C Puntney
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Ruth Sullivan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Xiankun Zeng
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Andrea M Weiler
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thomas C Friedrich
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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16
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The Cellular Impact of the ZIKA Virus on Male Reproductive Tract Immunology and Physiology. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041006. [PMID: 32325652 PMCID: PMC7226248 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has been reported by several groups as an important virus causing pathological damage in the male reproductive tract. ZIKV can infect and persist in testicular somatic and germ cells, as well as spermatozoa, leading to cell death and testicular atrophy. ZIKV has also been detected in semen samples from ZIKV-infected patients. This has huge implications for human reproduction. Global scientific efforts are being applied to understand the mechanisms related to arboviruses persistency, pathogenesis, and host cellular response to suggest a potential target to develop robust antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. Here, we discuss the cellular modulation of the immunologic and physiologic properties of the male reproductive tract environment caused by arboviruses infection, focusing on ZIKV. We also present an overview of the current vaccine effects and therapeutic targets against ZIKV infection that may impact the testis and male fertility.
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17
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Schwarz ER, Oliveira LJ, Bonfante F, Pu R, Pozor MA, Maclachlan NJ, Beachboard S, Barr KL, Long MT. Experimental Infection of Mid-Gestation Pregnant Female and Intact Male Sheep with Zika Virus. Viruses 2020; 12:v12030291. [PMID: 32156037 PMCID: PMC7150993 DOI: 10.3390/v12030291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus that causes birth defects, persistent male infection, and sexual transmission in humans. The purpose of this study was to continue the development of an ovine ZIKV infection model; thus, two experiments were undertaken. In the first experiment, we built on previous pregnant sheep experiments by developing a mid-gestation model of ZIKV infection. Four pregnant sheep were challenged with ZIKV at 57–64 days gestation; two animals served as controls. After 13–15 days (corresponding with 70–79 days of gestation), one control and two infected animals were euthanized; the remaining animals were euthanized at 20–22 days post-infection (corresponding with 77–86 days of gestation). In the second experiment, six sexually mature, intact, male sheep were challenged with ZIKV and two animals served as controls. Infected animals were serially euthanized on days 2–6 and day 9 post-infection with the goal of isolating ZIKV from the male reproductive tract. In the mid-gestation study, virus was detected in maternal placenta and spleen, and in fetal organs, including the brains, spleens/liver, and umbilicus of infected fetuses. Fetuses from infected animals had visibly misshapen heads and morphometrics revealed significantly smaller head sizes in infected fetuses when compared to controls. Placental pathology was evident in infected dams. In the male experiment, ZIKV was detected in the spleen, liver, testes/epididymides, and accessory sex glands of infected animals. Results from both experiments indicate that mid-gestation ewes can be infected with ZIKV with subsequent disruption of fetal development and that intact male sheep are susceptible to ZIKV infection and viral dissemination and replication occurs in highly vascular tissues (including those of the male reproductive tract).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika R. Schwarz
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.R.S.); (R.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Lilian J. Oliveira
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA;
| | - Francesco Bonfante
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Models, Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Ruiyu Pu
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.R.S.); (R.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Malgorzata A. Pozor
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - N. James Maclachlan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Sarah Beachboard
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.R.S.); (R.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Kelli L. Barr
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA;
| | - Maureen T. Long
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.R.S.); (R.P.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Review of Emerging Japanese Encephalitis Virus: New Aspects and Concepts about Entry into the Brain and Inter-Cellular Spreading. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030111. [PMID: 31357540 PMCID: PMC6789543 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an emerging flavivirus of the Asia-Pacific region. More than two billion people live in endemic or epidemic areas and are at risk of infection. Recently, the first autochthonous human case was recorded in Africa, and infected birds have been found in Europe. JEV may spread even further to other continents. The first section of this review covers established and new information about the epidemiology of JEV. The subsequent sections focus on the impact of JEV on humans, including the natural course and immunity. Furthermore, new concepts are discussed about JEV’s entry into the brain. Finally, interactions of JEV and host cells are covered, as well as how JEV may spread in the body through latently infected immune cells and cell-to-cell transmission of virions or via other infectious material, including JEV genomic RNA.
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19
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McDonald EM, Duggal NK, Delorey MJ, Oksanish J, Ritter JM, Brault AC. Duration of seminal Zika viral RNA shedding in immunocompetent mice inoculated with Asian and African genotype viruses. Virology 2019; 535:1-10. [PMID: 31254742 PMCID: PMC7931630 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prior to the emergence of Asian genotype Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Western hemisphere, sexual transmission in humans was documented. Sexual transmission by African genotype ZIKVs has not been assessed in laboratory animal models, due to rapid and high mortality rates of immunodeficient mice following inoculation. To overcome these limitations, immunocompetent C57Bl/6 mice were used to longitudinally assess Asian and African genotype ZIKV sexual transmission potential. Furthermore, to determine if enhanced pathogenesis of African genotype ZIKVs is due to structural determinants, PRVABC59 prM/E was replaced with African MR766 prM/E (chimeric ZIKV). The African genotype and chimeric ZIKV elicited greater pathogenic effects in the male reproductive tract and generated higher viremias. Yet, the duration, magnitude and efficiency of seminal shedding of infectious virus and viral RNA were similar between chimeric-, African and Asian genotype ZIKV-inoculated mice. These data show that increased male reproductive tract pathology does not increase sexual transmission potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M McDonald
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Nisha K Duggal
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Mark J Delorey
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - James Oksanish
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jana M Ritter
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aaron C Brault
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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20
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Duggal NK, McDonald EM, Weger-Lucarelli J, Hawks SA, Ritter JM, Romo H, Ebel GD, Brault AC. Mutations present in a low-passage Zika virus isolate result in attenuated pathogenesis in mice. Virology 2019; 530:19-26. [PMID: 30763872 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection can result in neurological disorders including Congenital Zika Syndrome in infants exposed to the virus in utero. Pregnant women can be infected by mosquito bite as well as by sexual transmission from infected men. Herein, the variants of ZIKV within the male reproductive tract and ejaculates were assessed in inoculated mice. We identified two non-synonymous variants at positions E-V330L and NS1-W98G. These variants were also present in the passage three PRVABC59 isolate and infectious clone relative to the patient serum PRVABC59 sequence. In subsequent studies, ZIKV E-330L was less pathogenic in mice than ZIKV E-330V as evident by increased average survival times. In Vero cells, ZIKV E-330L/NS1-98G outcompeted ZIKV E-330V/NS1-98W within 3 passages. These results suggest that the E-330L/NS1-98G variants are attenuating in mice and were enriched during cell culture passaging. Cell culture propagation of ZIKV could significantly affect animal model development and vaccine efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha K Duggal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States; Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States.
