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Ahovègbé L, Shah R, Kpossou AR, Davis C, Niebel M, Filipe A, Goldstein E, Alassan KS, Keke R, Sehonou J, Kodjoh N, Gbedo SE, Ray S, Wilkie C, Vattipally S, Tong L, Kamba PF, Gbenoudon SJ, Gunson R, Ogwang P, Thomson EC. Hepatitis C virus diversity and treatment outcomes in Benin: a prospective cohort study. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024:S2666-5247(24)00041-7. [PMID: 38889738 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(24)00041-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 10 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in sub-Saharan Africa. The assessment of viral genotypes and treatment response in this region is necessary to achieve the WHO target of worldwide elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of HCV genotypes and outcomes of treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents in Benin, a country with a national HCV seroprevalence of 4%. METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted at two referral hospitals in Benin. Individuals were eligible for inclusion if they were seropositive for HCV and willing to consent to participation in the study; exclusion criteria were an inability to give consent or incarceration. Viraemia was confirmed by PCR. The primary outcomes were to identify HCV genotypes and measure sustained virological response rates 12 weeks after completion of treatment (SVR12) with a 12-week course of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir or sofosbuvir-ledipasvir, with or without ribavirin. We conducted phylogenetic and resistance analyses after the next-generation sequencing of samples with a cycle threshold (Ct) value of 30 or fewer cycles. The in-vitro efficacy of NS5A inhibitors was tested using a subgenomic replicon assay. FINDINGS Between June 2, 2019, and Dec 30, 2020, 148 individuals were screened for eligibility, of whom 100 were recruited prospectively to the study. Plasma samples from 79 (79%) of the 100 participants were positive for HCV by PCR. At the time of the study, 52 (66%) of 79 patients had completed treatment, with an SVR12 rate of 94% (49 of 52). 57 (72%) of 79 samples had a Ct value of 30 or fewer cycles and were suitable for whole-genome sequencing, from which we characterised 29 (51%) samples as genotype 1 and 28 (49%) as genotype 2. Three new genotype 1 subtypes (1q, 1r, and 1s) and one new genotype 2 subtype (2xa) were identified. The most commonly detected subtype was 2d (12 [21%] of 57 samples), followed by 1s (eight [14%]), 1r (five [9%]), 1b (four [7%]), 1q (three [5%]), 2xa (three [5%]), and 2b (two [3%]). 20 samples (11 genotype 2 and nine genotype 1) were unassigned new singleton lineages. 53 (93%) of 57 sequenced samples had at least two resistance-associated substitutions within the NS5A gene. Subtype 2d was associated with a lower-than-expected SVR12 rate (eight [80%] of ten patients). For one patient, with subtype 2b, treatment was not successful. INTERPRETATION This study revealed a high SVR rate in Benin among individuals treated for HCV with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir, including those with highly diverse viral genotypes. Further studies of treatment effectiveness in genotypes 2d and 2b are indicated. FUNDING Medical Research Council, Wellcome, Global Challenges Research Fund, Academy of Medical Sciences, and PHARMBIOTRAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrèce Ahovègbé
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rajiv Shah
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Aboudou Raïmi Kpossou
- Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Chris Davis
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marc Niebel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ana Filipe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emily Goldstein
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - René Keke
- Programme National de Lutte contre le SIDA, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Jean Sehonou
- Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Nicolas Kodjoh
- Programme National de Lutte contre les Hépatites, Cotonou, Benin
| | | | - Surajit Ray
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig Wilkie
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Lily Tong
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pakoyo F Kamba
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - S Judith Gbenoudon
- Laboratory of Immunology, Infectious and Allergic Diseases, Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Rory Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Patrick Ogwang
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emma C Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Baker FS, Wang J, Florez-Vargas O, Brand NR, Ogwang MD, Kerchan P, Reynolds SJ, Tenge CN, Were PA, Kuremu RT, Wekesa WN, Masalu N, Kawira E, Kinyera T, Otim I, Legason ID, Nabalende H, Chagaluka G, Mutalima N, Borgstein E, Liomba GN, Kamiza S, Mkandawire N, Mitambo C, Molyneux EM, Newton R, Prokunina-Olsson L, Mbulaiteye SM. IFNL4 Genotypes and Risk of Childhood Burkitt Lymphoma in East Africa. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:394-402. [PMID: 37366802 PMCID: PMC10623078 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0014] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4) is a novel type-III interferon that can be expressed only by carriers of the genetic variant rs368234815-dG within the first exon of the IFNL4 gene. Genetic inability to produce IFN-λ4 (in carriers of the rs368234815-TT/TT genotype) has been associated with improved clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The IFN-λ4-expressing rs368234815-dG allele (IFNL4-dG) is most common (up to 78%) in West sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), compared to 35% of Europeans and 5% of individuals from East Asia. The negative selection of IFNL4-dG outside Africa suggests that its retention in African populations could provide survival benefits, most likely in children. To explore this hypothesis, we conducted a comprehensive association analysis between IFNL4 genotypes and the risk of childhood Burkitt lymphoma (BL), a lethal infection-associated cancer most common in SSA. We used genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical data for 4,038 children from the Epidemiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors (EMBLEM) and the Malawi Infections and Childhood Cancer case-control studies. Generalized linear mixed models fit with the logit link controlling for age, sex, country, P. falciparum infection status, population stratification, and relatedness found no significant association between BL risk and 3 coding genetic variants within IFNL4 (rs368234815, rs117648444, and rs142981501) and their combinations. Because BL occurs in children 6-9 years of age who survived early childhood infections, our results suggest that additional studies should explore the associations of IFNL4-dG allele in younger children. This comprehensive study represents an important baseline in defining the health effects of IFN-λ4 in African populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine S. Baker
