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Conti MG, Piano Mortari E, Nenna R, Pierangeli A, Sorrentino L, Frasca F, Petrarca L, Mancino E, Di Mattia G, Matera L, Fracella M, Albano C, Scagnolari C, Capponi M, Cinicola B, Carsetti R, Midulla F. SARS-CoV-2-specific mucosal immune response in vaccinated versus infected children. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1231697. [PMID: 38601739 PMCID: PMC11004290 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1231697] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The anti-COVID-19 intramuscular vaccination induces a strong systemic but a weak mucosal immune response in adults. Little is known about the mucosal immune response in children infected or vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. We found that 28% of children had detectable salivary IgA against SARS-CoV-2 even before vaccination, suggesting that, in children, SARS-CoV-2 infection may be undiagnosed. After vaccination, only receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific IgA1 significantly increased in the saliva. Conversely, infected children had significantly higher salivary RBD-IgA2 compared to IgA1, indicating that infection more than vaccination induces a specific mucosal immune response in children. Future efforts should focus on development of vaccine technologies that also activate mucosal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Conti
- Department of Maternal, Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eva Piano Mortari
- B Cell Unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Nenna
- Department of Maternal, Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pierangeli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sorrentino
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Frasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrarca
- Department of Maternal, Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Mancino
- Department of Maternal, Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Greta Di Mattia
- Department of Maternal, Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Matera
- Department of Maternal, Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Albano
- B Cell Unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Capponi
- Department of Maternal, Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Cinicola
- Department of Maternal, Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Carsetti
- B Cell Unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Maternal, Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Fracella M, Mancino E, Nenna R, Virgillito C, Frasca F, D'Auria A, Sorrentino L, Petrarca L, La Regina D, Matera L, Di Mattia G, Caputo B, Antonelli G, Pierangeli A, Viscidi RP, Midulla F, Scagnolari C. Age-related transcript changes in type I interferon signaling in children and adolescents with long COVID. Eur J Immunol 2024:e2350682. [PMID: 38522030 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350682] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 typically causes mild symptoms in children, but evidence suggests that persistent immunopathological changes may lead to long COVID (LC). To explore the interplay between LC and innate immunity, we assessed the type I interferon (IFN-I) response in children and adolescents with LC symptoms (LC; n = 28). This was compared with age-matched SARS-CoV-2 recovered participants without LC symptoms (MC; n = 28) and healthy controls (HC; n = 18). We measured the mRNA expression of IFN-I (IFN-α/β/ε/ω), IFN-I receptor (IFNAR1/2), and ISGs (ISG15, ISG56, MxA, IFI27, BST2, LY6E, OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and MDA5) in PBMCs collected 3-6 months after COVID-19. LC adolescents (12-17 years) had higher transcript levels of IFN-β, IFN-ε, and IFN-ω than HC, whereas LC children (6-11 years) had lower levels than HC. In adolescents, increased levels of IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-ω mRNAs were found in the LC group compared with MC, while lower levels were observed in LC children than MC. Adolescents with neurological symptoms had higher IFN-α/β mRNA levels than MC. LC and MC participants showed decreased expression of ISGs and IFNAR1, but increased expression of IFNAR2, than HC. Our results show age-related changes in the expression of transcripts involved in the IFN-I signaling pathway in children and adolescents with LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fracella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Mancino
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Nenna
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Virgillito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Frasca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra D'Auria
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sorrentino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrarca
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico La Regina
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Matera
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Greta Di Mattia
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Beniamino Caputo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pierangeli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raphael P Viscidi
