1
|
Fiori F, Cossu FL, Salis F, Carboni D, Stagi L, De Forni D, Poddesu B, Malfatti L, Khalel A, Salis A, Casula MF, Anedda R, Lori F, Innocenzi P. In Vitro Antiviral Activity of Hyperbranched Poly-L-Lysine Modified by L-Arginine against Different SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2023; 13:3090. [PMID: 38132987 PMCID: PMC10745586 DOI: 10.3390/nano13243090] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants requires close monitoring to prevent the reoccurrence of a new pandemic in the near future. The Omicron variant, in particular, is one of the fastest-spreading viruses, showing a high ability to infect people and evade neutralization by antibodies elicited upon infection or vaccination. Therefore, the search for broad-spectrum antivirals that can inhibit the infectious capacity of SARS-CoV-2 is still the focus of intense research. In the present work, hyperbranched poly-L-lysine nanopolymers, which have shown an excellent ability to block the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 infection, were modified with L-arginine. A thermal reaction at 240 °C catalyzed by boric acid yielded Lys-Arg hyperbranched nanopolymers. The ability of these nanopolymers to inhibit viral replication were assessed for the original, Delta, and Omicron strains of SARS-CoV-2 together with their cytotoxicity. A reliable indication of the safety profile and effectiveness of the various polymeric compositions in inhibiting or suppressing viral infection was obtained by the evaluation of the therapeutic index in an in vitro prevention model. The hyperbranched L-arginine-modified nanopolymers exhibited a twelve-fold greater therapeutic index when tested with the original strain. The nanopolymers could also effectively limit the replication of the Omicron strain in a cell culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Fiori
- Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (LMNT), CR-INSTM, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.F.); (F.L.C.); (F.S.); (D.C.); (L.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Franca Lucia Cossu
- Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (LMNT), CR-INSTM, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.F.); (F.L.C.); (F.S.); (D.C.); (L.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Federica Salis
- Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (LMNT), CR-INSTM, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.F.); (F.L.C.); (F.S.); (D.C.); (L.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Davide Carboni
- Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (LMNT), CR-INSTM, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.F.); (F.L.C.); (F.S.); (D.C.); (L.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Luigi Stagi
- Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (LMNT), CR-INSTM, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.F.); (F.L.C.); (F.S.); (D.C.); (L.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Davide De Forni
- ViroStatics srl, Viale Umberto I, 46, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.D.F.); (B.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Barbara Poddesu
- ViroStatics srl, Viale Umberto I, 46, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.D.F.); (B.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Luca Malfatti
- Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (LMNT), CR-INSTM, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.F.); (F.L.C.); (F.S.); (D.C.); (L.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Abbas Khalel
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Andrea Salis
- Department of Chemical and Geolocial Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SS 554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Maria Francesca Casula
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo, 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Anedda
- Porto Conte Ricerche srl, Strada Provinciale S.P. 55, Loc. Tramariglio, 07041 Alghero, Italy;
| | - Franco Lori
- ViroStatics srl, Viale Umberto I, 46, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (D.D.F.); (B.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Plinio Innocenzi
- Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (LMNT), CR-INSTM, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.F.); (F.L.C.); (F.S.); (D.C.); (L.S.); (L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iaconis D, Caccuri F, Manelfi C, Talarico C, Bugatti A, Filippini F, Zani A, Novelli R, Kuzikov M, Ellinger B, Gribbon P, Riecken K, Esposito F, Corona A, Tramontano E, Beccari AR, Caruso A, Allegretti M. DHFR Inhibitors Display a Pleiotropic Anti-Viral Activity against SARS-CoV-2: Insights into the Mechanisms of Action. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051128. [PMID: 37243214 DOI: 10.3390/v15051128] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, drug repurposing represented an effective strategy to obtain quick answers to medical emergencies. Based on previous data on methotrexate (MTX), we evaluated the anti-viral activity of several DHFR inhibitors in two cell lines. We observed that this class of compounds showed a significant influence on the virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) partly attributed to the intrinsic anti-metabolic activity of these drugs, but also to a specific anti-viral function. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, we took advantage of our EXSCALATE platform for in-silico molecular modelling and further validated the influence of these inhibitors on nsp13 and viral entry. Interestingly, pralatrexate and trimetrexate showed superior effects in counteracting the viral infection compared to other DHFR inhibitors. Our results indicate that their higher activity is due to their polypharmacological and pleiotropic profile. These compounds can thus potentially give a clinical advantage in the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients already treated with this class of drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Iaconis
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmine Talarico
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Filippini
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Rubina Novelli
- Dompè Famaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile snc, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bernhard Ellinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Philip Gribbon
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Esposito
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SS554, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SS554, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SS554, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | | | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Turbett SE, Tomkins-Tinch CH, Anahtar MN, Dugdale CM, Hyle EP, Shenoy ES, Shaw B, Egbuonu K, Bowman KA, Zachary KC, Adams GC, Hooper DC, Ryan ET, LaRocque RC, Bassett IV, Triant VA, Siddle KJ, Rosenberg E, Sabeti PC, Schaffner SF, MacInnis BL, Lemieux JE, Charles RC. Distinguishing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Persistence and Reinfection: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:850-860. [PMID: 36268576 PMCID: PMC9619827 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection is poorly understood, partly because few studies have systematically applied genomic analysis to distinguish reinfection from persistent RNA detection related to initial infection. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and persistent RNA detection using independent genomic, clinical, and laboratory assessments. METHODS All individuals at a large academic medical center who underwent a SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) ≥45 days after an initial positive test, with both tests between 14 March and 30 December 2020, were analyzed for potential reinfection. Inclusion criteria required having ≥2 positive NAATs collected ≥45 days apart with a cycle threshold (Ct) value <35 at repeat testing. For each included subject, likelihood of reinfection was assessed by viral genomic analysis of all available specimens with a Ct value <35, structured Ct trajectory criteria, and case-by-case review by infectious diseases physicians. RESULTS Among 1569 individuals with repeat SARS-CoV-2 testing ≥45 days after an initial positive NAAT, 65 (4%) met cohort inclusion criteria. Viral genomic analysis characterized mutations present and was successful for 14/65 (22%) subjects. Six subjects had genomically supported reinfection, and 8 subjects had genomically supported persistent RNA detection. Compared to viral genomic analysis, clinical and laboratory assessments correctly distinguished reinfection from persistent RNA detection in 12/14 (86%) subjects but missed 2/6 (33%) genomically supported reinfections. CONCLUSIONS Despite good overall concordance with viral genomic analysis, clinical and Ct value-based assessments failed to identify 33% of genomically supported reinfections. Scaling-up genomic analysis for clinical use would improve detection of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Turbett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher H Tomkins-Tinch
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melis N Anahtar
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caitlin M Dugdale
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily P Hyle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erica S Shenoy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bennett Shaw
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Kathryn A Bowman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kimon C Zachary
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gordon C Adams
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David C Hooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edward T Ryan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virginia A Triant
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katherine J Siddle
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Rosenberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen F Schaffner
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bronwyn L MacInnis
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacob E Lemieux
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richelle C Charles
