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Durairaj J, Follonier OM, Leuzinger K, Alexander LT, Wilhelm M, Pereira J, Hillenbrand CA, Weissbach FH, Schwede T, Hirsch HH. Structural implications of BK polyomavirus sequence variations in the major viral capsid protein Vp1 and large T-antigen: a computational study. mSphere 2024; 9:e0079923. [PMID: 38501831 PMCID: PMC11036806 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00799-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a double-stranded DNA virus causing nephropathy, hemorrhagic cystitis, and urothelial cancer in transplant patients. The BKPyV-encoded capsid protein Vp1 and large T-antigen (LTag) are key targets of neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T-cells, respectively. Our single-center data suggested that variability in Vp1 and LTag may contribute to failing BKPyV-specific immune control and impact vaccine design. We, therefore, analyzed all available entries in GenBank (1516 VP1; 742 LTAG) and explored potential structural effects using computational approaches. BKPyV-genotype (gt)1 was found in 71.18% of entries, followed by BKPyV-gt4 (19.26%), BKPyV-gt2 (8.11%), and BKPyV-gt3 (1.45%), but rates differed according to country and specimen type. Vp1-mutations matched a serotype different than the assigned one or were serotype-independent in 43%, 18% affected more than one amino acid. Notable Vp1-mutations altered antibody-binding domains, interactions with sialic acid receptors, or were predicted to change conformation. LTag-sequences were more conserved, with only 16 mutations detectable in more than one entry and without significant effects on LTag-structure or interaction domains. However, LTag changes were predicted to affect HLA-class I presentation of immunodominant 9mers to cytotoxic T-cells. These global data strengthen single center observations and specifically our earlier findings revealing mutant 9mer epitopes conferring immune escape from HLA-I cytotoxic T cells. We conclude that variability of BKPyV-Vp1 and LTag may have important implications for diagnostic assays assessing BKPyV-specific immune control and for vaccine design. IMPORTANCE Type and rate of amino acid variations in BKPyV may provide important insights into BKPyV diversity in human populations and an important step toward defining determinants of BKPyV-specific immunity needed to protect vulnerable patients from BKPyV diseases. Our analysis of BKPyV sequences obtained from human specimens reveals an unexpectedly high genetic variability for this double-stranded DNA virus that strongly relies on host cell DNA replication machinery with its proof reading and error correction mechanisms. BKPyV variability and immune escape should be taken into account when designing further approaches to antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines for patients at risk of BKPyV diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani Durairaj
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Océane M. Follonier
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karoline Leuzinger
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinical Virology, Laboratory Medicine, Department Theragnostic, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leila T. Alexander
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maud Wilhelm
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joana Pereira
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Caroline A. Hillenbrand
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabian H. Weissbach
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Schwede
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans H. Hirsch
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, Department Acute Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Kotton CN, Kamar N, Wojciechowski D, Eder M, Hopfer H, Randhawa P, Sester M, Comoli P, Tedesco Silva H, Knoll G, Brennan DC, Trofe-Clark J, Pape L, Axelrod D, Kiberd B, Wong G, Hirsch HH. The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00727. [PMID: 38605438 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains a significant challenge after kidney transplantation. International experts reviewed current evidence and updated recommendations according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Risk factors for BKPyV-DNAemia and biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy include recipient older age, male sex, donor BKPyV-viruria, BKPyV-seropositive donor/-seronegative recipient, tacrolimus, acute rejection, and higher steroid exposure. To facilitate early intervention with limited allograft damage, all kidney transplant recipients should be screened monthly for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia loads until month 9, then every 3 mo until 2 y posttransplant (3 y for children). In resource-limited settings, urine cytology screening at similar time points can exclude BKPyV-nephropathy, and testing for plasma BKPyV-DNAemia when decoy cells are detectable. For patients with BKPyV-DNAemia loads persisting >1000 copies/mL, or exceeding 10 000 copies/mL (or equivalent), or with biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy, immunosuppression should be reduced according to predefined steps targeting antiproliferative drugs, calcineurin inhibitors, or both. In adults without graft dysfunction, kidney allograft biopsy is not required unless the immunological risk is high. For children with persisting BKPyV-DNAemia, allograft biopsy may be considered even without graft dysfunction. Allograft biopsies should be interpreted in the context of all clinical and laboratory findings, including plasma BKPyV-DNAemia. Immunohistochemistry is preferred for diagnosing biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy. Routine screening using the proposed strategies is cost-effective, improves clinical outcomes and quality of life. Kidney retransplantation subsequent to BKPyV-nephropathy is feasible in otherwise eligible recipients if BKPyV-DNAemia is undetectable; routine graft nephrectomy is not recommended. Current studies do not support the usage of leflunomide, cidofovir, quinolones, or IVIGs. Patients considered for experimental treatments (antivirals, vaccines, neutralizing antibodies, and adoptive T cells) should be enrolled in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille N Kotton