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Faja F, Pallotti F, Bianchini S, Buonacquisto A, Cicolani G, Conflitti AC, Fracella M, Cavallari EN, Sciarra F, Pierangeli A, Paoli D, Lenzi A, Antonelli G, Lombardo F, Gianfrilli D. Molecular study of the presence and transcriptional activity of HPV in semen. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:557-570. [PMID: 37584897 PMCID: PMC10904563 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02167-4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in semen represents a controversial topic. Recent evidence suggests a correlation with poor semen quality, but its detection is still unstandardized in this biological fluid. Thus, the aims of this study were to verify the ability of nested PCR to reveal HPV-DNA in semen; to evaluate association of seminal HPV with sperm parameters and risk factors for infection; to investigate the rate of HPV-DNA positivity in patients with and without risk factors; to assess HPV transcriptional activity. METHODS We enrolled sexually active men and collected clinical and anamnestic data during andrological and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) evaluation. For each patient, we performed semen analysis and nested PCR to detect HPV-DNA in semen. In positive semen samples, we proceeded with genotyping and RNA quantification to detect HPV transcriptional activity. RESULTS We enrolled 185 men (36.0 ± 8.3 years), of which 85 with (Group A) and 100 without HPV risk factors (Group B). Nested PCR was able to reveal HPV-DNA in semen, discovering a prevalence of 8.6% (11.8% in Group A and 6% in Group B, respectively). We observed no correlation between sperm quality and seminal HPV. Genital warts and previous anogenital infection were significantly associated with the risk of HPV positivity in semen. Moreover, no viral transcriptional activity was detected in positive semen samples. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that searching for seminal HPV could be important in patients both with and without risk factors, especially in assisted reproduction where the risk of injecting sperm carrying HPV-DNA is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Faja
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - F Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna "Kore", 94100, Enna, Italy
| | - S Bianchini
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Buonacquisto
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - G Cicolani
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A C Conflitti
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Fracella
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - E N Cavallari
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - F Sciarra
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Pierangeli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - D Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - A Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - G Antonelli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology - "Loredana Gandini" Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - D Gianfrilli
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Fracella M, Oliveto G, Roberto P, Cinti L, Gentile M, Coratti E, D’Ettorre G, Cavallari EN, Romano F, Santinelli L, Maddaloni L, Frasca F, Scagnolari C, Antonelli G, Pierangeli A. The Epidemiology of Anal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Women and Men: A Ten-Year Retrospective Observational Study in Rome (Italy). Pathogens 2024; 13:163. [PMID: 38392901 PMCID: PMC10892302 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020163] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) commonly infect the anogenital mucosa; most infections are transient, but a fraction of those caused by high-risk (HR) types persist and may lead to anogenital cancer. The epidemiology of HPV genotypes in anal infections in groups at different risk for anal cancer has not been well described in Italy. This retrospective study reports the results of HPV DNA testing and complete genotyping performed on anal swabs from 691 female and male patients attending proctology clinics in Rome during 2012-2021; one-third had repeated testing. Cumulative HPV positivity in 1212 anal swabs was approximately 60%, was not age related, and showed an increasing trend over the study period. HPV rates differed significantly by sex and HIV status: HIV-negative women had the lowest (43.6%) and HIV-positive men the highest (83.5%) HPV prevalence. HIV-positive men had more oncogenic HPV genotypes detected, more multiple infections, and the highest frequency of persistent infections. Two-thirds of all infections were vaccine-preventable. This study found that anal HPV infection rates are still elevated and even increasing in groups at low and high risk of developing anal cancer. Prevention programs need to be improved to reduce rates of anal infection in young women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fracella
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.); (M.G.); (E.C.); (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Oliveto
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.); (M.G.); (E.C.); (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Piergiorgio Roberto
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, 00186 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (L.C.)
| | - Lilia Cinti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, 00186 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (L.C.)
| | - Massimo Gentile
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.); (M.G.); (E.C.); (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, 00186 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (L.C.)
| | - Eleonora Coratti
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.); (M.G.); (E.C.); (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Gabriella D’Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (E.N.C.); (F.R.); (L.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Eugenio Nelson Cavallari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (E.N.C.); (F.R.); (L.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesco Romano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (E.N.C.); (F.R.); (L.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Letizia Santinelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (E.N.C.); (F.R.); (L.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Luca Maddaloni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (E.N.C.); (F.R.); (L.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Federica Frasca
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.); (M.G.); (E.C.); (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (E.N.C.); (F.R.); (L.S.); (F.F.)
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.); (M.G.); (E.C.); (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.); (M.G.); (E.C.); (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, 00186 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (L.C.)