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Filippi M, Ribeiro Amorim M, Soares da Silva M, Schons Gularte J, Demoliner M, Girardi V, de Abreu Goes Pereira VM, Witt Hansen A, Fleck JD, Frohlich J, de-Paris F, Motta Rodrigues G, Aparecida Risczik Arruda Correa J, Machado Arlindo De Mattos E, Minuto Paiva R, Deutschendorf C, Soares Falcetta F, Proença Modena JL, Rosado Spilki F. Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Intra-Patient Viral Evolution in an Immunodeficient Child. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:212-217. [PMID: 36728777 PMCID: PMC9935232 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003782] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the progression of the Coronavirus disease pandemic, the number of mutations in the viral genome has increased, showing the adaptive evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in humans and intensification in transmissibility. Long-term infections also allow the development of viral diversity. In this study, we report the case of a child with severe combined immu presenting a prolonged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. We aimed to analyze 3 naso-oropharyngeal swab samples collected between August and December 2021 to describe the amino acid changes present in the sequence reads that may have a role in the emergence of new viral variants. METHODS The whole genome from clinical samples was sequenced through high throughput sequencing and analyzed using a workflow to map reads and then find variations/single-nucleotide polymorphisms. In addition, the samples were isolated in cell culture, and a plaque forming units assay was performed, which indicates the presence of viable viral particles. RESULTS The results obtained showed that the virus present in all samples is infectious. Also, there were 20 common mutations among the 3 sequence reads, found in the ORF1ab and ORF10 proteins. As well, a considerable number of uncommon mutations were found. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we emphasize that genomic surveillance can be a useful tool to assess possible evolution signals in long-term patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micheli Filippi
- From the Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mariene Ribeiro Amorim
- Laboratório de Vírus Emergentes, Departamento de Genética, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Soares da Silva
- From the Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Juliana Schons Gularte
- From the Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Meriane Demoliner
- From the Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Viviane Girardi
- From the Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Alana Witt Hansen
- From the Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Juliane Deise. Fleck
- From the Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Júlia Frohlich
- From the Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernanda de-Paris
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - José Luiz Proença Modena
- Laboratório de Vírus Emergentes, Departamento de Genética, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rosado Spilki
- From the Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Virologia, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bojkova D, Reus P, Panosch L, Bechtel M, Rothenburger T, Kandler JD, Pfeiffer A, Wagner JUG, Shumliakivska M, Dimmeler S, Olmer R, Martin U, Vondran FWR, Toptan T, Rothweiler F, Zehner R, Rabenau HF, Osman KL, Pullan ST, Carroll MW, Stack R, Ciesek S, Wass MN, Michaelis M, Cinatl J Jr. Identification of novel antiviral drug candidates using an optimized SARS-CoV-2 phenotypic screening platform. iScience 2023; 26:105944. [PMID: 36644320 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable, easy-to-handle phenotypic screening platforms are needed for the identification of anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. Here, we present caspase 3/7 activity as a readout for monitoring the replication of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from different variants, including a remdesivir-resistant strain, and of other coronaviruses in numerous cell culture models, independently of cytopathogenic effect formation. Compared to other models, the Caco-2 subline Caco-2-F03 displayed superior performance. It possesses a stable SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility phenotype and does not produce false-positive hits due to drug-induced phospholipidosis. A proof-of-concept screen of 1,796 kinase inhibitors identified known and novel antiviral drug candidates including inhibitors of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), CDC like kinase 1 (CLK-1), and colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). The activity of the PHGDH inhibitor NCT-503 was further increased in combination with the hexokinase II (HK2) inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose, which is in clinical development for COVID-19. In conclusion, caspase 3/7 activity detection in SARS-CoV-2-infected Caco-2-F03 cells provides a simple phenotypic high-throughput screening platform for SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates that reduces false-positive hits.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bugatti A, Filippini F, Messali S, Giovanetti M, Ravelli C, Zani A, Ciccozzi M, Caruso A, Caccuri F. The D405N Mutation in the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 Inhibits Spike/Integrins Interaction and Viral Infection of Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020332. [PMID: 36851546 PMCID: PMC9962894 DOI: 10.3390/v15020332] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe COVID-19 is characterized by angiogenic features, such as intussusceptive angiogenesis, endothelialitis, and activation of procoagulant pathways. This pathological state can be ascribed to a direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lung ECs. Recently, we showed the capability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect ACE2-negative primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HL-mECs). This occurred through the interaction of an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif, endowed on the Spike protein at position 403-405, with αvβ3 integrin expressed on HL-mECs. HL-mEC infection promoted the remodeling of cells toward a pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic phenotype. The RGD motif is distinctive of SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins up to the Omicron BA.1 subvariant. Suddenly, a dominant D405N mutation was expressed on the Spike of the most recently emerged Omicron BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 subvariants. Here we demonstrate that the D405N mutation inhibits Omicron BA.5 infection of HL-mECs and their dysfunction because of the lack of Spike/integrins interaction. The key role of ECs in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis has been definitively proven. Evidence of mutations retrieving the capability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect HL-mECs highlights a new scenario for patients infected with the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, suggesting that they may display less severe disease manifestations than those observed with previous variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Bugatti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Filippini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Serena Messali
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivirus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-030-3995650
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ramos MC, Gomes DF, Mello NFD, Silva END, Barreto JOM, Shimizu HE. Big Data e Inteligência Artificial para pesquisa translacional na Covid-19: revisão rápida. Saúde debate 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/0103-1104202213518] [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: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar como a Inteligência Artificial (IA) vem sendo utilizada para a pesquisa translacional no contexto da Covid-19. Foi realizada uma revisão rápida para identificar o uso de técnicas de IA na translação de tecnologias para o enfrentamento da Covid-19. Empregou-se estratégia de busca com base em termos MeSH e seus respectivos sinônimos em sete bases de dados. Dos 59 artigos identificados, oito foram incluídos. Foram identificadas 11 experiências que usaram IA para a pesquisa translacional em Covid-19: predição de eficácia medicamentosa; predição de patogenicidade do Sars-CoV-2; diagnóstico de imagem para Covid-19; predição de incidência de Covid-19; estimativas de impacto da Covid-19 na sociedade; automatização de sanitização de ambientes hospitalares e clínicos; rastreio de pessoas infectadas e possivelmente infectadas; monitoramento do uso de máscaras; predição de gravidade de pacientes; estratificação de risco do paciente; e predição de recursos hospitalares. A pesquisa translacional pode ajudar no desenvolvimento produtivo e industrial em saúde, especialmente quando apoiada em métodos de IA, uma ferramenta cada vez mais importante, sobretudo quando se discute a Quarta Revolução Industrial e suas aplicações na saúde.
Collapse
|
8
|
De Forni D, Poddesu B, Cugia G, Chafouleas J, Lisziewicz J, Lori F. Synergistic drug combinations designed to fully suppress SARS-CoV-2 in the lung of COVID-19 patients. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276751. [PMID: 36355808 PMCID: PMC9648746 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite new antivirals are being approved against SARS-CoV-2 they suffer from significant constraints and are not indicated for hospitalized patients, who are left with few antiviral options. Repurposed drugs have previously shown controversial clinical results and it remains difficult to understand why certain trials delivered positive results and other trials failed. Our manuscript contributes to explaining the puzzle: this might have been caused by a suboptimal drug exposure and, consequently, an incomplete virus suppression, also because the drugs have mostly been used as add-on monotherapies. As with other viruses (e.g., HIV and HCV) identifying synergistic combinations among such drugs could overcome monotherapy-related limitations. In a cell culture model for SARS-CoV-2 infection the following stringent criteria were adopted to assess drug combinations: 1) identify robust, synergistic antiviral activity with no increase in cytotoxicity, 2) identify the lowest drug concentration inhibiting the virus by 100% (LIC100) and 3) understand whether the LIC100 could be reached in the lung at clinically indicated drug doses. Among several combinations tested, remdesivir with either azithromycin or ivermectin synergistically increased the antiviral activity with no increase in cytotoxicity, improving the therapeutic index and lowering the LIC100 of every one of the drugs to levels that are expected to be achievable and maintained in the lung for a therapeutically relevant period of time. These results are consistent with recent clinical observations showing that intensive care unit admission was significantly delayed by the combination of AZI and RDV, but not by RDV alone, and could have immediate implications for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 as the proposed “drug cocktails” should have antiviral activity against present and future SARS-CoV-2 variants without significant overlapping toxicity, while minimizing the onset of drug resistance. Our results also provide a validated methodology to help sort out which combination of drugs are most likely to be efficacious in vivo, based on their in vitro activity, potential synergy and PK profiles.
