Density Analysis of Enterovirus D68 Shows Viral Particles Can Associate with Exosomes

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is an emerging pathogen which causes respiratory disease and is associated with an acute flaccid myelitis that predominately affects children. EV-D68 can infect motor neurons, causing cell death and a loss of motor control leading to flaccid paralysis. However, it remains unknown how viral particles gain entry into the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we show that three distinct densities of EV-D68 particle can be isolated from infected muscle and neural cell lines (RD and SH-SY5Y) using high-speed density centrifugation to separate cell supernatant. The lowest-density peak is composed of viral particles, which have adhered to the exterior surface of a small extracellular vesicle called an exosome. Analysis of prototypic (historic) and contemporary EV-D68 strains suggests that binding to exosomes is a ubiquitous characteristic of EV-D68. We further show that interaction with exosomes increases viral infectivity in a neural cell line. Analysis of the two higher-density peaks, which are not associated with exosomes, revealed that a significant amount of viral titer in the modern (2014) EV-D68 strains is found at 1.20 g/cm3, whereas this density has a very low viral titer in the prototypic Fermon strain. IMPORTANCE Despite the strong causal link between enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) and acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), it remains unclear how EV-D68 gains entry into the central nervous system and what receptors enable it to infect motor neurons. We show that EV-D68 particles can adhere to exosomes, placing EV-D68 among a handful of other picornaviruses which are known to interact with extracellular vesicles. Uptake and infection of permissive cells by virally contaminated exosomes would have major implications in the search for the EV-D68 receptor, as well as providing a possible route for viral entry into motor neurons. This work identifies a novel cellular entry route for EV-D68 and may facilitate the identification of genetic risk factors for development of AFM.

Ubiquitinated Hepatitis D Antigen-Loaded Microvesicles Induce a Potent Specific Cellular Immune Response to Inhibit HDV Replication in Vivo

Hepatitis D is the most severe form of human viral hepatitis and currently lacks an efficient therapy. Dendritic cell-derived exosomes (Dexs) have been found to induce immune responses capable of eliminating viruses. However, the therapeutic potential of antigen-loaded exosomes in hepatitis D is still unknown. Recently, we designed exosomes loaded with ubiquitinated hepatitis delta virus (HDV) small delta antigen (Ub-S-HDAg) and then treated mice bearing replicating HDV with these exosomes to explore their antiviral effect and mechanism. Mature dendritic cell-derived exosomes (mDexs) were loaded with Ub-S-HDAg and their antivirus function was evaluated in mice with HDV viremia. Furthermore, the proportion of CD8⁺ cells, the ratio of Th1/Th2 cells, the postimmunization levels of cytokines were explored, and the Janus kinases (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway was evaluated with a JAK2 inhibitor AG490. In Ub-S-HDAg-Dexs group, the HDV RNA viral load was significantly decreased compared with other groups by CD8⁺ cell enrichment and an increase Th1/Th2 cell ratio. Furthermore, lymphocyte infiltration was increased, while the HDAg level was decreased in mouse liver tissue. However, there were no significant differences in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels among the groups. Moreover, p-JAK2, p-STAT1, p-STAT4, STAT1, and STAT4 expression was increased in Ub-S-HDAg-Dexs group. In conclusion, Ub-S-HDAg-Dexs might be a potential immunotherapeutic agent for eradicating HDV by inducing specific cellular immune response via the JAK/STAT pathway. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis D is the most severe viral hepatitis with accelerating the process of liver cirrhosis and increasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there are no effective antiviral drugs. Exosomes derived from mature dendritic cells are used not only as immunomodulators, but also as biological carriers to deliver antigens to induce robust immune response. Based on these properties, exosomes could be used as a biological immunotherapy by enhancing adaptive immune response to inhibit hepatitis D virus replication. Our research may provide a new therapeutic strategy to eradicate HDV in the future.