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeanny Wang
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Oscar Florez-Vargas
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathan R. Brand
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Martin D. Ogwang
- EMBLEM Study, St. Mary's Hospital, Lacor, Uganda
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Kerchan
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
- EMBLEM Study, Kuluva Hospital, Arua, Uganda
| | - Steven J. Reynolds
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Pamela A. Were
- EMBLEM Study, Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Robert T. Kuremu
- EMBLEM Study, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Walter N. Wekesa
- EMBLEM Study, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Esther Kawira
- EMBLEM Study, Shirati Health, Education, and Development Foundation, Shirati, Tanzania
| | - Tobias Kinyera
- EMBLEM Study, St. Mary's Hospital, Lacor, Uganda
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaac Otim
- EMBLEM Study, St. Mary's Hospital, Lacor, Uganda
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ismail D. Legason
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
- EMBLEM Study, Kuluva Hospital, Arua, Uganda
| | - Hadijah Nabalende
- EMBLEM Study, St. Mary's Hospital, Lacor, Uganda
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - George Chagaluka
- Department of Pediatrics and Surgery, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Nora Mutalima
- Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Borgstein
- Department of Pediatrics and Surgery, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - George N. Liomba
- Department of Pediatrics and Surgery, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Steve Kamiza
- Department of Pediatrics and Surgery, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Nyengo Mkandawire
- Department of Pediatrics and Surgery, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Elizabeth M. Molyneux
- Department of Pediatrics and Surgery, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Robert Newton
- Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sam M. Mbulaiteye
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Talukdar P, Junecko BF, Lane DS, Maiello P, Mattila JT. Macrophages and neutrophils express IFNλs in granulomas from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected nonhuman primates. Front Immunol 2022; 13:985405. [PMID: 36189279 PMCID: PMC9516334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.985405] [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: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulomas are the hallmark of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Cytokine-mediated signaling can modulate immune function; thus, understanding the cytokine milieu in granulomas is critical for understanding immunity in tuberculosis (TB). Interferons (IFNs) are important immune mediators in TB, and while type 1 and 2 IFNs have been extensively studied, less is known about type 3 IFNs (IFNλs) in TB. To determine if IFNλs are expressed in granulomas, which cells express them, and how granuloma microenvironments influence IFNλ expression, we investigated IFNλ1 and IFNλ4 expression in macaque lung granulomas. We identified IFNλ expression in granulomas, and IFNλ levels negatively correlated with bacteria load. Macrophages and neutrophils expressed IFNλ1 and IFNλ4, with neutrophils expressing higher levels of each protein. IFNλ expression varied in different granuloma microenvironments, with lymphocyte cuff macrophages expressing more IFNλ1 than epithelioid macrophages. IFNλ1 and IFNλ4 differed in their subcellular localization, with IFNλ4 predominantly localizing inside macrophage nuclei. IFNλR1 was also expressed in granulomas, with intranuclear localization in some cells. Further investigation demonstrated that IFNλ signaling is driven in part by TLR2 ligation and was accompanied by nuclear translocation of IFNλR1. Our data indicate that IFNλs are part of the granuloma cytokine milieu that may influence myeloid cell function and immunity in TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Talukdar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Vaccine Research, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Beth F. Junecko
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Vaccine Research, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Daniel S. Lane
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Vaccine Research, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Pauline Maiello
- Center for Vaccine Research, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Joshua T. Mattila
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Vaccine Research, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Joshua T. Mattila,
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Shah R, Barclay ST, Peters ES, Fox R, Gunson R, Bradley-Stewart A, Shepherd SJ, MacLean A, Tong L, van Vliet VJE, Ngan Chiu Bong M, Filipe A, Thomson EC, Davis C. Characterisation of a Hepatitis C Virus Subtype 2a Cluster in Scottish PWID with a Suboptimal Response to Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir Treatment. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081678. [PMID: 36016300 PMCID: PMC9416734 DOI: 10.3390/v14081678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionised the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV), allowing the World Health Organisation (WHO) to set a target of eliminating HCV by 2030. In this study we aimed to investigate glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (GP) treatment outcomes in a cohort of patients with genotype 2a infection. METHODS Clinical data and plasma samples were collected in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Next generation whole genome sequencing and replicon assays were carried out at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research. RESULTS 132 cases infected with genotype 2a HCV were identified. The SVR rate for this group was 91% (112/123) following treatment with GP. An NS5A polymorphism, L31M, was detected in all cases of g2a infection, and L31M+R353K in individuals that failed treatment. The results showed that R353K was present in 90% of individuals in the Glasgow genotype 2a phylogenetic cluster but in less than 5% of all HCV subtype 2a published sequences. In vitro efficacy of pibrentasvir against sub-genomic replicon constructs containing these mutations showed a 2-fold increase in IC50 compared to wildtype. CONCLUSION This study describes a cluster of HCV genotype 2a infection associated with a lower-than-expected SVR rate following GP treatment in association with the NS5A mutations L31M+R353K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Shah
- Thomson Group, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (R.G.); (L.T.); (V.J.E.v.V.); (M.N.C.B.); (A.F.); (E.C.T.)