Collapse
|
9
|
Pires De Souza GA, Le Bideau M, Boschi C, Wurtz N, Colson P, Aherfi S, Devaux C, La Scola B. Choosing a cellular model to study SARS-CoV-2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1003608. [PMID: 36339347 PMCID: PMC9634005 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1003608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As new pathogens emerge, new challenges must be faced. This is no different in infectious disease research, where identifying the best tools available in laboratories to conduct an investigation can, at least initially, be particularly complicated. However, in the context of an emerging virus, such as SARS-CoV-2, which was recently detected in China and has become a global threat to healthcare systems, developing models of infection and pathogenesis is urgently required. Cell-based approaches are crucial to understanding coronavirus infection biology, growth kinetics, and tropism. Usually, laboratory cell lines are the first line in experimental models to study viral pathogenicity and perform assays aimed at screening antiviral compounds which are efficient at blocking the replication of emerging viruses, saving time and resources, reducing the use of experimental animals. However, determining the ideal cell type can be challenging, especially when several researchers have to adapt their studies to specific requirements. This review strives to guide scientists who are venturing into studying SARS-CoV-2 and help them choose the right cellular models. It revisits basic concepts of virology and presents the currently available in vitro models, their advantages and disadvantages, and the known consequences of each choice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Augusto Pires De Souza
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Le Bideau
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Céline Boschi
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Wurtz
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Sarah Aherfi
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Christian Devaux
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Department of Biological Sciences (INSB), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UM63, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tavakol S, Tavakol H, Alavijeh MS, Seifalian A. Can we Succeed in the Fight Against SARS-CoV-2 with its Emerging New Variants? Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:2953-2964. [PMID: 35524677 DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666220506142117] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In 2019, the whole world came together to confront a life-threatening virus named SARS-CoV-2, causing COVID-19 illness. The virus infected the human host by attaching to the ACE2 and CD147 receptors in some human cells, resulting in cytokine storm and death. The new variants of the virus that caused concern are Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon, according to the WHO label. However, Pango lineages designated them as B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.2, and B.1.429. Variants may be progressively formed in one chronic COVID-19 patient and transmitted to others. They show some differences in cellular and molecular mechanisms. Mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and N-terminal domain (NTD) lead to alterations in the host's physiological responses. They show significantly higher transmissibility rates and viral load while evading neutralizing antibodies at different rates. These effects are through mutations, deletion, and conformational alterations in the virus, resulting in the enhanced affinity of RBD to PD of ACE2 protein, virus entry, and spike conformational change. In the clinical laboratory, new variants may diagnose from other variants using specific primers for RBD or NTD. There are some controversial findings regarding the efficacy of the developed vaccines against the new variants. This research aimed to discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms beyond COVID-19 pathogenesis, focusing on the new variants. We glanced at why the mutations and the ability to transmit the virus increase and how likely the available vaccines will be effective against these variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Tavakol
- Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Ltd., London, United Kingdom.,Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hani Tavakol
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mo S Alavijeh
- Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Ltd., London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Seifalian
- Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine Commercialization Centre (NanoRegMed Ltd), London BioScience Innovation Centre, 2 Royal College Street, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Candido KL, Eich CR, de Fariña LO, Kadowaki MK, da Conceição Silva JL, Maller A, Simão RDCG. Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants: a brief review and practical implications. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1133-1157. [PMID: 35397075 PMCID: PMC8994061 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00743-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The scientific community has been alarmed by the possible immunological evasion, higher infectivity, and severity of disease caused by the newest variants of SARS-CoV-2. The spike protein has an important role in the cellular invasion of viruses and is the target of several vaccines and therapeutic resources, such as monoclonal antibodies. In addition, some of the most relevant mutations in the different variants are on the spike (S) protein gene sequence that leads to structural alterations in the predicted protein, thus causing concern about the protection mediated by vaccines against these new strains. The present review highlights the most recent knowledge about COVID-19 and vaccines, emphasizing the different spike protein structures of SARS-CoV-2 and updating the reader about the emerging viral variants and their classifications, the more common viral mutations described and their distribution in Brazil. It also compiles a table with the most recent knowledge about all of the Omicron spike mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kattlyn Laryssa Candido
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Caio Ricardo Eich
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Luciana Oliveira de Fariña
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Marina Kimiko Kadowaki
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - José Luis da Conceição Silva
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Alexandre Maller
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Garcia Simão
- Present Address: Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol), Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Unioeste, Cascavel, PR Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Labriola JM, Miersch S, Chen G, Chen C, Pavlenco A, Saberianfar R, Caccuri F, Zani A, Sharma N, Feng A, Leung DW, Caruso A, Novelli G, Amarasinghe GK, Sidhu SS. Peptide-Antibody Fusions Engineered by Phage Display Exhibit an Ultrapotent and Broad Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1978-1988. [PMID: 35731947 PMCID: PMC9236212 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The spread of COVID-19 has been exacerbated by the emergence of variants of concern (VoC). Many VoC contain mutations in the spike protein (S-protein) and are implicated in infection and response to therapeutics. Bivalent neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) targeting the S-protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) are promising therapeutics for COVID-19, but they are limited by low potency and vulnerability to RBD mutations in VoC. To address these issues, we used naïve phage-displayed peptide libraries to isolate and optimize 16-residue peptides that bind to the RBD or the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the S-protein. We fused these peptides to the N-terminus of a moderate-affinity nAb to generate tetravalent peptide-IgG fusions, and we showed that both classes of peptides were able to improve affinities for the S-protein trimer by >100-fold (apparent KD < 1 pM). Critically, cell-based infection assays with a panel of six SARS-CoV-2 variants demonstrated that an RBD-binding peptide was able to enhance the neutralization potency of a high-affinity nAb >100-fold. Moreover, this peptide-IgG was able to neutralize variants that were resistant to the same nAb in the bivalent IgG format, including the dominant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant that is resistant to most clinically approved therapeutic nAbs. To show that this approach is general, we fused the same peptide to a clinically approved nAb drug and showed that it enabled the neutralization of a resistant variant. Taken together, these results establish minimal peptide fusions as a modular means to greatly enhance affinities, potencies, and breadth of coverage of nAbs as therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M. Labriola
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The
Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College St., M5S 3E1 Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
| | - Shane Miersch
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The
Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College St., M5S 3E1 Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The
Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College St., M5S 3E1 Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The
Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College St., M5S 3E1 Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
| | - Alevtina Pavlenco
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The
Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College St., M5S 3E1 Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
| | - Reza Saberianfar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The
Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College St., M5S 3E1 Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and
Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School,
25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and
Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School,
25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Nitin Sharma
- Department of Pathology and Immunology,
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St
Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Annie Feng
- Department of Pathology and Immunology,
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St
Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, John T. Milliken
Department of Medicine, Washington University School of
Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United
States
| | - Daisy W. Leung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, John T. Milliken
Department of Medicine, Washington University School of
Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United
States
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and
Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School,
25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention,
University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133
Rome, Italy
- Italy 6 IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli
(IS) 86077, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine,
University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, United
States
| | - Gaya K. Amarasinghe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology,
Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St
Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Sachdev S. Sidhu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The
Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College St., M5S 3E1 Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Singh B, Avula K, Chatterjee S, Datey A, Ghosh A, De S, Keshry SS, Ghosh S, Suryawanshi AR, Dash R, Senapati S, Beuria TK, Prasad P, Raghav S, Swain R, Parida A, Hussain Syed G, Chattopadhyay S. Isolation and Characterization of Five Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Strains of Different Clades and Lineages Circulating in Eastern India. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:856913. [PMID: 35847066 PMCID: PMC9279865 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.856913] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a serious pandemic has altered the global socioeconomic dynamics. The wide prevalence, high death counts, and rapid emergence of new variants urge for the establishment of research infrastructure to facilitate the rapid development of efficient therapeutic modalities and preventive measures. In agreement with this, SARS-CoV-2 strains were isolated from patient swab samples collected during the first COVID-19 wave in Odisha, India. The viral isolates were adapted to in vitro cultures and further characterized to identify strain-specific variations in viral growth characteristics. The neutralization susceptibility of viral isolates to vaccine-induced antibodies was determined using sera from individuals vaccinated in the Government-run vaccine drive in India. The major goal was to isolate and adapt SARS-CoV-2 viruses in cell culture with minimum modifications to facilitate research activities involved in the understanding of the molecular virology, host-virus interactions, drug discovery, and animal challenge models that eventually contribute toward the development of reliable therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharati Singh
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Kiran Avula
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Sanchari Chatterjee
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Ankita Datey
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Arup Ghosh
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Saikat De
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Supriya Suman Keshry
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Soumyajit Ghosh
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | | | - Rupesh Dash
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ajay Parida
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Miersch S, Sharma N, Saberianfar R, Chen C, Caccuri F, Zani A, Caruso A, Case JB, Diamond MS, Amarasinghe GK, Novelli G, Sidhu SS. Ultrapotent and broad neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants by modular, tetravalent, bi-paratopic antibodies. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110905. [PMID: 35617963 PMCID: PMC9108025 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) that target the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have received emergency use approval for treatment of COVID-19. However, with the emergence of variants of concern, there is a need for new treatment options. We report a format that enables modular assembly of bi-paratopic tetravalent nAbs with antigen-binding sites from two distinct nAbs. The tetravalent nAb purifies in high yield and exhibits biophysical characteristics that are comparable to those of clinically used therapeutic antibodies. The tetravalent nAb binds to the spike protein trimer at least 100-fold more tightly than bivalent IgGs (apparent KD < 1 pM) and neutralizes a broad array of SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses, chimeric viruses, and authentic viral variants with high potency. Together, these results establish the tetravalent diabody-Fc-Fab as a robust, modular platform for rapid production of drug-grade nAbs with potencies and breadth of coverage that greatly exceed those of conventional bivalent IgGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shane Miersch
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Nitin Sharma
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Chao Chen
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - James Brett Case
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gaya K Amarasinghe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Caccuri F, Messali S, Bortolotti D, Di Silvestre D, De Palma A, Cattaneo C, Bertelli A, Zani A, Milanesi M, Giovanetti M, Campisi G, Gentili V, Bugatti A, Filippini F, Scaltriti E, Pongolini S, Tucci A, Fiorentini S, d’Ursi P, Ciccozzi M, Mauri P, Rizzo R, Caruso A. Competition for Dominance Within Replicating Quasispecies During Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Infection in an Immunocompromised Host. Virus Evol 2022; 8:veac042. [PMID: 35706980 PMCID: PMC9129230 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veac042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) emerge for their capability to better adapt to the human host aimed and enhance human-to-human transmission. Mutations in spike largely contributed to adaptation. Viral persistence is a prerequisite for intra-host virus evolution, and this likely occurred in immunocompromised patients who allow intra-host long-term viral replication. The underlying mechanism leading to the emergence of variants during viral persistence in the immunocompromised host is still unknown. Here, we show the existence of an ensemble of minor mutants in the early biological samples obtained from an immunocompromised patient and their dynamic interplay with the master mutant during a persistent and productive long-term infection. In particular, after 222 days of active viral replication, the original master mutant, named MB610, was replaced by a minor quasispecies (MB61222) expressing two critical mutations in spike, namely Q493K and N501T. Isolation of the two viruses allowed us to show that MB61222 entry into target cells occurred mainly by the fusion at the plasma membrane (PM), whereas endocytosis characterized the entry mechanism used by MB610. Interestingly, coinfection of two human cell lines of different origin with the SARS-CoV-2 isolates highlighted the early and dramatic predominance of MB61222 over MB610 replication. This finding may be explained by a faster replicative activity of MB61222 as compared to MB610 as well as by the capability of MB61222 to induce peculiar viral RNA-sensing mechanisms leading to an increased production of interferons (IFNs) and, in particular, of IFN-induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) and IFITM2. Indeed, it has been recently shown that IFITM2 is able to restrict SARS-CoV-2 entry occurring by endocytosis. In this regard, MB61222 may escape the antiviral activity of IFITMs by using the PM fusion pathway for entry into the target cell, whereas MB610 cannot escape this host antiviral response during MB61222 coinfection, since it has endocytosis as the main pathway of entry. Altogether, our data support the evidence of quasispecies fighting for host dominance by taking benefit from the cell machinery to restrict the productive infection of competitors in the viral ensemble. This finding may explain, at least in part, the extraordinary rapid worldwide turnover of VOCs that use the PM fusion pathway to enter into target cells over the original pandemic strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Serena Messali
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Silvestre
- Proteomic and Metabolomic Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), 20054 Segrate, Italy
| | - Antonella De Palma
- Proteomic and Metabolomic Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), 20054 Segrate, Italy
| | - Chiara Cattaneo
- Department of Hematology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Bertelli
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Milanesi
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Campisi
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Filippini
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Erika Scaltriti
- Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Pongolini
- Risk Analysis and Genomic Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tucci
- Department of Hematology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Fiorentini
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Pasqualina d’Ursi
- Institute of Technologies in Biomedicine, National Research Council, 20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Mauri
- Proteomic and Metabolomic Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), 20054 Segrate, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Goławski M, Lewandowski P, Jabłońska I, Delijewski M. The Reassessed Potential of SARS-CoV-2 Attenuation for COVID-19 Vaccine Development—A Systematic Review. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050991. [PMID: 35632736 PMCID: PMC9146402 DOI: 10.3390/v14050991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Live-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines received relatively little attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, several methods of obtaining attenuated coronaviruses are known. In this systematic review, the strategies of coronavirus attenuation, which may potentially be applied to SARS-CoV-2, were identified. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched to identify relevant articles describing attenuating mutations tested in vivo. In case of coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2, sequence alignment was used to exclude attenuating mutations that cannot be applied to SARS-CoV-2. Potential immunogenicity, safety and efficacy of the attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were discussed based on animal studies data. A total of 27 attenuation strategies, used to create 101 different coronaviruses, have been described in 56 eligible articles. The disruption of the furin cleavage site in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was identified as the most promising strategy. The replacement of core sequences of transcriptional regulatory signals, which prevents recombination with wild-type viruses, also appears particularly advantageous. Other important attenuating mutations encompassed mostly the prevention of evasion of innate immunity. Sufficiently attenuated coronaviruses typically caused no meaningful disease in susceptible animals and protected them from challenges with virulent virus. This indicates that attenuated COVID-19 vaccines may be considered as a potential strategy to fight the threat posed by SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Goławski