- Transplant and Immunocompromised Host Infectious Diseases Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology and Organ Transplantation, Toulouse Rangueil University Hospital, INSERM UMR 1291, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - David Wojciechowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Michael Eder
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Hopfer
- Division of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Division of Transplantation Pathology, The Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Martina Sester
- Department of Transplant and Infection Immunology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- Cell Factory and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, Department of Mother and Child Health, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Helio Tedesco Silva
- Division of Nephrology, Hospital do Rim, Fundação Oswaldo Ramos, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Greg Knoll
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology), University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Trofe-Clark
- Renal-Electrolyte Hypertension Division, Associated Faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA
- Transplantation Division, Associated Faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA
| | - Lars Pape
- Pediatrics II, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - David Axelrod
- Kidney, Pancreas, and Living Donor Transplant Programs at University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Bryce Kiberd
- Division of Nephrology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Germaine Wong
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Division of Transplantation and Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Kaiserman J, O’Hara BA, Haley SA, Atwood WJ. An Elusive Target: Inhibitors of JC Polyomavirus Infection and Their Development as Therapeutics for the Treatment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8580. [PMID: 37239927 PMCID: PMC10218015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating disease caused by infection with JC Polyomavirus (JCPyV). Despite the identification of the disease and isolation of the causative pathogen over fifty years ago, no antiviral treatments or prophylactic vaccines exist. Disease onset is usually associated with immunosuppression, and current treatment guidelines are limited to restoring immune function. This review summarizes the drugs and small molecules that have been shown to inhibit JCPyV infection and spread. Paying attention to historical developments in the field, we discuss key steps of the virus lifecycle and antivirals known to inhibit each event. We review current obstacles in PML drug discovery, including the difficulties associated with compound penetrance into the central nervous system. We also summarize recent findings in our laboratory regarding the potent anti-JCPyV activity of a novel compound that antagonizes the virus-induced signaling events necessary to establish a productive infection. Understanding the current panel of antiviral compounds will help center the field for future drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Walter J. Atwood
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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Kaiserman J, O'Hara BA, Garabian K, Lukacher A, Haley SA, Atwood WJ. The Oxindole GW-5074 Inhibits JC Polyomavirus Infection and Spread by Antagonizing the MAPK-ERK Signaling Pathway. mBio 2023;:e0358322. [PMID: 36786589 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03583-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is a ubiquitous, double-stranded DNA virus that causes the fatal demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in immunocompromised patients. Current treatments for PML are limited to immune reconstitution, and no effective antivirals exist. In this report, we show that the oxindole GW-5074 (3-(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-5-iodoindolin-2-one) reduces JCPyV infection in primary and immortalized cells. This compound potently inhibits virus spread, which suggests that it could control infection in PML patients. We demonstrate that GW-5074 inhibits endogenous ERK phosphorylation, and that JCPyV infection in GW-5074-treated cells cannot be rescued with ERK agonists, which indicates that the antiviral mechanism may involve its antagonistic effects on MAPK-ERK signaling. Importantly, GW-5074 exceeds thresholds of common pharmacological parameters that identify promising compounds for further development. This MAPK-ERK antagonist warrants further investigation as a potential treatment for PML. IMPORTANCE Human polyomaviruses, such as JCPyV and BKPyV, cause significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised or immunomodulated patients. There are no treatments for polyomavirus-induced diseases other than restoration of immune function. We discovered that the oxindole GW-5074 potently inhibits infection by both JCPyV and BKPyV. Further optimization of this compound could result in the development of antiviral therapies for polyomavirus-induced diseases.
