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Chen H, Phuektes P, Yeo LS, Wong YH, Lee RCH, Yi B, Hou X, Liu S, Cai Y, Chu JJH. Attenuation of neurovirulence of chikungunya virus by a single amino acid mutation in viral E2 envelope protein. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:8. [PMID: 38229040 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-00995-x] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has reemerged as a major public health concern, causing chikungunya fever with increasing cases and neurological complications. METHODS In the present study, we investigated a low-passage human isolate of the East/ Central/South African (ECSA) lineage of CHIKV strain LK(EH)CH6708, which exhibited a mix of small and large viral plaques. The small and large plaque variants were isolated and designated as CHIKV-SP and CHIKV-BP, respectively. CHIKV-SP and CHIKV-BP were characterized in vitro and in vivo to compare their virus production and virulence. Additionally, whole viral genome analysis and reverse genetics were employed to identify genomic virulence factors. RESULTS CHIKV-SP demonstrated lower virus production in mammalian cells and attenuated virulence in a murine model. On the other hand, CHIKV-BP induced higher pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, compromised the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, and led to astrocyte infection in mouse brains. Furthermore, the CHIKV-SP variant had limited transmission potential in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, likely due to restricted dissemination. Whole viral genome analysis revealed multiple genetic mutations in the CHIKV-SP variant, including a Glycine (G) to Arginine (R) mutation at position 55 in the viral E2 glycoprotein. Reverse genetics experiments confirmed that the E2-G55R mutation alone was sufficient to reduce virus production in vitro and virulence in mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the attenuating effects of the E2-G55R mutation on CHIKV pathogenicity and neurovirulence and emphasize the importance of monitoring this mutation in natural infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patchara Phuektes
- Division of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Li Sze Yeo
- School of Applied Science, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Hao Wong
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Regina Ching Hua Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bowen Yi
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xinjun Hou
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sen Liu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Collaborative and Translation Unit for HFMD, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
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Chan RWY, Tao KP, Ye J, Lui KKY, Yang X, Ma C, Chan PKS. Inhibition of Influenza Virus Replication by Oseltamivir Derivatives. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020237. [PMID: 35215179 PMCID: PMC8879189 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterized by the high morbidity and mortality and seasonal surge, the influenza virus (IV) remains a major public health challenge. Oseltamivir is commonly used as a first-line antiviral. As a neuraminidase inhibitor, it attenuates the penetration of viruses through the mucus on the respiratory tract and inhibits the release of virus progeny from infected cells. However, over the years, oseltamivir-resistant strains have been detected in the IV surveillance programs. Therefore, new antivirals that circumvent the resistant strains would be of great importance. In this study, two novel secondary amine derivatives of oseltamivir CUHK326 (6f) and CUHK392 (10i), which bear heteroaryl groups of M2-S31 proton channel inhibitors, were designed, synthesized and subjected to biological evaluation using plaque assay. Influenza A virus (A/Oklahoma/447/2008, H1N1), influenza B viruses (B/HongKong/CUHK33261/2012), an oseltamivir-resistant influenza A virus (A/HongKong/CUHK71923/2009, H1N1) and an oseltamivir-resistant influenza B virus (B/HongKong/CUHK33280/2012) were included in the antiviral effect assessment compared to oseltamivir carboxylate (OC). Both novel compounds significantly reduced the plaque size of seasonal IV A and B, and performed similarly to OC at their corresponding half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). CUHK392 (10i) functioned more effectively than CUHK326 (6f). More importantly, these compounds showed an inhibitory effect on the oseltamivir-resistant strain under 10 nM with selective index (SI) of >200.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee W. Y. Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.T.); (K.K.Y.L.)
- Laboratory for Paediatric Respiratory Research, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-UMCU Joint Research Laboratory of Respiratory Virus & Immunobiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: (R.W.Y.C.); (P.K.S.C.)
| | - Kin P. Tao
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.T.); (K.K.Y.L.)
- Laboratory for Paediatric Respiratory Research, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-UMCU Joint Research Laboratory of Respiratory Virus & Immunobiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiqing Ye
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (J.Y.); (C.M.)
| | - Kevin K. Y. Lui
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.T.); (K.K.Y.L.)
- Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (J.Y.); (C.M.)
| | - Paul K. S. Chan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Correspondence: (R.W.Y.C.); (P.K.S.C.)
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Mandary MB, Masomian M, Ong SK, Poh CL. Characterization of Plaque Variants and the Involvement of Quasi-Species in a Population of EV-A71. Viruses 2020; 12:E651. [PMID: 32560288 PMCID: PMC7354493 DOI: 10.3390/v12060651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral plaque morphologies in human cell lines are markers for growth capability and they have been used to assess the viral fitness and selection of attenuated mutants for live-attenuated vaccine development. In this study, we investigate whether the naturally occurring plaque size variation reflects the virulence of the variants of EV-A71. Variants of two different plaque sizes (big and small) from EV-A71 sub-genotype B4 strain 41 were characterized. The plaque variants displayed different in vitro growth kinetics compared to the parental wild type. The plaque variants showed specific mutations being present in each variant strain. The big plaque variants showed four mutations I97L, N104S, S246P and N282D in the VP1 while the small plaque variants showed I97T, N237T and T292A in the VP1. No other mutations were detected in the whole genome of the two variants. The variants showed stable homogenous small plaques and big plaques, respectively, when re-infected in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and Vero cells. The parental strain showed faster growth kinetics and had higher viral RNA copy number than both the big and small plaque variants. Homology modelling shows that both plaque variants have differences in the structure of the VP1 protein due to the presence of unique spontaneous mutations found in each plaque variant This study suggests that the EV-A71 sub-genotype B4 strain 41 has at least two variants with different plaque morphologies. These differences were likely due to the presence of spontaneous mutations that are unique to each of the plaque variants. The ability to maintain the respective plaque morphology upon passaging indicates the presence of quasi-species in the parental population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiiha Bibi Mandary
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia; (M.B.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Malihe Masomian
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia; (M.B.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Seng-Kai Ong
- Department of Biological Science, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Chit Laa Poh
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia; (M.B.M.); (M.M.)
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Mandary MB, Masomian M, Poh CL. Impact of RNA Virus Evolution on Quasispecies Formation and Virulence. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4657. [PMID: 31546962 PMCID: PMC6770471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA viruses are known to replicate by low fidelity polymerases and have high mutation rates whereby the resulting virus population tends to exist as a distribution of mutants. In this review, we aim to explore how genetic events such as spontaneous mutations could alter the genomic organization of RNA viruses in such a way that they impact virus replications and plaque morphology. The phenomenon of quasispecies within a viral population is also discussed to reflect virulence and its implications for RNA viruses. An understanding of how such events occur will provide further evidence about whether there are molecular determinants for plaque morphology of RNA viruses or whether different plaque phenotypes arise due to the presence of quasispecies within a population. Ultimately this review gives an insight into whether the intrinsically high error rates due to the low fidelity of RNA polymerases is responsible for the variation in plaque morphology and diversity in virulence. This can be a useful tool in characterizing mechanisms that facilitate virus adaptation and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiiha Bibi Mandary
- Center for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Malihe Masomian
- Center for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chit Laa Poh
- Center for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 47500, Malaysia.
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