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland; (P.L.); (M.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Piotr Lewandowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland; (P.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Iwona Jabłońska
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Marcin Delijewski
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Katowice, Poland; (P.L.); (M.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bugatti A, Filippini F, Bardelli M, Zani A, Chiodelli P, Messali S, Caruso A, Caccuri F. SARS-CoV-2 Infects Human ACE2-Negative Endothelial Cells through an αvβ3 Integrin-Mediated Endocytosis Even in the Presence of Vaccine-Elicited Neutralizing Antibodies. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040705. [PMID: 35458435 PMCID: PMC9032829 DOI: 10.3390/v14040705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins represent a gateway of entry for many viruses and the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif is the smallest sequence necessary for proteins to bind integrins. All Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineages own an RGD motif (aa 403–405) in their receptor binding domain (RBD). We recently showed that SARS-CoV-2 gains access into primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HL-mECs) lacking Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression through this conserved RGD motif. Following its entry, SARS-CoV-2 remodels cell phenotype and promotes angiogenesis in the absence of productive viral replication. Here, we highlight the αvβ3 integrin as the main molecule responsible for SARS-CoV-2 infection of HL-mECs via a clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Indeed, pretreatment of virus with αvβ3 integrin or pretreatment of cells with a monoclonal antibody against αvβ3 integrin was found to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into HL-mECs. Surprisingly, the anti-Spike antibodies evoked by vaccination were neither able to impair Spike/integrin interaction nor to prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry into HL-mECs. Our data highlight the RGD motif in the Spike protein as a functional constraint aimed to maintain the interaction of the viral envelope with integrins. At the same time, our evidences call for the need of intervention strategies aimed to neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 integrin-mediated infection of ACE2-negative cells in the vaccine era.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Bugatti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (F.F.); (M.B.); (A.Z.); (S.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Federica Filippini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (F.F.); (M.B.); (A.Z.); (S.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Marta Bardelli
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (F.F.); (M.B.); (A.Z.); (S.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (F.F.); (M.B.); (A.Z.); (S.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Paola Chiodelli
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Serena Messali
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (F.F.); (M.B.); (A.Z.); (S.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (F.F.); (M.B.); (A.Z.); (S.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (F.F.); (M.B.); (A.Z.); (S.M.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Schaalan M, Abou Warda AE, Osman SM, Fathy S, Sarhan RM, Boshra MS, Sarhan N, Gaber S, Ali AMA. The Impact of Sociodemographic, Nutritional, and Health Factors on the Incidence and Complications of COVID-19 in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study. Viruses 2022; 14. [PMID: 35336855 DOI: 10.3390/v14030448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was intended to explore sociodemographic, nutritional, and health-related factors on the incidence of COVID-19 infection within the Egyptian population by assessing the frequency and determinants of post-COVID-19 symptoms and complications. A cross-sectional study using a structured survey on 15,166 participants was adopted. The results revealed common symptoms including fever (79.1%), cough (74.5%), anosmia& ageusia (68.4%), and dyspnea (66.9%). The patients were nonsmokers (83.9%), while 9.7% were mild smokers. The percentage of infected patients with comorbidities versus those without comorbidities were 29%, 71%, respectively. The highest incidence of infection was in those patients with hypertension (14.8%) and diabetes (10.9%), especially females with age >50 years and obesity (BMI; 30−39.9). The highest risks were observed for anticoagulants in the age above 50 years, morbid obesity, presence of comorbidities, and being a healthcare worker. The predictors of clot risk were in the age above 50 years, non-educated, and eating meat and eggs. Nonetheless, the highest risk of using antidepressants was in patients >50 years and those who traveled abroad. These findings and similarities within the surrounding region, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Europe, indicate the possibility of sharing the same viral strain and characteristics that may predict a similar vaccine efficacy and response.
Collapse
|
19
|
Pasharawipas T. Perspectives Concerning Various Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 Detected Individuals. Open Microbiol J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874285802115010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
After exposure to SARS-CoV-2, varying symptoms of COVID-19 ranging from asymptomatic symptoms to morbidity and mortality have been exhibited in each individual. SARS-CoV-2 requires various cellular molecules for penetration into a target host cell. Angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2) acts as the viral receptor molecule. After attachment, SARS-CoV-2 also requires the transmembrane protease serine-2 (TMPRSS-2) and furin molecules, which serve as co-receptors for penetration into the target cell and for subsequent replication. In the meantime, a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is required for the induction of adaptive immune cells, especially cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells, to clear the virally infected cells. This perspective review article proposes different aspects to explain the varying symptoms of the individuals who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, which relates to the polymorphisms of these involved molecules.
Collapse
|
20
|
Halaji M, Heiat M, Faraji N, Ranjbar R. Epidemiology of COVID-19: An updated review. J Res Med Sci 2021; 26:82. [PMID: 34759999 PMCID: PMC8548902 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_506_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a zoonotic infection, is responsible for COVID-19 pandemic and also is known as a public health concern. However, so far, the origin of the causative virus and its intermediate hosts is yet to be fully determined. SARS-CoV-2 contains nearly 30,000 letters of RNA that allows the virus to infect cells and hijack them to make new viruses. On the other hand, among 14 detected mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 S protein that provide advantages to virus for transmission and evasion form treatment, the D614G mutation (substitution of aspartic acid [D] with glycine [G] in codon 614 was particular which could provide the facilitation of the transmission of the virus and virulence. To date, in contrary to the global effort to come up with various aspects of SARS-CoV-2, there are still great pitfalls in the knowledge of this disease and many angles remain unclear. That's why, the monitoring and periodical investigation of this emerging infection in an epidemiological study seems to be essential. The present study characterizes the current epidemiological status (i.e., possible transmission route, mortality and morbidity risk, emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, and clinical feature) of the SARS-CoV-2 in the world during these pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Halaji
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Heiat
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Faraji
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Reza Ranjbar
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Diomede L, Baroni S, De Luigi A, Piotti A, Lucchetti J, Fracasso C, Russo L, Bonaldo V, Panini N, Filippini F, Fiordaliso F, Corbelli A, Beeg M, Pizzato M, Caccuri F, Gobbi M, Biasini E, Caruso A, Salmona M. Doxycycline Inhibition of a Pseudotyped Virus Transduction Does Not Translate to Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity. Viruses 2021; 13:1745. [PMID: 34578326 DOI: 10.3390/v13091745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has created an unusual situation, with rapid searches for compounds to interfere with the biological processes exploited by the virus. Doxycycline, with its pleiotropic effects, including anti-viral activity, has been proposed as a therapeutic candidate for COVID-19 and about twenty clinical trials have started since the beginning of the pandemic. To gain information on the activity of doxycycline against SARS-CoV-2 infection and clarify some of the conflicting clinical data published, we designed in vitro binding tests and infection studies with a pseudotyped virus expressing the spike protein, as well as a clinically isolated SARS-CoV-2 strain. Doxycycline inhibited the transduction of the pseudotyped virus in Vero E6 and HEK-293 T cells stably expressing human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 but did not affect the entry and replication of SARS-CoV-2. Although this conclusion is apparently disappointing, it is paradigmatic of an experimental approach aimed at developing an integrated multidisciplinary platform which can shed light on the mechanisms of action of potential anti-COVID-19 compounds. To avoid wasting precious time and resources, we believe very stringent experimental criteria are needed in the preclinical phase, including infectivity studies with clinically isolated SARS-CoV-2, before moving on to (futile) clinical trials.