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Prezioso C, Pietropaolo V, Moens U, Ciotti M. JC polyomavirus: a short review of its biology, its association with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and the diagnostic value of different methods to manifest its activity or presence. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:143-157. [PMID: 36786077 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2179394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION JC polyomavirus is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating disease resulting from the lytic infection of oligodendrocytes that may develop in immunosuppressed individuals: HIV1 infected or individuals under immunosuppressive therapies. Understanding the biology of JCPyV is necessary for a proper patient management, the development of diagnostic tests, and risk stratification. AREAS COVERED The review covers different areas of expertise including the genomic characterization of JCPyV strains detected in different body compartments (urine, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid) of PML patients, viral mutations, molecular diagnostics, viral miRNAs, and disease. EXPERT OPINION The implementation of molecular biology techniques improved our understanding of JCPyV biology. Deep sequencing analysis of viral genomes revealed the presence of viral quasispecies in the cerebrospinal fluid of PML patients characterized by noncoding control region rearrangements and VP1 mutations. These neurotropic JCPyV variants present enhanced replication and an altered cell tropism that contribute to PML development. Monitoring these variants may be relevant for the identification of patients at risk of PML. Multiplex realtime PCR targeting both the LTAg and the archetype NCCR could be used to identify them. Failure to amplify NCCR should indicate the presence of a JCPyV prototype speeding up the diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome Rome, Italy.,IRCSS San Raffaele Roma, Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Moens
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø-The Arctic University of Norway Tromsø, Norway
| | - Marco Ciotti
- Virology Unit, Polyclinic Tor Vergata Rome, Italy
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Fan Y, Guo D, Zhao S, Wei Q, Li Y, Lin T. Human genes with relative synonymous codon usage analogous to that of polyomaviruses are involved in the mechanism of polyomavirus nephropathy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:992201. [PMID: 36159639 PMCID: PMC9492876 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.992201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) can cause serious and deleterious infections in human. Yet, the molecular mechanism underlying these infections, particularly in polyomavirus nephropathy (PVAN), is not well-defined. In the present study, we aimed to identify human genes with codon usage bias (CUB) similar to that of HPyV genes and explore their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of PVAN. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values of genes of HPyVs and those of human genes were computed and used for Pearson correlation analysis. The involvement of the identified correlation genes in PVAN was analyzed by validating their differential expression in publicly available transcriptomics data. Functional enrichment was performed to uncover the role of sets of genes. The RSCU analysis indicated that the A- and T-ending codons are preferentially used in HPyV genes. In total, 5400 human genes were correlated to the HPyV genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network indicated strong interactions between these proteins. Gene expression analysis indicated that 229 of these genes were consistently and differentially expressed between normal kidney tissues and kidney tissues from PVAN patients. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were involved in biological processes related to transcription and in pathways related to protein ubiquitination pathway, apoptosis, cellular response to stress, inflammation and immune system. The identified genes may serve as diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for HPyV associated diseases, especially PVAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fan
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Organ Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Duan Guo
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Palliative Medicine Research Center, West China−Peking Union Medical College, Chen Zhiqian (PUMC C.C). Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shangping Zhao
- Department of Urology, West China School of Nursing and Organ Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Organ Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Tao Lin, ; ; Yi Li,
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Organ Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Tao Lin, ; ; Yi Li,
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Imlay H, Baum P, Brennan DC, Hanson KE, Hodges MR, Hodowanec AC, Komatsu TE, Ljungman P, Miller V, Natori Y, Nickeleit V, O’Rear J, Pikis A, Randhawa PS, Sawinski D, Singh HK, Westman G, Limaye AP. Consensus Definitions of BK Polyomavirus Nephropathy in Renal Transplant Recipients for Clinical Trials. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1210-1216. [PMID: 35100619 PMCID: PMC9525067 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection and BK polyomavirus nephropathy (BKPyVAN) are important causes of allograft dysfunction and premature allograft loss in renal transplant recipients. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Controlled clinical trials to evaluate new agents for prevention and treatment are needed but are hampered by the lack of outcome measures that accurately assess the effect of the intervention, are clinically relevant, and are acceptable from a regulatory perspective. METHODS To facilitate consistent end points in clinical trials and to support clinical research and drug development, definitions of BKPyV infection and disease have been developed by the BK Disease Definitions Working Group of the Transplantation Associated Virus Infection Forum with the Forum for Collaborative Research, which consists of scientists, clinicians, regulators, and industry representatives. CONCLUSIONS These definitions refine established principles of "proven" BKPyV disease and introduce a "probable" disease category that could be used in clinical trials to prevent or treat BKPyVAN in renal transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Imlay
- Correspondence: Hannah Imlay, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 ()
| | - Paul Baum
- Roche Molecular Diagnostics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daniel C Brennan
- Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly E Hanson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | | | - Per Ljungman
- Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Yoichiro Natori
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Miami Transplant Institute, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Volker Nickeleit
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jules O’Rear
- US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Andreas Pikis
- US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Parmjeet S Randhawa
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Deirdre Sawinski
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Harsharan K Singh
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gabriel Westman
- Swedish Medical Products Agency, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ajit P Limaye
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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