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (C.D.)
| | - Stephen T. Barclay
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Departments of Hepatology and Virology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK; (S.T.B.); (E.S.P.); (R.F.); (A.B.-S.); (S.J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Erica S. Peters
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Departments of Hepatology and Virology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK; (S.T.B.); (E.S.P.); (R.F.); (A.B.-S.); (S.J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Ray Fox
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Departments of Hepatology and Virology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK; (S.T.B.); (E.S.P.); (R.F.); (A.B.-S.); (S.J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Rory Gunson
- Thomson Group, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (R.G.); (L.T.); (V.J.E.v.V.); (M.N.C.B.); (A.F.); (E.C.T.)
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Departments of Hepatology and Virology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK; (S.T.B.); (E.S.P.); (R.F.); (A.B.-S.); (S.J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Amanda Bradley-Stewart
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Departments of Hepatology and Virology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK; (S.T.B.); (E.S.P.); (R.F.); (A.B.-S.); (S.J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Samantha J. Shepherd
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Departments of Hepatology and Virology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK; (S.T.B.); (E.S.P.); (R.F.); (A.B.-S.); (S.J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Alasdair MacLean
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Departments of Hepatology and Virology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK; (S.T.B.); (E.S.P.); (R.F.); (A.B.-S.); (S.J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Lily Tong
- Thomson Group, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (R.G.); (L.T.); (V.J.E.v.V.); (M.N.C.B.); (A.F.); (E.C.T.)
| | - Vera Jannie Elisabeth van Vliet
- Thomson Group, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (R.G.); (L.T.); (V.J.E.v.V.); (M.N.C.B.); (A.F.); (E.C.T.)
| | - Michael Ngan Chiu Bong
- Thomson Group, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (R.G.); (L.T.); (V.J.E.v.V.); (M.N.C.B.); (A.F.); (E.C.T.)
| | - Ana Filipe
- Thomson Group, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (R.G.); (L.T.); (V.J.E.v.V.); (M.N.C.B.); (A.F.); (E.C.T.)
| | - Emma C. Thomson
- Thomson Group, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (R.G.); (L.T.); (V.J.E.v.V.); (M.N.C.B.); (A.F.); (E.C.T.)
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Departments of Hepatology and Virology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK; (S.T.B.); (E.S.P.); (R.F.); (A.B.-S.); (S.J.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Chris Davis
- Thomson Group, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (R.G.); (L.T.); (V.J.E.v.V.); (M.N.C.B.); (A.F.); (E.C.T.)
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (C.D.)
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Bamford CGG, Aranday-Cortes E, Sanchez-Velazquez R, Mullan C, Kohl A, Patel AH, Wilson SJ, McLauchlan J. A Human and Rhesus Macaque Interferon-Stimulated Gene Screen Shows That Over-Expression of ARHGEF3/XPLN Inhibits Replication of Hepatitis C Virus and Other Flavivirids. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081655. [PMID: 36016278 PMCID: PMC9414520 DOI: 10.3390/v14081655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is restricted to humans, whereas other primates such as rhesus macaques are non-permissive for infection. To identify human and rhesus macaque genes that differ or share the ability to inhibit HCV replication, we conducted a medium-throughput screen of lentivirus-expressed host genes that disrupt replication of HCV subgenomic replicon RNA expressing secreted Gaussia luciferase. A combined total of >800 interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were screened. Our findings confirmed established anti-HCV ISGs, such as IRF1, PKR and DDX60. Novel species−specific inhibitors were also identified and independently validated. Using a cell-based system that recapitulates productive HCV infection, we identified that over-expression of the ‘Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 3’ gene (ARHGEF3) from both species inhibits full-length virus replication. Additionally, replication of two mosquito-borne flaviviruses, yellow fever virus (YFV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), were also reduced in cell lines over-expressing ARHGEF3 compared to controls. In conclusion, we ascribe novel antiviral activity to the cellular gene ARHGEF3 that inhibits replication of HCV and other important human viral pathogens belonging to the Flaviviridae, and which is conserved between humans and rhesus macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor G. G. Bamford
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.G.G.B.); (E.A.-C.); (R.S.-V.); (C.M.); (A.K.); (A.H.P.); (S.J.W.)
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Elihu Aranday-Cortes
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.G.G.B.); (E.A.-C.); (R.S.-V.); (C.M.); (A.K.); (A.H.P.); (S.J.W.)
| | - Ricardo Sanchez-Velazquez
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.G.G.B.); (E.A.-C.); (R.S.-V.); (C.M.); (A.K.); (A.H.P.); (S.J.W.)