Collapse
|
22
|
Srivastava M, Hall D, Omoru OB, Gill HM, Smith S, Janga SC. Mutational Landscape and Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with Host Cellular Components. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1794. [PMID: 34576690 PMCID: PMC8464733 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its rapid evolution has led to a global health crisis. Increasing mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome have severely impacted the development of effective therapeutics and vaccines to combat the virus. However, the new SARS-CoV-2 variants and their evolutionary characteristics are not fully understood. Host cellular components such as the ACE2 receptor, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), microRNAs, small nuclear RNA (snRNA), 18s rRNA, and the 7SL RNA component of the signal recognition particle (SRP) interact with various structural and non-structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2. Several of these viral proteins are currently being examined for designing antiviral therapeutics. In this review, we discuss current advances in our understanding of various host cellular components targeted by the virus during SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also summarize the mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome that directs the evolution of new viral strains. Considering coronaviruses are rapidly evolving in humans, this enables them to escape therapeutic therapies and vaccine-induced immunity. In order to understand the virus's evolution, it is essential to study its mutational patterns and their impact on host cellular machinery. Finally, we present a comprehensive survey of currently available databases and tools to study viral-host interactions that stand as crucial resources for developing novel therapeutic strategies for combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Srivastava
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Informatics and Communications Technology Complex, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.S.); (D.H.); (O.B.O.); (H.M.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Dwight Hall
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Informatics and Communications Technology Complex, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.S.); (D.H.); (O.B.O.); (H.M.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Okiemute Beatrice Omoru
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Informatics and Communications Technology Complex, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.S.); (D.H.); (O.B.O.); (H.M.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Hunter Mathias Gill
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Informatics and Communications Technology Complex, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.S.); (D.H.); (O.B.O.); (H.M.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarah Smith
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Informatics and Communications Technology Complex, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.S.); (D.H.); (O.B.O.); (H.M.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarath Chandra Janga
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Informatics and Communications Technology Complex, 535 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.S.); (D.H.); (O.B.O.); (H.M.G.); (S.S.)
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Library Building, 975 West Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rizzo S, Savastano MC, Bortolotti D, Savastano A, Gambini G, Caccuri F, Gentili V, Rizzo R. COVID-19 Ocular Prophylaxis: The Potential Role of Ozonated-Oils in Liposome Eyedrop Gel. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:7. [PMID: 34351367 PMCID: PMC8354035 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.9.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess whether ozonated-oil in liposome eyedrop gel (OED) could be used to prevent the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in an in vitro infection model. Methods First, we tested the efficacy of OED on in vitro cell regeneration and dry eye resolution in human corneal epithelial cells (hCE-2). Second, we assessed the in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 infection efficacy of OED using Vero E6 cells. Tissues were examined to assess different parameters: morphology, histology, and mRNA expression at 24 hours after treatment. Results OED could restore 50% of the scratch in the monolayer of hCE-2 cells in vitro compared with the 25% obtained with phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS). At 24 hours after treatment with OED, the number of microvilli and the mucin network were restored, as observed using scanning electron microscopy. In Vero E6 cells infected with a primary SARS-CoV-2 strain and treated with OED two times/day, viral replication was found to be inhibited, with a 70-fold reduction observed at 72 hours after infection compared with that under the untreated and PBS-treated conditions. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 transmission through the ocular surface should not be ignored. Although the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 conjunctivitis infection is low, the need for a barrier to prevent possible viral infection is warranted. OED treatment may prevent the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection after 72 hours of twice-daily applications. Translational Relevance Dry eye condition might be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and OED treatment may have a preventive role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanislao Rizzo
- Unit of Ophthalmology, "Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS," Rome, Italy.,"Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Neuroscienze, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Savastano
- Unit of Ophthalmology, "Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS," Rome, Italy.,"Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alfonso Savastano
- Unit of Ophthalmology, "Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS," Rome, Italy.,"Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Gambini
- Unit of Ophthalmology, "Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS," Rome, Italy.,"Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, "Spedali Civili," Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- University of Ferrara, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Laskar R, Ali S. Differential mutation profile of SARS-CoV-2 proteins across deceased and asymptomatic patients. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 347:109598. [PMID: 34303694 PMCID: PMC8299203 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 infection has spread at an alarming rate with many places showing multiple peaks in incidence. Present study analyzes a total of 332 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from 114 asymptomatic and 218 deceased patients from twenty-one different countries to assess the mutation profile therein in order to establish the correlation between the clinical status and the observed mutations. METHODS The mining of mutations was carried out using the GISAID CoVSurver (www.gisaid.org/epiflu-applications/covsurver-mutations-app) with the reference sequence 'hCoV-19/Wuhan/WIV04/2019' present in NCBI with Accession number NC-045512.2. The impact of the mutations on SARS-CoV-2 proteins mutation was predicted using PredictSNP1(loschmidt.chemi.muni.cz/predictsnp1) which is a meta-server integrating six predictor tools: SIFT, PhD-SNP, PolyPhen-1, PolyPhen-2, MAPP and SNAP. The iStable integrated server (predictor.nchu.edu.tw/iStable) was used to predict shifts in the protein stability due to mutations. RESULTS A total of 372 variants were observed in the 332 SARS-CoV-2 sequences with several variants present in multiple patients accounting for a total of 1596 incidences. Asymptomatic and deceased specific mutants constituted 32% and 62% of the repertoire respectively indicating their partial exclusivity. However, the most prevalent mutations were those present in both. Though some parts of the genome are more variable than others but there was clear difference between incidence and prevalence. Non-structural protein 3 (NSP3) with 68 variants had a total of only 105 incidences whereas Spike protein had 346 incidences with just 66 variants. Amongst the Deleterious variants, NSP3 had the highest incidence of 25 followed by NSP2 (16), ORF3a (14) and N (14). Spike protein had just 7 Deleterious variants out of 66. CONCLUSION Deceased patients have more Deleterious than Neutral variants as compared to the asymptomatic ones. Further, it appears that the Deleterious variants which decrease protein stability are more significant in pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rezwanuzzaman Laskar
- Clinical and Applied Genomics (CAG) Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, India.