Semen-Derived Exosomes Mediate Immune Escape and Transmission of Reticuloendotheliosis Virus

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) causes immune-suppression disease in poultry, leading to a significant economic burden worldwide. Recent evidence demonstrated that the REV can enter the semen and then induce artificial insemination, but how the virus gets into semen was little known. Accumulating studies indicated that exosomes serve as vehicles for virus transmission, but the role of exosomes in viral shedding through the semen remains unclear. In this study, exosomes purified from the REV-positive semen were shown with reverse transcription-PCR and mass spectrometry to contain viral genomic RNA and viral proteins, which could also establish productive infections both in vivo and in vitro and escape from the REV-specific neutralizing antibodies. More importantly, compared with the infection caused by free virions, the exosome is more efficient for the virus to ensure effective infection and replication, which can also help the REV compromise the efficacy of the host immune response. In summary, this study demonstrated that semen-derived exosomes can medicate the transmission and immune escape of REV, implicating a novel mechanism for REV entering the semen and leading to vertical transmission.

Proteomic analysis of the exosomes secreted from Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney cells infected with grass carp reovirus reveals their involvement in the cellular responses to viral infection

Exosomes are small membrane-enclosed vesicles secreted by various types of cells. Exosomes not only participate in different physiological processes in cells, but also involve in the cellular responses to viral infection. Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) is a non-enveloped virus with segmented, double-stranded RNA genome. Nowadays, the exact role of exosomes in regulating the life cycle of GCRV infection is still unclear. In this study, the exosomes secreted from Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney (CIK) cells infected or uninfected with GCRV were isolated, and the differential protein expression profiles were analyzed by proteomic technologies. A total of 1297 proteins were identified in the isolated exosomes. The differentially abundant proteins were further analyzed with functional categories, and numerous important pathways were regulated by exosomes in GCRV-infected CIK cells. These exosomal proteins were estimated to interact with the genes (proteins) of the top 10 most enriched signaling pathways. Furthermore, GW4869 exosome inhibitor suppressed the expression level of VP7 in GCRV-infected cells, suggesting that exosomes play a crucial role in the life cycle of GCRV infection. These findings could shed new lights on understanding the functional roles of exosomes in the cellular responses to GCRV infection.

HCV-Associated Exosomes Upregulate RUNXOR and RUNX1 Expressions to Promote MDSC Expansion and Suppressive Functions through STAT3-miR124 Axis

RUNX1 overlapping RNA (RUNXOR) is a long non-coding RNA and plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of myeloid cells via targeting runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1). We and others have previously reported that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expand and inhibit host immune responses during chronic viral infections; however, the mechanisms responsible for MDSC differentiation and suppressive functions, in particular the role of RUNXOR–RUNX1, remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that RUNXOR and RUNX1 expressions are significantly upregulated and associated with elevated levels of immunosuppressive molecules, such as arginase 1 (Arg1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MDSCs during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Mechanistically, we discovered that HCV-associated exosomes (HCV-Exo) can induce the expressions of RUNXOR and RUNX1, which in turn regulates miR-124 expression via STAT3 signaling, thereby promoting MDSC differentiation and suppressive functions. Importantly, overexpression of RUNXOR in healthy CD33⁺ myeloid cells promoted differentiation and suppressive functions of MDSCs. Conversely, silencing RUNXOR or RUNX1 expression in HCV-derived CD33⁺ myeloid cells significantly inhibited their differentiation and expressions of suppressive molecules and improved the function of co-cultured autologous CD4 T cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the RUNXOR–RUNX1–STAT3–miR124 axis enhances the differentiation and suppressive functions of MDSCs and could be a potential target for immunomodulation in conjunction with antiviral therapy during chronic HCV infection.

Mathematical modeling of hepatitis C RNA replication, exosome secretion and virus release

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute hepatitis C and can lead to life-threatening complications if it becomes chronic. The HCV genome is a single plus strand of RNA. Its intracellular replication is a spatiotemporally coordinated process of RNA translation upon cell infection, RNA synthesis within a replication compartment, and virus particle production. While HCV is mainly transmitted via mature infectious virus particles, it has also been suggested that HCV-infected cells can secrete HCV RNA carrying exosomes that can infect cells in a receptor independent manner. In order to gain insight into these two routes of transmission, we developed a series of intracellular HCV replication models that include HCV RNA secretion and/or virus assembly and release. Fitting our models to in vitro data, in which cells were infected with HCV, suggests that initially most secreted HCV RNA derives from intracellular cytosolic plus-strand RNA, but subsequently secreted HCV RNA derives equally from the cytoplasm and the replication compartments. Furthermore, our model fits to the data suggest that the rate of virus assembly and release is limited by host cell resources. Including the effects of direct acting antivirals in our models, we found that in spite of decreasing intracellular HCV RNA and extracellular virus concentration, low level HCV RNA secretion may continue as long as intracellular RNA is available. This may possibly explain the presence of detectable levels of plasma HCV RNA at the end of treatment even in patients that ultimately attain a sustained virologic response.