- BioNTech SE, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Catrina Mullan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.G.G.B.); (E.A.-C.); (R.S.-V.); (C.M.); (A.K.); (A.H.P.); (S.J.W.)
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.G.G.B.); (E.A.-C.); (R.S.-V.); (C.M.); (A.K.); (A.H.P.); (S.J.W.)
| | - Arvind H. Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.G.G.B.); (E.A.-C.); (R.S.-V.); (C.M.); (A.K.); (A.H.P.); (S.J.W.)
| | - Sam J. Wilson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.G.G.B.); (E.A.-C.); (R.S.-V.); (C.M.); (A.K.); (A.H.P.); (S.J.W.)
| | - John McLauchlan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (C.G.G.B.); (E.A.-C.); (R.S.-V.); (C.M.); (A.K.); (A.H.P.); (S.J.W.)
- Correspondence:
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Interferon Lambda Signals in Maternal Tissues to Exert Protective and Pathogenic Effects in a Gestational Stage-Dependent Manner. mBio 2022; 13:e0385721. [PMID: 35471083 PMCID: PMC9239100 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03857-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon lambda (IFN-λ) (type III IFN) is constitutively secreted from human placental cells in culture and reduces Zika virus (ZIKV) transplacental transmission in mice. However, the roles of IFN-λ during healthy pregnancy and in restricting congenital infection remain unclear. Here, we used mice lacking the IFN-λ receptor (Ifnlr1-/-) to generate pregnancies lacking either maternal or fetal IFN-λ responsiveness and found that the antiviral effect of IFN-λ resulted from signaling exclusively in maternal tissues. This protective effect depended on gestational stage, as infection earlier in pregnancy (E7 rather than E9) resulted in enhanced transplacental transmission of ZIKV. In Ifnar1-/- dams, which sustain robust ZIKV infection, maternal IFN-λ signaling caused fetal resorption and intrauterine growth restriction. Pregnancy pathology elicited by poly(I·C) treatment also was mediated by maternal IFN-λ signaling, specifically in maternal leukocytes, and also occurred in a gestational stage-dependent manner. These findings identify an unexpected effect of IFN-λ signaling, specifically in maternal (rather than placental or fetal) tissues, which is distinct from the pathogenic effects of IFN-αβ (type I IFN) during pregnancy. These results highlight the complexity of immune signaling at the maternal-fetal interface, where disparate outcomes can result from signaling at different gestational stages. IMPORTANCE Pregnancy is an immunologically complex situation, which must balance protecting the fetus from maternal pathogens with preventing maternal immune rejection of non-self fetal and placental tissue. Cytokines, such as interferon lambda (IFN-λ), contribute to antiviral immunity at the maternal-fetal interface. We found in a mouse model of congenital Zika virus infection that IFN-λ can have either a protective antiviral effect or cause immune-mediated pathology, depending on the stage of gestation when IFN-λ signaling occurs. Remarkably, both the protective and pathogenic effects of IFN-λ occurred through signaling exclusively in maternal immune cells rather than in fetal or placental tissues or in other maternal cell types, identifying a new role for IFN-λ at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Guo C, Reuss D, Coey JD, Sukumar S, Lang B, McLauchlan J, Boulant S, Stanifer ML, Bamford CGG. Conserved Induction of Distinct Antiviral Signalling Kinetics by Primate Interferon Lambda 4 Proteins. Front Immunol 2021; 12:772588. [PMID: 34868037 PMCID: PMC8636442 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.772588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon lambdas (IFNλ) (also known as type III IFNs) are critical cytokines that combat infection predominantly at barrier tissues, such as the lung, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Humans have four IFNλs (1–4), where IFNλ1–3 show ~80%–95% homology, and IFNλ4 is the most divergent displaying only ~30% sequence identity. Variants in IFNλ4 in humans are associated with the outcome of infection, such as with hepatitis C virus. However, how IFNλ4 variants impact cytokine signalling in other tissues and how well this is conserved is largely unknown. In this study, we address whether differences in antiviral signalling exist between IFNλ4 variants in human hepatocyte and intestinal cells, comparing them to IFNλ3. We demonstrate that compared to IFNλ3, wild-type human IFNλ4 induces a signalling response with distinct magnitudes and kinetics, which is modified by naturally occurring variants P70S and K154E in both cell types. IFNλ4’s distinct antiviral response was more rapid yet transient compared to IFNλ1 and 3. Additionally, divergent antiviral kinetics were also observed using non-human primate IFNλs and cell lines. Furthermore, an IFNλ4-like receptor-interacting interface failed to alter IFNλ1’s kinetics. Together, our data provide further evidence that major functional differences exist within the IFNλ gene family. These results highlight the possible tissue specialisation of IFNλs and encourage further investigation of the divergent, non-redundant activities of IFNλ4 and other IFNλs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuncai Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Reuss
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonathon D Coey
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Swathi Sukumar
- Institute of Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Benjamin Lang
- Exzellenzcluster Science of Intelligence, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - John McLauchlan
- Medical Research Council University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Steeve Boulant
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Research Group "Cellular Polarity and Viral Infection", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Megan L Stanifer
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Connor G G Bamford
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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8