| | - Safdar Ali
- Clinical and Applied Genomics (CAG) Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Aliah University, Kolkata, India.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Caccuri F, Bugatti A, Zani A, De Palma A, Di Silvestre D, Manocha E, Filippini F, Messali S, Chiodelli P, Campisi G, Fiorentini S, Facchetti F, Mauri P, Caruso A. SARS-CoV-2 Infection Remodels the Phenotype and Promotes Angiogenesis of Primary Human Lung Endothelial Cells. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1438. [PMID: 34361874 PMCID: PMC8305478 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury are life-threatening manifestations of severe viral infection. The pathogenic mechanisms that lead to respiratory complications, such as endothelialitis, intussusceptive angiogenesis, and vascular leakage remain unclear. In this study, by using an immunofluorescence assay and in situ RNA-hybridization, we demonstrate the capability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect human primary lung microvascular endothelial cells (HL-mECs) in the absence of cytopathic effects and release of infectious particles. Preliminary data point to the role of integrins in SARS-CoV-2 entry into HL-mECs in the absence of detectable ACE2 expression. Following infection, HL-mECs were found to release a plethora of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic molecules, as assessed by microarray analyses. This conditioned microenvironment stimulated HL-mECs to acquire an angiogenic phenotype. Proteome analysis confirmed a remodeling of SARS-CoV-2-infected HL-mECs to inflammatory and angiogenic responses and highlighted the expression of antiviral molecules as annexin A6 and MX1. These results support the hypothesis of a direct role of SARS-CoV-2-infected HL-mECs in sustaining vascular dysfunction during the early phases of infection. The construction of virus-host interactomes will be instrumental to identify potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19 aimed to inhibit HL-mEC-sustained inflammation and angiogenesis upon SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (S.M.); (G.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (S.M.); (G.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (S.M.); (G.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Antonella De Palma
- Proteomic and Metabolomic Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), 20054 Segrate, Italy; (A.D.P.); (D.D.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Dario Di Silvestre
- Proteomic and Metabolomic Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), 20054 Segrate, Italy; (A.D.P.); (D.D.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Ekta Manocha
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (S.M.); (G.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Federica Filippini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (S.M.); (G.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Serena Messali
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (S.M.); (G.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Paola Chiodelli
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Campisi
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (S.M.); (G.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Simona Fiorentini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (S.M.); (G.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Fabio Facchetti
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Mauri
- Proteomic and Metabolomic Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), 20054 Segrate, Italy; (A.D.P.); (D.D.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.B.); (A.Z.); (E.M.); (F.F.); (S.M.); (G.C.); (S.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gursoy D, Can AS, Williams N, Ekinci Y. Evolving impacts of COVID-19 vaccination intentions on travel intentions. The Service Industries Journal 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/02642069.2021.1938555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dogan Gursoy
- School of Hopsitality Business Management, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Nigel Williams
- Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Yuksel Ekinci
- Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ioannou GN, O'Hare AM, Berry K, Fan VS, Crothers K, Eastment MC, Locke E, Green P, Shah JA, Dominitz JA. Trends over time in the risk of adverse outcomes among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:416-426. [PMID: 33973000 PMCID: PMC8136056 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to describe trends in adverse outcomes among patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between February and September 2020 within a national healthcare system. Methods We identified enrollees in the national U.S. Veterans Affairs healthcare system who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between 2/28/2020 and 9/30/2020 (n=55,952), with follow-up extending to 11/19/2020. We determined trends over time in incidence of the following outcomes that occurred within 30 days of testing positive: hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation and death. Results Between February and July 2020, there were marked downward trends in the 30-day incidence of hospitalization (44.2% to 15.8%), ICU admission (20.3% to 5.3%), mechanical ventilation (12.7% to 2.2%), and death (12.5% to 4.4%), which subsequently plateaued between July and September 2020. These trends persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, documented symptoms and laboratory tests, including among subgroups of patients hospitalized, admitted to the ICU or treated with mechanical ventilation. From February to September, there were decreases in the use of hydroxychloroquine (56.5% to 0%), azithromycin (48.3% to 16.6%) vasopressors (20.6% to 8.7%), and dialysis (11.6% to 3.8%) and increases in the use of dexamethasone (3.4% to 53.1%), other corticosteroids (4.9% to 29.0%) and remdesivir (1.7% to 45.4%) among hospitalized patients. Conclusions The risk of adverse outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients decreased markedly between February and July, with subsequent stabilization from July to September. These trends were not explained by changes in measured baseline patient characteristics and may reflect changing treatment practices or viral pathogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George N Ioannou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ann M O'Hare
- Division of Nephrology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristin Berry
- Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vincent S Fan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristina Crothers
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - McKenna C Eastment
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily Locke
- Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Pamela Green
- Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Javeed A Shah
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jason A Dominitz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
James J, Rhodes S, Ross CS, Skinner P, Smith SP, Shipley R, Warren CJ, Goharriz H, McElhinney LM, Temperton N, Wright E, Fooks AR, Clark TW, Brookes SM, Brown IH, Banyard AC. Comparison of Serological Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies. Viruses 2021; 13:713. [PMID: 33924168 PMCID: PMC8074400 DOI: 10.3390/v13040713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus was first detected in late 2019 and circulated globally, causing COVID-19, which is characterised by sub-clinical to severe disease in humans. Here, we investigate the serological antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection during acute and convalescent infection using a cohort of (i) COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital, (ii) healthy individuals who had experienced 'COVID-19 like-illness', and (iii) a cohort of healthy individuals prior to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. We compare SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody detection rates from four different serological methods, virus neutralisation test (VNT), ID Screen® SARS-CoV-2-N IgG ELISA, Whole Antigen ELISA, and lentivirus-based SARS-CoV-2 pseudotype virus neutralisation tests (pVNT). All methods were able to detect prior infection with COVID-19, albeit with different relative sensitivities. The VNT and SARS-CoV-2-N ELISA methods showed a strong correlation yet provided increased detection rates when used in combination. A pVNT correlated strongly with SARS-CoV-2 VNT and was able to effectively discriminate SARS-CoV-2 antibody positive and negative serum with the same efficiency as the VNT. Moreover, the pVNT was performed with the same level of discrimination across multiple separate institutions. Therefore, the pVNT is a sensitive, specific, and reproducible lower biosafety level alternative to VNT for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies for diagnostic and research applications. Our data illustrate the potential utility of applying VNT or pVNT and ELISA antibody tests in parallel to enhance the sensitivity of exposure to infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joe James
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Shelley Rhodes
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Craig S. Ross
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Paul Skinner
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Samuel P. Smith
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Rebecca Shipley
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK;
| | - Caroline J. Warren
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Hooman Goharriz
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Lorraine M. McElhinney
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TB, UK;
| | - Edward Wright
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK;
| | - Anthony R. Fooks
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Tristan W. Clark
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK;
- Department of Infection, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Sharon M. Brookes
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.R.); (C.S.R.); (P.S.); (S.P.S.); (R.S.); (C.J.W.); (H.G.); (L.M.M.); (A.R.F.); (S.M.B.); (I.H.B.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Popova AY, Andreeva EE, Babura EA, Balakhonov SV, Bashketova NS, Bulanov MV, Valeullina NN, Goryaev DV, Detkovskaya NN, Ezhlova EB, Zaitseva NN, Istorik OA, Kovalchuk IV, Kozlovskikh DN, Kombarova SV, Kurganova OP, Kutyrev VV, Lomovtsev AE, Lukicheva LA, Lyalina LV, Melnikova AA, Mikailova OM, Noskov AK, Noskova LN, Oglezneva EE, Osmolovskay TP, Patyashina MA, Penkovskaya NA, Samoilova LV, Smirnov VS, Stepanova TF, Trotsenko OE, Totolyan AA. Features of developing SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein population-based seroprevalence during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in the Russian Federation. Russian Journal of Infection and Immunity 2021. [DOI: 10.15789/2220-7619-fod-1684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, dubbed COVID-19, has become one of the most serious challenges for human populations in the vast majority of countries worldwide. Rapid spreading and increased mortality related to it required new approaches to manage epidemic processes on a global scale. One of such approaches was based on analyzing SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence associated with COVID-19. Our aim was to summarize the results on assessing seroprevalence to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen (Nc) in residents from 26 regions of the Russian Federation, carried out during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic.Materials and methods. Seroprevalence distribution was examined in 26 model regions of the Russian Federation according to the unified method developed by the Rospotrebnadzor with the participation of the Federal State Institution Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. Such approach implied formation of a group of volunteer subjects in model geographic region who were tested by ELISA for anti-Nc serum antibody level in peripheral blood. Analyzed primary data obtained in separate regions were either accepted for publication or released.Results. The current paper finalizes the data obtained in all 26 regions of the Russian Federation. The total SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 19.5 (10.0–25.6)% with the maximum and minimum value found in the Kaliningrad Region and the Republic of Crimea, respectively (50.2% vs. 4.3%). A pattern of age-related seroprevalence distribution indicates insignificant predominance of seroprevalence among subjects of 1–17 years old: 22.1 (13.1–31.8)%. Among COVID-19 convalescents positive for SARS-CoV Nc antibodies it reached 60.0 (40.0–73.3)%. The number of contact persons comprised 6285 subjects or 8.5% of total volunteer cohort, with the level of seroprevalence reaching up to 25.3 (17.95–35.8)%. A direct correlation was revealed between levels of seroprevalence in convalescent and contact volunteers. In addition, the reproductive number for SARS-CoV was calculated comprising 5.8 (4.3–8.5) suggesting that one convalescent subject can infect at least 4 healthy individuals. A high level of asymptomatic forms of COVID-19 among seropositive subjects was confirmed empirically comprising up to 93.6 (87.1–94.9)%.Conclusion. A single cross-sectional study performed during 2020 June–August timeframe allowed to assess pattern of sex- and agerelated COVID-19 seroprevalence for general population in 26 Russian Federation regions. The data obtained may serve as a basis for the longitudinal cohort investigation with serial subject sampling. The timing and duration of study will be determined by dynamics of ongoing COVID-19 epidemic.