| | - Alessandra Pierangeli
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.O.); (M.G.); (E.C.); (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
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Filardo S, Di Pietro M, Bozzuto G, Fracella M, Bitossi C, Molinari A, Scagnolari C, Antonelli G, Sessa R. Interferon-ε as potential inhibitor of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106427. [PMID: 37890679 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106427] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, the main cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, is responsible for severe reproductive sequelae. Amongst all the cytokines involved in host immunity towards this pathogen, IFN-ε has recently acquired importance for its potential contribution to the female reproductive tract innate defenses. Herein, our study aimed to explore, for the first time, the activity of IFN-ε toward C. trachomatis in an in vitro infection model, by testing its effects on the different phases of chlamydial developmental cycle, as well as on the ultrastructural characteristics of chlamydial inclusions, via transmission electron microscopy. Main result is the capability of IFN-ε to alter C. trachomatis growth, as suggested by reduced infectious progenies, as well as a patchy distribution of bacteria and altered morphology of reticulate bodies within inclusions. In conclusion, our results suggest that IFN-ε could play a role in the innate and adaptive immune defenses against C. trachomatis; in the future, it will be needed to investigate its activity on an infection model more closely resembling the physiological environment of the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Bozzuto
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Camilla Bitossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Agnese Molinari
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale di Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Maddaloni L, Santinelli L, Bugani G, Cacciola EG, Lazzaro A, Lofaro CM, Caiazzo S, Frasca F, Fracella M, Ajassa C, Leanza C, Napoli A, Cinti L, Gaeta A, Antonelli G, Ceccarelli G, Mastroianni CM, Scagnolari C, d'Ettorre G. Differential expression of Type I interferon and inflammatory genes in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients treated with monoclonal antibodies. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e968. [PMID: 37904704 PMCID: PMC10571496 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.968] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considering the reported efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against the Spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in reducing disease severity, the aim of this study was to investigate the innate immune response before and after mAbs treatment in 72 vaccinated and 31 unvaccinated SARS-CoV-2 patients. METHODS The mRNA levels of IFN-I, IFN-related genes and cytokines were evaluated using RT/real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS Vaccinated patients showed increased rate of negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests on nasopharyngeal swab compared with unvaccinated ones after mAbs treatment (p = .002). Unvaccinated patients had lower IFN-α/ω and higher IFN-related genes (IFNAR1, IFNAR2, IRF9, ISG15, ISG56 and IFI27) and cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β) mRNA levels compared to vaccinated individuals before mAbs (p < .05 for all genes). Increased IFN-α/ω, IFNAR1, IFNAR2 and IRF9 levels were observed in unvaccinated patients after mAbs treatment, while the mRNA expression ISGs and IL-10 were reduced in all patients. CONCLUSION These data suggest that anti-S vaccinated patients have increased levels of innate immune genes compared to unvaccinated ones. Also, gene expression changes in IFN genes after mAbs administration are different according to the vaccination status of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Maddaloni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Letizia Santinelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Ginevra Bugani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Elio G. Cacciola
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Alessandro Lazzaro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Chiara M. Lofaro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Sara Caiazzo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Federica Frasca
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Camilla Ajassa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Cristiana Leanza
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Anna Napoli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Lilia Cinti
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Aurelia Gaeta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
- Azienda Ospedaliero‐Universitaria Policlinico Umberto IRomeItaly
| | | | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Gabriella d'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
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7
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Pierangeli A, Nenna R, Fracella M, Scagnolari C, Oliveto G, Sorrentino L, Frasca F, Conti MG, Petrarca L, Papoff P, Turriziani O, Antonelli G, Stefanelli P, Palamara AT, Midulla F. Genetic diversity and its impact on disease severity in respiratory syncytial virus subtype-A and -B bronchiolitis before and after pandemic restrictions in Rome. J Infect 2023; 87:305-314. [PMID: 37495189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To scrutinize whether the high circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) observed in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 was due to viral diversity, we characterized RSV-A and -B strains causing bronchiolitis in Rome, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS RSV-positive samples, prospectively collected from infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis from 2017-2018 to 2022-2023, were sequenced in the G gene; phylogenetic results and amino acid substitutions were analyzed. Subtype-specific data were compared among seasons. RESULTS Predominance of RSV-A and -B alternated in the pre-pandemic seasons; RSV-A dominated in 2021-2022 whereas RSV-B was predominant in 2022-2023. RSV-A sequences were ON1 genotype but quite distant from the ancestor; two divergent clades included sequences from pre- and post-pandemic seasons. Nearly all RSV-B were BA10 genotype; a divergent clade included only strains from 2021-2022 to 2022-2023. RSV-A cases had lower need of O2 therapy and of intensive care during 2021-2022 with respect to all other seasons. RSV-B infected infants were more frequently admitted to intensive care units and needed O2 in 2022-2023. CONCLUSIONS The intense RSV peak in 2021-2022, driven by RSV-A phylogenetically related to pre-pandemic strains is attributable to the immune debt created by pandemic restrictions. The RSV-B genetic divergence observed in post-pandemic strains may have increased the RSV-B specific immune debt, being a possible contributor to bronchiolitis severity in 2022-2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pierangeli