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Waldenström J, Hellstrand K, Westin J, Nilsson S, Christensen P, Färkkilä M, Mørch K, Langeland N, Norkrans G, Lagging M. Presence of interferon-λ 4, male gender, absent/mild steatosis and low viral load augment antibody levels to hepatitis C virus. Scand J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:849-854. [PMID: 34078234 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.1922750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite recombinant interferon-λ 4 (IFN-λ4) demonstrating anti-viral activity in vitro and the ancestral functional gene (IFNL4) being conserved in all other primates, there has been speculation that IFN-λ4 may be detrimental in humans. In light of recent rekindled interest in humoral immunity, this study aimed at evaluating the impact of baseline characteristics, including IFNL4, on antibody levels to hepatitis C virus (HCV). MATERIALS AND METHODS Pretreatment sera from 279 well-characterized North European Caucasians with chronic HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection having undergone liver biopsy were analyzed regarding IFNL4 (rs12979860) and anti-HCV antibody levels using a commercially available assay. RESULTS Patients producing IFN-λ4 had higher signal to cut-off (S/CO) anti-HCV antibody ratios as compared with those lacking IFN-λ4 (IFNL4rs12979860 CT/TT versus CC, p<.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test). Additionally, in univariate analyses S/CO was significantly higher in men than women (p<.001), as well as in patients with absent/mild interface hepatitis (Ishak grade 0-2 versus 3-4, p = .009), and absent/mild steatosis (grade 0-1 versus 2-3, p = .0005). Also, an inverse correlation with HCV RNA level (rs= -0.14, p = .02) was noted. In multivariate analysis IFN-λ4, gender, steatosis and viral load remained independently associated. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates that the ability to produce IFN-λ4, in addition to male gender, absent/mild steatosis, and lower viral load, augments antibody levels against HCV. This indicates that IFN-λ4 may be associated with T helper cell 2 (Th2) immune skewing, which might have clinical implications beyond HCV infection. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00143000.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Waldenström
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Hellstrand
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Westin
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peer Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristine Mørch
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nina Langeland
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gunnar Norkrans
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Lagging
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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9
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Bamford CG, McLauchlan J. An interferon lambda 4-associated variant in the hepatitis C virus RNA polymerase affects viral replication in infected cells. J Gen Virol 2021; 102:001495. [PMID: 32897180 PMCID: PMC8116938 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Host IFNL4 haplotype status contributes to the development of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in individuals who are acutely infected with the virus. In silico studies revealed that specific amino acid variants at multiple sites on the HCV polyprotein correlate with functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IFNL4 locus. Thus, SNPs at the IFNL4 locus may select variants that influence virus replication and thereby the outcome of infection. Here, we examine the most significantly IFNL4-associated amino acid variants that lie in the 'lambda (L) 2 loop' of the HCV NS5B RNA polymerase. L2 loop variants were introduced into both sub-genomic replicon and full-length infectious clones of HCV and viral replication was examined in the presence and absence of exogenous IFNλ4. Our data demonstrate that while mutation of the NS5B L2 loop affects replication, individual IFNL4-associated variants have modest but consistent effects on replication in both the presence and absence of IFNλ4. Given the strong genetic association between these variants and IFNL4, these data suggest a nuanced effect of each individual position on viral replication, the combined effect of which might mediate resistance to the effects of IFNλ4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor G.G. Bamford
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Rd, Belfast, BT97BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - John McLauchlan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK
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10
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De Re V, Tornesello ML, De Zorzi M, Caggiari L, Pezzuto F, Leone P, Racanelli V, Lauletta G, Zanussi S, Repetto O, Gragnani L, Rossi FM, Dolcetti R, Zignego AL, Buonaguro FM, Steffan A. PDCD1 and IFNL4 genetic variants and risk of developing hepatitis C virus-related diseases. Liver Int 2021; 41:133-149. [PMID: 32937024 PMCID: PMC7839592 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variants of IFNL4 and PDCD1 genes have been shown to influence the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated the IFNL4 rs12979860 and the PDCD1 polymorphisms in 734 HCV-positive patients, including 461 cases with liver disease of varying severity and 273 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders to determine the association of these genes with patient's outcome. METHODS Expression levels of PDCD1 mRNA encoded by haplotypes were investigated by quantitative PCR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1. RESULTS The frequency of IFNL4 rs12979860 C/T or T/T genotypes was significantly higher in patients with HCV-related diseases than blood donors (P < .0001). Patients expressing the IFNλ4 variant with one amino acid change that reduces IFNλ4 secretion was found increased in frequency in HCV-related diseases compared to HCC PDCD1 mRNA levels in HCC tissue were significantly higher in cases carrying the PD-1.3 A or the PD-1.7 G allele (P = .0025 and P = .0167). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between PD-1.3 and IFNL4 was found in patients with mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC) only (LD = 0 in HCC; LD = 72 in MC). PBMCs of MC patients expressed low levels of PD-L1 in CD19+IgM+B cells and of PD-1 in CD4+T cells suggesting the involvement of regulatory B cell-T cell interaction to the pathogenesis of MC. CONCLUSION Collectively, our data indicate an important contribution of IFNλ4 expression to the development of HCV-related HCC and an epistatic contribution of IFNL4 and PDCD1 in MC. LAY SUMMARY Studies of IFNL4 and PDCD1 genes are helpful to better understand the role of host genetic factors and immune antigens influencing the outcome of HCV-related diseases. Our data support an association between the expression of IFNλ4, which prevents the expression of IFNλ3, with all the different HCV-related diseases studied, and besides, evidence that a higher IFNλ4 expression is associated with hepatocellular at a younger age. The expression pattern of low PD-L1 on B cells and high PD-1 on CD4+T-cells in patients with HCV-positive cryoglobulinaemia suggests a critical role of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in modulating B cell-T cell interaction in this lymphoproliferative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular biologyviral oncology Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale"NapoliItaly