Collapse
|
30
|
Sardanelli AM, Isgrò C, Palese LL. SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Active Site Ligands in the Human Metabolome. Molecules 2021; 26:1409. [PMID: 33807773 PMCID: PMC7961382 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In late 2019, a global pandemic occurred. The causative agent was identified as a member of the Coronaviridae family, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this study, we present an analysis on the substances identified in the human metabolome capable of binding the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). The substances present in the human metabolome have both endogenous and exogenous origins. The aim of this research was to find molecules whose biochemical and toxicological profile was known that could be the starting point for the development of antiviral therapies. Our analysis revealed numerous metabolites-including xenobiotics-that bind this protease, which are essential to the lifecycle of the virus. Among these substances, silybin, a flavolignan compound and the main active component of silymarin, is particularly noteworthy. Silymarin is a standardized extract of milk thistle, Silybum marianum, and has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antineoplastic, and antiviral activities. Our results-obtained in silico and in vitro-prove that silybin and silymarin, respectively, are able to inhibit Mpro, representing a possible food-derived natural compound that is useful as a therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Sardanelli
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Isgrò
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Leonardo Palese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mannan A, Mehedi H, Chy N, Qayum MO, Akter F, Rob M, Biswas P, Hossain S, Ayub MI. A multi-centre, cross-sectional study on coronavirus disease 2019 in Bangladesh: clinical epidemiology and short-term outcomes in recovered individuals. New Microbes New Infect 2021; 40:100838. [PMID: 33520252 PMCID: PMC7834423 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2021.100838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly became a global pandemic. This study aimed to investigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) -associated epidemiology and clinical outcomes in Bangladesh in order to understand the future course of the COVID-19 pandemic and develop approaches to prevention. A cross-sectional study based on retrospective interviews was conducted on 1021 individuals with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 admitted in six different hospitals in Bangladesh and who recovered 4 weeks before the interview date. Of the 1021 patients, 111 (10.9%) were asymptomatic and the other 910 (89.1%) were symptomatic. Higher prevalence of COVID-19 was found in the male population (75%), in cohorts with B-positive blood group (36.3%) and in the 31-40 years age group. Common symptoms observed in our study participants were fever (72.4%), cough (55.9%), loss of taste (40.7%) and body ache (40%); whereas among the biochemical parameters, neutrophil count (46.4%), D-dimer (46.1%) and ferritin (37.9%) levels were elevated. Among the recovered individuals, short-term outcomes including pains and aches (31.8%), weakened attention span (24.4%) and anxiety or depression (23.1%) were also significantly prevalent in the symptomatic cases with comorbidities. Our study showed that in Bangladesh, adult males aged between 31 and 40 years were more vulnerable to developing COVID-19. It also indicated a rising trend of asymptomatic cases as the pandemic progressed. As a consequence, deployment of interventions to curb further spread of community infection is necessary to avoid grave outcomes of COVID-19 in Bangladesh.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Mannan
- Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - H.M.H. Mehedi
- Department of Medicine, 250 bedded General Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - N.U.H.A. Chy
- Health Economics Research Group, Department of Economics, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md. O. Qayum
- Curator, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR), Dhaka
| | - F. Akter
- Department of Endocrinology, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - M.A. Rob
- Department of Medicine, 250 bedded General Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - P. Biswas
- Department of Pathology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - S. Hossain
- Corona Unit, Dhaka Mohanagar General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - M. Ibn Ayub
- Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Ramna, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhu Z, Liu G, Meng K, Yang L, Liu D, Meng G. Rapid Spread of Mutant Alleles in Worldwide SARS-CoV-2 Strains Revealed by Genome-Wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Variation Analysis. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:evab015. [PMID: 33512495 PMCID: PMC7883668 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a pandemic and is threatening human health globally. Here, we report nine newly evolved SARS-CoV-2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) alleles those underwent a rapid increase (seven cases) or decrease (two cases) in their frequency for 30-80% in the initial four months, which are further confirmed by intrahost single nucleotide variation analysis using raw sequence data including 8,217 samples. The nine SNPs are mostly (8/9) located in the coding region and are mainly (6/9) nonsynonymous substitutions. The nine SNPs show a complete linkage in SNP pairs and belong to three different linkage groups, named LG_1 to LG_3. Analyses in population genetics show signatures of adaptive selection toward the mutants in LG_1, but no signal of selection for LG_2. Population genetic analysis results on LG_3 show geological differentiation. Analyses on geographic COVID-19 cases and published clinical data provide evidence that the mutants in LG_1 and LG_3 benefit virus replication and those in LG_1 have a positive correlation with the disease severity in COVID-19-infected patients. The mutants in LG_2 show a bias toward mildness of the disease based on available public clinical data. Our findings may be instructive for epidemiological surveys and disease control of COVID-19 in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gexin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kaiwen Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Chongqing Occupational Disease Prevention Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Di Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for 25 Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Geng Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Giovanetti M, Benedetti F, Campisi G, Ciccozzi A, Fabris S, Ceccarelli G, Tambone V, Caruso A, Angeletti S, Zella D, Ciccozzi M. Evolution patterns of SARS-CoV-2: Snapshot on its genome variants. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 538:88-91. [PMID: 33199021 PMCID: PMC7836704 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
An acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19), caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) with a high rate of morbidity and elevate mortality, has emerged as one of the most important threats to humankind in the last centuries. Rigorous determination of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity is very difficult owing to the continuous evolution of the virus, with its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants and many lineages. However, it is urgently necessary to study the virus in depth, to understand the mechanism of its pathogenicity and virulence, and to develop effective therapeutic strategies. The present contribution summarizes in a succinct way the current knowledge on the evolutionary and structural features of the virus, with the aim of clarifying its mutational pattern and its possible role in the ongoing pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Benedetti
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, USA
| | - Giovanni Campisi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology, Universityof Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ciccozzi
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Fabris
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Dipartimento di Salute Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Policlinico Umberto I Università‘Sapienza’, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology, Universityof Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Zella
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fiorentini S, Messali S, Zani A, Caccuri F, Giovanetti M, Ciccozzi M, Caruso A. First detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein N501 mutation in Italy in August, 2020. Lancet Infect Dis 2021; 21:e147. [PMID: 33450180 PMCID: PMC7836831 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00007-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Fiorentini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Serena Messali
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cicciù
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, G. Martino University Hospital, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Fiorillo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, G. Martino University Hospital, University of Messina, Messina, Italy - .,Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, Luigi Vanvitelli University, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Laino
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, Luigi Vanvitelli University, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|