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, V.le Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - R Nenna
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, V.le Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - M Fracella
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, V.le Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - C Scagnolari
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, V.le Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - G Oliveto
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, V.le Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - L Sorrentino
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, V.le Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - F Frasca
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, V.le Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - M G Conti
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, V.le Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - L Petrarca
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, V.le Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - P Papoff
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, V.le Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - O Turriziani
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, V.le Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - G Antonelli
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, V.le Porta Tiburtina, 28, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - P Stefanelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, V.le Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - A T Palamara
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, V.le Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - F Midulla
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, V.le Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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8
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Fracella M, Scordio M, Sorrentino L, D'Auria A, Ingenito R, Gentile M, Pierangeli A, Antonelli G, Scagnolari C, Frasca F. In Vitro Virucidal Effects of Ultraviolet Light Prototypes on RNA viruses. New Microbiol 2023; 46:161-169. [PMID: 37247237] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet-C (UVC) has been used to cause virus inactivation. The virucidal activity of three UV light lamps [UVC high frequencies (HF), UVC+B LED and UVC+A LED] was evaluated against the enveloped feline coronavirus (FCoVII), a surrogate model of SARS-CoV-2, the enveloped vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and the naked encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). Virucidal assays were performed at different time points of UV-light exposure (i.e., 5, 30 minutes and 1, 6, and 8 hours), placing each virus 180 cm below the perpendicular irradiation of the lamp and 1 and 2 meters from the perpendicular axis. We found that the UVC HF lamp had virucidal effects (≥96.8% of virus inactivation) against FCoVII, VSV and EMCV after 5 minutes of irradiation at each distance analyzed. Moreover, the UVC+B LED lamp had the highest inhibitory effects on FCoVII and VSV infectivity (≥99% of virus inactivation) when these viruses were settled below the perpendicular axis of the lamp for 5 minutes. Conversely, the UVC+A LED lamp was the least effective, achieving ≥85.9% inactivation of enveloped RNA viruses after 8 hours of UV exposure. Overall, UV light lamps, and in particular UVC HF and UVC+B LED ones, had a rapid and strong virucidal activity against distinct RNA viruses, including coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fracella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Scordio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sorrentino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra D'Auria
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Gentile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pierangeli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Frasca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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9
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Sorrentino L, Toscanelli W, Fracella M, De Angelis M, Frasca F, Scagnolari C, Petrarca L, Nenna R, Midulla F, Palamara AT, Nencioni L, Pierangeli A. NRF2 Antioxidant Response and Interferon-Stimulated Genes Are Differentially Expressed in Respiratory-Syncytial-Virus- and Rhinovirus-Infected Hospitalized Children. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040577. [PMID: 37111463 PMCID: PMC10144743 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040577] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (HRV) are frequent causes of the hospitalization of children; nonetheless, RSV is responsible for the most severe and life-threatening illnesses. Viral infection triggers an inflammatory response, activating interferon (IFN)-mediated responses, including IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) expression with antiviral and immunomodulatory activities. In parallel, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), whose antioxidant activity can reduce inflammation by interacting with the NF-kB pathway and the IFN response. To clarify how the interplay of IFN and NRF2 may impact on clinical severity, we enrolled children hospitalized for bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and measured gene expression of type-I and III IFNs, of several ISGs, of NRF2 and antioxidant-related genes, i.e., glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [Quinone] 1 (NQO1) in RSV- (RSV-A N = 33 and RSV-B N = 30) and HRV (N = 22)-positive respiratory samples. NRF2 and HO1 expression is significantly elevated in children with HRV infection compared to RSV (p = 0.012 and p = 0.007, respectively), whereas ISG15 and ISG56 expression is higher in RSV-infected children (p = 0.016 and p = 0.049, respectively). Children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) had reduced NRF2 expression (p = 0.002). These data suggest, for the first time, that lower activation of the NRF2 antioxidant response in RSV-infected infants may contribute to bronchiolitis severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Sorrentino