| | - Mariangela De Zorzi
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Laura Caggiari
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Francesca Pezzuto
- Molecular biologyviral oncology Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale"NapoliItaly
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Gianfranco Lauletta
- Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Stefania Zanussi
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Ombretta Repetto
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
| | - Laura Gragnani
- Center for Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis Viruses (MaSVE)Internal Medicine and Liver UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical MedicineCareggi University Hospital, Florence, ItalyFlorenceItaly
| | - Francesca Maria Rossi
- Clinical and Experimental Onco‐Hematology UnitCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSAviano (PN)Italy
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- The University of Queensland Diamantina InstituteTranslational Research InstituteBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Anna Linda Zignego
- Center for Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis Viruses (MaSVE)Internal Medicine and Liver UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical MedicineCareggi University Hospital, Florence, ItalyFlorenceItaly
| | - Franco M. Buonaguro
- Molecular biologyviral oncology Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale"NapoliItaly
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers/Bioproteomic facilityDepartment of Translational ResearchCentro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCSCancer InstituteAvianoItaly
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11
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Stanifer ML, Guo C, Doldan P, Boulant S. Importance of Type I and III Interferons at Respiratory and Intestinal Barrier Surfaces. Front Immunol 2020; 11:608645. [PMID: 33362795 PMCID: PMC7759678 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.608645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) constitute the first line of defense against microbial infections particularly against viruses. They provide antiviral properties to cells by inducing the expression of hundreds of genes known as interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). The two most important IFNs that can be produced by virtually all cells in the body during intrinsic innate immune response belong to two distinct families: the type I and type III IFNs. The type I IFN receptor is ubiquitously expressed whereas the type III IFN receptor's expression is limited to epithelial cells and a subset of immune cells. While originally considered to be redundant, type III IFNs have now been shown to play a unique role in protecting mucosal surfaces against pathogen challenges. The mucosal specific functions of type III IFN do not solely rely on the restricted epithelial expression of its receptor but also on the distinct means by which type III IFN mediates its anti-pathogen functions compared to the type I IFN. In this review we first provide a general overview on IFNs and present the similarities and differences in the signal transduction pathways leading to the expression of either type I or type III IFNs. By highlighting the current state-of-knowledge of the two archetypical mucosal surfaces (e.g. the respiratory and intestinal epitheliums), we present the differences in the signaling cascades used by type I and type III IFNs to uniquely induce the expression of ISGs. We then discuss in detail the role of each IFN in controlling pathogen infections in intestinal and respiratory epithelial cells. Finally, we provide our perspective on novel concepts in the field of IFN (stochasticity, response heterogeneity, cellular polarization/differentiation and tissue microenvironment) that we believe have implications in driving the differences between type I and III IFNs and could explain the preferences for type III IFNs at mucosal surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L. Stanifer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cuncai Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricio Doldan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steeve Boulant
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Research Group “Cellular polarity and viral infection”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Lozhkov AA, Klotchenko SA, Ramsay ES, Moshkoff HD, Moshkoff DA, Vasin AV, Salvato MS. The Key Roles of Interferon Lambda in Human Molecular Defense against Respiratory Viral Infections. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9120989. [PMID: 33255985 PMCID: PMC7760417 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9120989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFN) are crucial for the innate immune response. Slightly more than two decades ago, a new type of IFN was discovered: the lambda IFN (type III IFN). Like other IFN, the type III IFN display antiviral activity against a wide variety of infections, they induce expression of antiviral, interferon-stimulated genes (MX1, OAS, IFITM1), and they have immuno-modulatory activities that shape adaptive immune responses. Unlike other IFN, the type III IFN signal through distinct receptors is limited to a few cell types, primarily mucosal epithelial cells. As a consequence of their greater and more durable production in nasal and respiratory tissues, they can determine the outcome of respiratory infections. This review is focused on the role of IFN-λ in the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections, with influenza as a prime example. The influenza virus is a major public health problem, causing up to half a million lethal infections annually. Moreover, the virus has been the cause of four pandemics over the last century. Although IFN-λ are increasingly being tested in antiviral therapy, they can have a negative influence on epithelial tissue recovery and increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections. Therefore, IFN-λ expression deserves increased scrutiny as a key factor in the host immune response to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey A. Lozhkov
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.L.); (D.A.M.); (A.V.V.)