Approximately 70 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), which if left untreated may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, modern drug therapy is highly effective and hepatitis C is the first chronic virus infection that can be cured with short-term therapy in almost all infected individuals. The within-host transmission of HCV occurs mainly via infectious virus particles, but experimental studies suggest that there may be additional receptor-independent cell-to-cell transmission by exosomes that carry the HCV genome. In order to understand the intracellular HCV lifecycle and HCV RNA spread, we developed a series of mathematical models that take both exosomal secretion and viral secretion into account. By fitting these models to in vitro data, we found that secretion of both HCV RNA as well as virus probably occurs and that the rate of virus assembly is likely limited by cellular co-factors on which the virus strongly depends for its own replication. Furthermore, our modeling predicted that the parameters governing the processes in the viral lifecycle that are targeted by direct acting antivirals are the most sensitive to perturbations, which may help explain their ability to cure this infection.

Reticulon-3 modulates the incorporation of replication competent hepatitis C virus molecules for release inside infectious exosomes

Background

Cell released microvesicles specifically, exosomes, play an important role in mediating immunologic escape, treatment resistance, and disease persistence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Reports on the molecular compositions of exosomes released by cells under diverse conditions, especially during viral infections, suggest that their cargo contents are not randomly loaded. However, the precise molecular mechanisms directing the selective cargo sorting and loading inside infectious viral exosomes remains elusive.

Aim

To decipher the role of Reticulon 3 (RTN3) in the selective molecular cargo sorting and loading inside infectious viral exosomes during HCV infection.

Methods

We used Huh7 cells–JFH1 HCV infection and HCV Full-Length (FL) replicon systems. Additionally, we analyzed human liver and serum exosome samples from healthy and treatment naïve HCV infected individuals. Our experiments made use of molecular biology and immunology techniques.

Results

HCV infection (JFH1-Huh7 or HCV-FL replicon cells) was associated with increased RTN3L&S isoforms expression in cells and cell released exosomes. Accordingly, increased expression of RTN3L&S was observed in liver and serum exosome samples of HCV infected individuals compared to healthy controls. RNA-ChIP analysis revealed that RTN3L&S interacted with dsHCV RNA. Lentiviral CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockdown (KD) of RTN3 and plasmid overexpression (OE) of wild type, C- and N-terminal deletion mutants of RTN3L&S in HCV- infected Huh7 cells differentially impacted the cellular release of infectious viral exosomes. RTN3L&S KD significantly decreased, while RTN3S OE significantly increased the number of Huh7 cell-released infectious exosomes. The C-terminal domain of RTN3 interacted with and modulated the loading of dsHCV RNA inside infectious exosomes. Antiviral treatment of HCV infected Huh7 cells reduced virus-induced RTN3L&S expression and attenuated the release of infectious exosomes.

Conclusion

RTN3 constitutes a novel regulator and a potential therapeutic target that mediates the specific loading of infectious viral exosomes.

Arthropod exosomes as bubbles with message(s) to transmit vector-borne diseases

Ticks and mosquitoes are medically important vectors that transmit several pathogens, including arboviruses, to humans. Understanding how these blood-feeding arthropods transmit pathogens to humans requires knowledge on the molecular and cellular interplay at vector-host interface. Recent studies have highlighted the role of tick and mosquito small extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, facilitating arbovirus transmission within arthropod cells and from arthropod to mammalian cells. In this review, we summarize this emerging line of investigation in understanding the role of tick and mosquito exosomes in vector-pathogen-host tripartite interactions. Understanding the role of arthropod exosomes in pathogen interactions could lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets to interfere with the life cycle of several pathogens transmitted by vectors.