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Toscanelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Frasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrarca
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Nenna
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pierangeli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
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10
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Santinelli L, Lazzaro A, Sciarra F, Maddaloni L, Frasca F, Fracella M, Moretti S, Borsetti A, Bugani G, Alessandri F, Zullino V, Ruberto F, Pugliese F, Sorrentino L, Gianfrilli D, Isidori A, Venneri MA, Mastroianni CM, Ceccarelli G, d’Ettorre G. Cellular Immune Profiling of Lung and Blood Compartments in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030442. [PMID: 36986364 PMCID: PMC10057444 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030442] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 related immunopathology may be the driving cause underlying severe COVID-19. Through an immunophenotyping analysis on paired bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood samples collected from mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19-associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (CARDS), this study aimed to evaluate the cellular immune responses in survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19. Methods: A total of 36 paired clinical samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) mononuclear cells (BALF-MC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 18 SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University Hospital in Rome (Italy) for severe interstitial pneumonia. The frequencies of monocytes (total, classical, intermediate and non-classical) and Natural Killer (NK) cell subsets (total, CD56bright and CD56dim), as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets [naïve, central memory (TCM) and effector memory (TEM)], and those expressing CD38 and/or HLADR were evaluated by multiparametric flow cytometry. Results: Survivors with CARDS exhibited higher frequencies of classical monocytes in blood compared to non-survivors (p < 0.05), while no differences in the frequencies of the other monocytes, NK cell and T cell subsets were recorded between these two groups of patients (p > 0.05). The only exception was for peripheral naïve CD4+ T cells levels that were reduced in non-survivors (p = 0.04). An increase in the levels of CD56bright (p = 0.012) and a decrease in CD56dim (p = 0.002) NK cell frequencies was also observed in BALF-MC samples compared to PBMC in deceased COVID-19 patients. Total CD4+ and CD8+ T cell levels in the lung compartment were lower compared to blood (p = 0.002 and p < 0.01, respectively) among non-survivors. Moreover, CD38 and HLA-DR were differentially expressed by CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets in BALF-MC and in PBMC among SARS-CoV-2-infected patients who died from COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results show that the immune cellular profile in blood and pulmonary compartments was similar in survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19. T lymphocyte levels were reduced, but resulted highly immune-activated in the lung compartment of patients who faced a fatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Santinelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lazzaro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sciarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Maddaloni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Frasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Moretti
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Italian Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (G.C.); Tel.: +39-0649903591 (S.M.); +39-0649970311 (G.C.)
| | - Alessandra Borsetti
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Italian Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Bugani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandri
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Zullino
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Ruberto
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pugliese
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sorrentino
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio M. Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (G.C.); Tel.: +39-0649903591 (S.M.); +39-0649970311 (G.C.)
| | - Gabriella d’Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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11
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Mori M, Quaglio D, Calcaterra A, Ghirga F, Sorrentino L, Cammarone S, Fracella M, D’Auria A, Frasca F, Criscuolo E, Clementi N, Mancini N, Botta B, Antonelli G, Pierangeli A, Scagnolari C. Natural Flavonoid Derivatives Have Pan-Coronavirus Antiviral Activity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020314. [PMID: 36838279 PMCID: PMC9960971 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020314] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 protease (3CLpro) is one of the key targets for the development of efficacious drugs for COVID-19 treatment due to its essential role in the life cycle of the virus and exhibits high conservation among coronaviruses. Recent studies have shown that flavonoids, which are small natural molecules, have antiviral activity against coronaviruses (CoVs), including SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we identified the docking sites and binding affinity of several natural compounds, similar to flavonoids, and investigated their inhibitory activity towards 3CLpro enzymatic activity. The selected compounds were then tested in vitro for their cytotoxicity, for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, and the replication of other coronaviruses in different cell lines. Our results showed that Baicalein (100 μg/mL) exerted strong 3CLpro activity inhibition (>90%), whereas Hispidulin and Morin displayed partial inhibition. Moreover, Baicalein, up to 25 μg/mL, hindered >50% of SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 cultures. Lastly, Baicalein displayed antiviral activity against alphacoronavirus (Feline-CoV) and betacoronavirus (Bovine-CoV and HCoV-OC43) in the cell lines. Our study confirmed the antiviral activity of Baicalein against SARS-CoV-2 and demonstrated clear evidence of its pan-coronaviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sorrentino
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Cammarone
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra D’Auria
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Frasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Criscuolo