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, 196376 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.S.R.)
| | - Sergey A. Klotchenko
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, 196376 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.S.R.)
| | - Edward S. Ramsay
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, 196376 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.S.R.)
| | - Herman D. Moshkoff
- Russian Technological University (MIREA), 119454 Moscow, Russia;
- US Pharma Biotechnology, Inc., 5000 Thayer Center, Suite C, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
| | - Dmitry A. Moshkoff
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.L.); (D.A.M.); (A.V.V.)
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, 196376 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.S.R.)
- US Pharma Biotechnology, Inc., 5000 Thayer Center, Suite C, Oakland, MD 21550, USA
- Global Virus Network(GVN), 725 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Andrey V. Vasin
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.L.); (D.A.M.); (A.V.V.)
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Russian Ministry of Health, 196376 St. Petersburg, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.S.R.)
- Global Virus Network(GVN), 725 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- St. Petersburg State Chemical-Pharmaceutical Academy, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria S. Salvato
- Global Virus Network(GVN), 725 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence:
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13
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Cardoso NP, Mansilla FC, Benedetti E, Turco CS, Barone LJ, Iserte JA, Soria I, Baumeister E, Capozzo AV. Bovine Interferon Lambda Is a Potent Antiviral Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in vitro. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:603622. [PMID: 33240967 PMCID: PMC7677234 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.603622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon lambda (IFN-λ) is an antiviral naturally produced in response to viral infections, with activity on cells of epithelial origin and located in the mucosal surfaces. This localized activity results in reduced toxicity compared to type I IFNs, whose receptors are ubiquitously expressed. IFN-λ has been effective in the therapy of respiratory viral infections, playing a crucial role in potentiating adaptive immune responses that initiate at mucosal surfaces. Human IFN-λ has polymorphisms that may cause differences in the interaction with the specific receptor in the human population. Interestingly, bovine IFN-λ3 has an in silico-predicted higher affinity for the human receptor than its human counterparts, with high identity with different human IFN-λ variants, making it a suitable antiviral therapeutic candidate for human health. Here, we demonstrate that a recombinant bovine IFN-λ (rbIFN-λ) produced in HEK-293 cells is effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection of VERO cells, with an inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) between 30 and 50 times lower than that of human type I IFN tested here (α2b and β1a). We also demonstrated the absence of toxicity of rbIFN-λ in human PBMCs and the lack of proinflammatory activity on these cells. Altogether, our results show that rbIFN-λ is as an effective antiviral potentially suitable for COVID-19 therapy. Among other potential applications, rbIFN-λ could be useful to preclude virus dispersion to the lungs and/or to reduce transmission from infected people. Moreover, and due to the non-specific activity of this IFN, it can be potentially effective against other respiratory viruses that may be circulating together with SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Patricia Cardoso
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas IVIT, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) – Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Florencia Celeste Mansilla
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas IVIT, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) – Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Estefanía Benedetti
- Servicio Virosis Respiratorias, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, INEI–ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán,”Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Soledad Turco
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas IVIT, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) – Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Lucas José Barone
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas IVIT, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) – Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Javier Alonso Iserte
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ivana Soria
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas IVIT, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) – Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Elsa Baumeister
- Servicio Virosis Respiratorias, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, INEI–ANLIS “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán,”Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Victoria Capozzo
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas IVIT, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) – Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Argentina
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14
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mSphere of Influence: Interferon Ultra Is a Means To Fight Viral Disease. mSphere 2020; 5:5/2/e00134-20. [PMID: 32213622 PMCID: PMC7096623 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00134-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Connor G. G. Bamford works in the fields of virology and innate immunity. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how three papers by Manry et al. (J. Manry, G. Laval, E. Patin, S. Fornarino, et al., J Exp Med 208:2747–2759, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20111680), Terczyńska-Dyla et al. (E. Terczyńska-Dyla, S. Bibert, F. H. T. Duong, I. Krol, et al., Nat Commun 5:5699, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms6699), and Schoggins et al. Connor G. G. Bamford works in the fields of virology and innate immunity. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how three papers by Manry et al. (J. Manry, G. Laval, E. Patin, S. Fornarino, et al., J Exp Med 208:2747–2759, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20111680), Terczyńska-Dyla et al. (E. Terczyńska-Dyla, S. Bibert, F. H. T. Duong, I. Krol, et al., Nat Commun 5:5699, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms6699), and Schoggins et al. (J. W. Schoggins, S. J. Wilson, M. Panis, M. Y. Murphy, et al., Nature 472:481–485, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature09907) made an impact on him during a critical stage of his career and how they continue to reinforce why he researches what he does and shape the approaches he takes.