| | - Erin M McDonald
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Seth A Hawks
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Jana M Ritter
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Hannah Romo
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Aaron C Brault
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States.
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Walker CL, Little MTE, Roby JA, Armistead B, Gale M, Rajagopal L, Nelson BR, Ehinger N, Mason B, Nayeri U, Curry CL, Adams Waldorf KM. Zika virus and the nonmicrocephalic fetus: why we should still worry. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 220:45-56. [PMID: 30171843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus and was first linked to congenital microcephaly caused by a large outbreak in northeastern Brazil. Although the Zika virus epidemic is now in decline, pregnancies in large parts of the Americas remain at risk because of ongoing transmission and the potential for new outbreaks. This review presents why Zika virus is still a complex and worrisome public health problem with an expanding spectrum of birth defects and how Zika virus and related viruses evade the immune response to injure the fetus. Recent reports indicate that the spectrum of fetal brain and other anomalies associated with Zika virus exposure is broader and more complex than microcephaly alone and includes subtle fetal brain and ocular injuries; thus, the ability to prenatally diagnose fetal injury associated with Zika virus infection remains limited. New studies indicate that Zika virus imparts disproportionate effects on fetal growth with an unusual femur-sparing profile, potentially providing a new approach to identify viral injury to the fetus. Studies to determine the limitations of prenatal and postnatal testing for detection of Zika virus-associated birth defects and long-term neurocognitive deficits are needed to better guide women with a possible infectious exposure. It is also imperative that we investigate why the Zika virus is so adept at infecting the placenta and the fetal brain to better predict other viruses with similar capabilities that may give rise to new epidemics. The efficiency with which the Zika virus evades the early immune response to enable infection of the mother, placenta, and fetus is likely critical for understanding why the infection may either be fulminant or limited. Furthermore, studies suggest that several emerging and related viruses may also cause birth defects, including West Nile virus, which is endemic in many parts of the United States. With mosquito-borne diseases increasing worldwide, there remains an urgent need to better understand the pathogenesis of the Zika virus and related viruses to protect pregnancies and child health.
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22
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Tsetsarkin KA, Maximova OA, Liu G, Kenney H, Teterina N, Bloom ME, Grabowski JM, Mlera L, Nagata BM, Moore I, Martens C, Amaro-Carambot E, Lamirande EW, Whitehead SS, Pletnev AG. Routes of Zika virus dissemination in the testis and epididymis of immunodeficient mice. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5350. [PMID: 30559387 PMCID: PMC6297220 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual transmission and persistence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the male reproductive tract (MRT) poses new challenges for controlling virus outbreaks and developing live-attenuated vaccines. To elucidate routes of ZIKV dissemination in the MRT, we here generate microRNA-targeted ZIKV clones that lose the infectivity for (1) the cells inside seminiferous tubules of the testis, or (2) epithelial cells of the epididymis. We trace ZIKV dissemination in the MRT using an established mouse model of ZIKV pathogenesis. Our results support a model in which ZIKV infects the testis via a hematogenous route, while infection of the epididymis can occur via two routes: (1) hematogenous/lymphogenous and (2) excurrent testicular. Co-targeting of the ZIKV genome with brain-, testis-, and epididymis-specific microRNAs restricts virus infection of these organs, but does not affect virus-induced protective immunity in mice and monkeys. These defined alterations of ZIKV tropism represent a rational design of a safe live-attenuated ZIKV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin A Tsetsarkin
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892-3203, MD, USA
| | - Olga A Maximova
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892-3203, MD, USA
| | - Guangping Liu
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892-3203, MD, USA
| | - Heather Kenney
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892-3203, MD, USA
| | - Natalia Teterina
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892-3203, MD, USA
| | - Marshall E Bloom
- Biology of Vector-Borne Viruses Section, Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, 59840, MT, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Grabowski
- Biology of Vector-Borne Viruses Section, Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, 59840, MT, USA
| | - Luwanika Mlera
- Biology of Vector-Borne Viruses Section, Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, 59840, MT, USA
| | - Bianca M Nagata
- Infectious Disease and Pathogenesis Section, Comparative Medicine Branch, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Ian Moore
- Infectious Disease and Pathogenesis Section, Comparative Medicine Branch, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Craig Martens
- Research Technologies (RT) Section, RT Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, 58940, MT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alexander G Pletnev
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, 20892-3203, MD, USA.
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