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Clementi
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicasio Mancini
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pierangeli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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12
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Pierangeli A, Gentile M, Oliveto G, Frasca F, Sorrentino L, Matera L, Nenna R, Viscido A, Fracella M, Petrarca L, D’Ettorre G, Ceccarelli G, Midulla F, Antonelli G, Scagnolari C. Comparison by Age of the Local Interferon Response to SARS-CoV-2 Suggests a Role for IFN-ε and -ω. Front Immunol 2022; 13:873232. [PMID: 35903094 PMCID: PMC9315386 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.873232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Children generally develop a mild disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection whereas older adults are at risk of developing severe COVID-19. Recent transcriptomic analysis showed pre-activated innate immunity in children, resulting in a more effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 response upon infection. To further characterize age-related differences, we studied type I and III interferon (IFN) response in SARS-CoV-2 infected and non-infected individuals of different ages. Specifically, levels of expression of type I (IFN-α, -β, -ε and -ω), type III (IFN-λ1, -λ2 and -λ3) IFNs and of the IFN-stimulated genes, ISG15 and ISG56 were quantified in nasopharyngeal cells from diagnostic swabs. Basal transcription of type I/III IFN genes was highest among children and decreased with age. Among SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals, only IFN-ε and -ω levels were significantly higher in children and young adults whereas ISGs were overexpressed in infected adults. The occurrence of symptoms in children and the need for hospitalization in adults were associated to higher transcription of several IFN genes. Starting from a pre-activated transcription level, the expression of type I and III IFNs was not highly up-regulated in children upon SARS-CoV-2 infection; young adults activated IFNs’ transcription at intermediate levels whereas older adults were characterized by higher ISGs and lower IFN-ε and -ω relative expression levels. Overall, our findings contribute to recognize components of a protective IFN response as a function of age, in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pierangeli
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandra Pierangeli, ; orcid.org/0000-0003-0633-360X
| | - Massimo Gentile
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Oliveto
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Frasca
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sorrentino
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Matera
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Nenna
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Viscido
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrarca
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D’Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
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13
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Sorrentino L, Silvestri V, Oliveto G, Scordio M, Frasca F, Fracella M, Bitossi C, D’Auria A, Santinelli L, Gabriele L, Pierangeli A, Mastroianni CM, d’Ettorre G, Antonelli G, Caruz A, Ottini L, Scagnolari C. Distribution of Interferon Lambda 4 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs11322783 Genotypes in Patients with COVID-19. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020363. [PMID: 35208821 PMCID: PMC8876137 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020363] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Type III interferons (IFN-III), also known as IFN-Lambda, have a pivotal role during SARS-CoV-2 infection. IFN-Lambda response among individuals is heterogeneous and its association with COVID-19 symptoms severity needs to be further clarified. We analyzed the genotype frequencies of IFNL4 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11322783 in patients with COVID-19 (n = 128), in comparison with a validated data set of European healthy controls (n = 14152). The IFNL4 SNP was also analyzed according to the haematological and clinical parameters of patients with COVID-19. The distributions of IFNL4 genotypes among SARS-CoV-2 positive patients [TT/TT 41.4% (n = 53), TT/ΔG 47.7% (n = 61) and ΔG/ΔG 10.9% (n = 14)] and healthy controls were comparable. Different levels of white blood cells (p = 0.036) and neutrophils (p = 0.042) were found in the IFNL4 different genotypes in patients with COVID-19; the ΔG/ΔG genotype was more represented in the groups with low white blood cells and neutrophils. There were no differences in major inflammation parameters (C-reactive protein, D-dimer, Albumin, and Lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH)] and survival rate according to the IFNL4 genotypes. In conclusion, although patients with COVID-19 did not exhibit a different distribution of the IFNL4 SNP, the ΔG/ΔG genotype was associated with a lower count of immune cell populations. These findings need to be confirmed in larger groups of patients with COVID-19 and the role of IFNL4 SNP needs to be also investigated in other respiratory viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Sorrentino
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Valentina Silvestri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.S.); (L.O.)
| | - Giuseppe Oliveto
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Mirko Scordio
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Federica Frasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Matteo Fracella
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Camilla Bitossi
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Alessandra D’Auria
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Letizia Santinelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (C.M.M.); (G.d.)
| | - Lucia Gabriele
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Pierangeli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (C.M.M.); (G.d.)
| | - Gabriella d’Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (C.M.M.); (G.d.)
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
| | - Antonio Caruz
- Immunogenetic Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
| | - Laura Ottini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.S.); (L.O.)
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (G.O.); (M.S.); (F.F.); (M.F.); (C.B.); (A.D.); (A.P.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence:
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