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15
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Abstract
Fibrosis is a highly conserved and coordinated wound healing response to injury. In the liver, injury is promoted by immune effector mechanisms that are common across various disease etiologies and even between organs such as lungs, kidneys, heart, and other organs. Thus, the liver represents a useful model to study inflammation and repair, particularly as it is frequently biopsied in clinical contexts. Currently, strong evidence implicates IFNL3/4 polymorphisms and interferon (IFN)-λ3 levels as determinants of the extent of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in viral and nonviral liver diseases, as well as in governing the severity of nonhepatotropic viral diseases. Interestingly, IFNL3/4 polymorphisms and IFN-λ3 levels correlate with fibrosis extent in other organs such as the lung and kidney. In this review, we discuss the association between IFN-λ and tissue inflammation and fibrosis in human disease and the potential clinical utility of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Golo Ahlenstiel
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
- Blacktown Medical School, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
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Lazear HM, Schoggins JW, Diamond MS. Shared and Distinct Functions of Type I and Type III Interferons. Immunity 2019; 50:907-923. [PMID: 30995506 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2019.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 628] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) (IFN-α, IFN-β) and type III IFNs (IFN-λ) share many properties, including induction by viral infection, activation of shared signaling pathways, and transcriptional programs. However, recent discoveries have revealed context-specific functional differences. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of type I and type III IFN activities, highlighting shared and distinct features from molecular mechanisms through physiological responses. Beyond discussing canonical antiviral functions, we consider the adaptive immune priming, anti-tumor, and autoimmune functions of IFNs. We discuss a model wherein type III IFNs serve as a front-line defense that controls infection at epithelial barriers while minimizing damaging inflammatory responses, reserving the more potent type I IFN response for when local responses are insufficient. In this context, we discuss current therapeutic applications targeting these cytokine pathways and highlight gaps in understanding of the biology of type I and type III IFNs in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Lazear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - John W Schoggins
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology & Immunology, and Molecular Microbiology, and The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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17
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Ansari MA, Aranday-Cortes E, Ip CL, da Silva Filipe A, Lau SH, Bamford C, Bonsall D, Trebes A, Piazza P, Sreenu V, Cowton VM, Hudson E, Bowden R, Patel AH, Foster GR, Irving WL, Agarwal K, Thomson EC, Simmonds P, Klenerman P, Holmes C, Barnes E, Spencer CC, McLauchlan J, Pedergnana V. Interferon lambda 4 impacts the genetic diversity of hepatitis C virus. eLife 2019; 8:42463. [PMID: 31478835 PMCID: PMC6721795 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a highly variable pathogen that frequently establishes chronic infection. This genetic variability is affected by the adaptive immune response but the contribution of other host factors is unclear. Here, we examined the role played by interferon lambda-4 (IFN-λ4) on HCV diversity; IFN-λ4 plays a crucial role in spontaneous clearance or establishment of chronicity following acute infection. We performed viral genome-wide association studies using human and viral data from 485 patients of white ancestry infected with HCV genotype 3a. We demonstrate that combinations of host genetic variants, which determine IFN-λ4 protein production and activity, influence amino acid variation across the viral polyprotein - not restricted to specific viral proteins or HLA restricted epitopes - and modulate viral load. We also observed an association with viral di-nucleotide proportions. These results support a direct role for IFN-λ4 in exerting selective pressure across the viral genome, possibly by a novel mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Azim Ansari
- Wellcome Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elihu Aranday-Cortes
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Camilla Lc Ip
- Wellcome Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ana da Silva Filipe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Siu Hin Lau
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Connor Bamford
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Bonsall
- Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR BRC, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Trebes
- Wellcome Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Piazza
- Wellcome Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vattipally Sreenu
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa M Cowton
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Emma Hudson
- Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR BRC, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rory Bowden
- Wellcome Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Arvind H Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Graham R Foster
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - William L Irving
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kosh Agarwal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma C Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR BRC, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR BRC, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Holmes
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR BRC, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Ca Spencer
- Wellcome Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - John McLauchlan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent Pedergnana
- Wellcome Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Laboratoire MIVEGEC (UMR CNRS 5290, IRD, UM), Montpellier, France
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18
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Abstract
Humans are polymorphic in their ability to produce type-III interferons. Most individuals of African ancestry are genetically capable of generating all 4 type-III interferons (IFN-λ1, 2, 3, and 4), whereas the majority of individuals of European and Asian ancestry lack IFN-λ4 and thus can generate only IFN-λ1, 2, and 3. All 4 type-III IFNs are encoded by genes located within a ∼55 kb genomic region on human chromosome 19. Although IFN-λ4 appears to be important in animals, genetic alterations acquired in the Hominidae lineage, and particularly in humans, resulted in the elimination of IFN-λ4 or restriction of its activity, suggesting that IFN-λ4 function might be detrimental to human health. Genetic variants within the IFNL region, including those controlling production and activity of IFN-λ4, have been strongly associated with clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. There is growing evidence for association of the same genetic variants with a multitude of other disease conditions. This article reviews the genetic landscape of the human IFNL genetic locus, with an emphasis on the genetic control of IFN-λ4 production and activity, and its association with viral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Prokunina-Olsson
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Laboratory of Translational Genomics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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19
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Bamford CGG, McLauchlan J. Comparative host genomics: how has human evolution affected our immune defence against hepatitis C virus? Future Virol 2019. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2019-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Connor GG Bamford
- MRC – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - John McLauchlan
- MRC – University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
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