Vehicles of intercellular communication: exosomes and HIV-1

The terms extracellular vesicles, microvesicles, oncosomes, or exosomes are often used interchangeably as descriptors of particles that are released from cells and comprise a lipid membrane that encapsulates nucleic acids and proteins. Although these entities are defined based on a specific size range and/or mechanism of release, the terminology is often ambiguous. Nevertheless, these vesicles are increasingly recognized as important modulators of intercellular communication. The generic characterization of extracellular vesicles could also be used as a descriptor of enveloped viruses, highlighting the fact that extracellular vesicles and enveloped viruses are similar in both composition and function. Their high degree of similarity makes differentiating between vesicles and enveloped viruses in biological specimens particularly difficult. Because viral particles and extracellular vesicles are produced simultaneously in infected cells, it is necessary to separate these populations to understand their independent functions. We summarize current understanding of the similarities and differences of extracellular vesicles, which henceforth we will refer to as exosomes, and the enveloped retrovirus, HIV-1. Here, we focus on the presence of these particles in semen, as these are of particular importance during HIV-1 sexual transmission. While there is overlap in the terminology and physical qualities between HIV-1 virions and exosomes, these two types of intercellular vehicles may differ depending on the bio-fluid source. Recent data have demonstrated that exosomes from human semen serve as regulators of HIV-1 infection that may contribute to the remarkably low risk of infection per sexual exposure.

Dengue haemorrhagic fever: a job done via exosomes?

Dengue fever is one of those unique diseases where host immune responses largely determine the pathogenesis and its severity. Earlier studies have established the fact that dengue virus (DENV) infection causes haemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome, but it is not directly responsible for exhibiting these clinical symptoms. It is noteworthy that clinically, vascular leakage syndrome does not develop for several days after infection despite a robust innate immune response that elicits the production of proinflammatory and proangiogenic cytokines. The onset of hyperpermeability in severe cases of dengue disease takes place around the time of defervescence and after clearance of viraemia. Extracellular vesicles are known to carry biological information (mRNA, miRNA, transcription factors) from their cells of origin and have emerged as a significant vehicle for horizontal transfer of stress signals. In dengue virus infection, the relevance of exosomes can be instrumental since the majority of the immune responses in severe dengue involve heavy secretion and circulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Here, we present an updated review which will address the unique and puzzling features of hyperpermeability associated with DENV infection with a special focus on the role of secreted extracellular vesicles.

TAX-mRNA-Carrying Exosomes from Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1-Infected Cells Can Induce Interferon-Gamma Production In Vitro

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma. The development of HAM/TSP, a chronic neuroinflammatory disease, is correlated to complex interaction between the host immune response and the infecting virus. Tax expression plays an important role in HAM/TSP pathogenesis by activating various cellular genes, including the cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Exosomes have emerged as an important factor of cell-to-cell communication contributing to diverse cellular processes, including immune modulation. Considering the potential role of exosomes in modulating the immune response and inflammation, the main objective of this study was to examine if HTLV-1-infected cells produce exosomes carrying viral proteins or inflammatory molecules, which can participate in the chronic inflammation that is observed in patients with HAM/TSP. Exosomes were isolated from HTLV-1-infected cell line, evaluated for the tax mRNA presence, and tested for the ability to activate peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) in inducing an inflammatory immune response. We observed that the proinflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ and TNF-α, were upregulated in T cells after treatment of the PBMC with Tax-carrying exosomes compared to the negative control. Interleukin-4, Granzyme B, and Perforin did not show alterations. Taken together, these results suggest that exosomes carrying tax-mRNA isolated from HTLV-1-infected cells might induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines and activate T helper (Th)₁, and not Th₂-immune response. If this finding is further confirmed, this study may have impact on investigations on the pathogenesis of HAM-TSP and the inflammatory response involved in this disease.

Transmission of Cricket paralysis virus via exosome-like vesicles during infection of Drosophila cells

Viruses are classically characterized as being either enveloped or nonenveloped depending on the presence or absence of a lipid bi-layer surrounding their proteinaceous capsid. In recent years, many studies have challenged this view by demonstrating that some nonenveloped viruses (e.g. hepatitis A virus) can acquire an envelope during infection by hijacking host cellular pathways. In this study, we examined the role of exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) during infection of Drosophilia melanogaster S2 cells by Cricket paralysis virus (CrPV). Utilizing quantitative proteomics, we demonstrated that ELVs can be isolated from both mock- and CrPV-infected S2 cells that contain distinct set of proteins compared to the cellular proteome. Moreover, 40 proteins increased in abundance in ELVs derived from CrPV-infected cells compared to mock, suggesting specific factors associate with ELVs during infection. Interestingly, peptides from CrPV capsid proteins (ORF2) and viral RNA were detected in ELVs from infected cells. Finally, ELVs from CrPV-infected cells are infectious suggesting that CrPV may hijack ELVs to acquire an envelope during infection of S2 cells. This study further demonstrates the diverse strategies of nonenveloped viruses from invertebrates to vertebrates to acquire an envelope in order to evade the host response or facilitate transmission.

Exosomes serve as novel modes of tick-borne flavivirus transmission from arthropod to human cells and facilitates dissemination of viral RNA and proteins to the vertebrate neuronal cells

Molecular determinants and mechanisms of arthropod-borne flavivirus transmission to the vertebrate host are poorly understood. In this study, we show for the first time that a cell line from medically important arthropods, such as ticks, secretes extracellular vesicles (EVs) including exosomes that mediate transmission of flavivirus RNA and proteins to the human cells. Our study shows that tick-borne Langat virus (LGTV), a model pathogen closely related to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), profusely uses arthropod exosomes for transmission of viral RNA and proteins to the human- skin keratinocytes and blood endothelial cells. Cryo-electron microscopy showed the presence of purified arthropod/neuronal exosomes with the size range of 30 to 200 nm in diameter. Both positive and negative strands of LGTV RNA and viral envelope-protein were detected inside exosomes derived from arthropod, murine and human cells. Detection of Nonstructural 1 (NS1) protein in arthropod and neuronal exosomes further suggested that exosomes contain viral proteins. Viral RNA and proteins in exosomes derived from tick and mammalian cells were secured, highly infectious and replicative in all tested evaluations. Treatment with GW4869, a selective inhibitor that blocks exosome release affected LGTV loads in both arthropod and mammalian cell-derived exosomes. Transwell-migration assays showed that exosomes derived from infected-brain-microvascular endothelial cells (that constitute the blood-brain barrier) facilitated LGTV RNA and protein transmission, crossing of the barriers and infection of neuronal cells. Neuronal infection showed abundant loads of both tick-borne LGTV and mosquito-borne West Nile virus RNA in exosomes. Our data also suggest that exosome-mediated LGTV viral transmission is clathrin-dependent. Collectively, our results suggest that flaviviruses uses arthropod-derived exosomes as a novel means for viral RNA and protein transmission from the vector, and the vertebrate exosomes for dissemination within the host that may subsequently allow neuroinvasion and neuropathogenesis.

The Intracellular Cholesterol Transport Inhibitor U18666A Inhibits the Exosome-Dependent Release of Mature Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles are described as lipoviroparticles which are released similarly to very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). However, the release mechanism is still poorly understood; the canonical endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) pathway as well as endosome-dependent release has been proposed. Recently, the role of exosomes in the transmission of HCV has been reported. Only a minor fraction of the de novo-synthesized lipoviroparticles is released by the infected cell. To investigate the relevance of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) for viral morphogenesis and release, the MVB inhibitor U18666A was used. Intracellular trafficking was analyzed by confocal microscopy and electron microscopy. Moreover, an mCherry-tagged HCV variant was used. Conditions were established that enable U18666A-dependent inhibition of MVBs without affecting viral replication. Under these conditions, significant inhibition of the HCV release was observed. The assembly of viral particles is not affected. In U18666A-treated cells, intact infectious viral particles accumulate in CD63-positive exosomal structures and large dysfunctional lysosomal structures (multilamellar bodies). These retained particles possess a lower density, reflecting a misloading with lipids. Our data indicate that at least a fraction of HCV particles leaves the cell via the endosomal pathway. Endosomes facilitate the sorting of HCV particles for release or degradation.

IMPORTANCE

There are still a variety of open questions regarding morphogenesis and release of hepatitis C virus. The HCV-infected cell produces significant more viral particles that are released, raising the question about the fate of the nonreleased particles. Moreover, the relevance of the endosomal pathway for the release of HCV is under debate. Use of the MVB (multivesicular body) inhibitor U18666A enabled a detailed analysis of the impact of MVBs for viral morphogenesis and release. It was revealed that infectious, fully assembled HCV particles are either MVB-dependently released or intracellularly degraded by the lysosome. Our data indicate that at least a fraction of HCV particles leaves the cell via the endosomal pathway independent from the constitutive secretory pathway. Our study describes a so-far-unprecedented cross talk between two pathways regulating on the one hand the release of infectious viral particles and on the other hand the intracellular degradation of nonreleased particles.

Profile of Exosomal and Intracellular microRNA in Gamma-Herpesvirus-Infected Lymphoma Cell Lines

Exosomes are small vesicles released from cells, into which microRNAs (miRNA) are specifically sorted and accumulated. Two gamma-herpesviruses, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), encode miRNAs in their genomes and express virus-encoded miRNAs in cells and exosomes. However, there is little information about the detailed distribution of virus-encoded miRNAs in cells and exosomes. In this study, we thus identified virus- and host-encoded miRNAs in exosomes released from KSHV- or EBV-infected lymphoma cell lines and compared them with intracellular miRNAs using a next-generation sequencer. Sequencing analysis demonstrated that 48% of the annotated miRNAs in the exosomes from KSHV-infected cells originated from KSHV. Human mir-10b-5p and mir-143-3p were much more highly concentrated in exosomes than in cells. Exosomes contained more nonexact mature miRNAs that did not exactly match those in miRBase than cells. Among the KSHV-encoded miRNAs, miRK12-3-5p was the most abundant exact mature miRNA in both cells and exosomes that exactly matched those in miRBase. Recently identified EXOmotifs, nucleotide motifs that control the loading of miRNAs into exosomes were frequently found within the sequences of KSHV-encoded miRNAs, and the presence of the EXOmotif CCCT or CCCG was associated with the localization of miRNA in exosomes in KSHV-infected cells. These observations suggest that specific virus-encoded miRNAs are sorted by EXOmotifs and accumulate in exosomes in virus-infected cells.

Exosomes in Viral Disease

Viruses have evolved many mechanisms by which to evade and subvert the immune system to ensure survival and persistence. However, for each method undertaken by the immune system for pathogen removal, there is a counteracting mechanism utilized by pathogens. The new and emerging role of microvesicles in immune intercellular communication and function is no different. Viruses across many different families have evolved to insert viral components in exosomes, a subtype of microvesicle, with many varying downstream effects. When assessed cumulatively, viral antigens in exosomes increase persistence through cloaking viral genomes, decoying the immune system, and even by increasing viral infection in uninfected cells. Exosomes therefore represent a source of viral antigen that can be used as a biomarker for disease and targeted for therapy in the control and eradication of these disorders. With the rise in the persistence of new and reemerging viruses like Ebola and Zika, exploring the role of exosomes become more important than ever.

Micro RNA in Exosomes from HIV-Infected Macrophages

Exosomes are small membrane-bound vesicles secreted by cells that function to shuttle RNA and proteins between cells. To examine the role of exosomal micro RNA (miRNA) during the early stage of HIV-1 infection we characterized miRNA in exosomes from HIV-infected macrophages, compared with exosomes from non-infected macrophages. Primary human monocytes from uninfected donors were differentiated to macrophages (MDM) which were either mock-infected or infected with the macrophage-tropic HIV-1 BaL strain. Exosomes were recovered from culture media and separated from virus particles by centrifugation on iodixanol density gradients. The low molecular weight RNA fraction was prepared from purified exosomes. After pre-amplification, RNA was hybridized to microarrays containing probes for 1200 miRNA species of known and unknown function. We observed 48 miRNA species in both infected and uninfected MDM exosomes. Additionally, 38 miRNAs were present in infected-cell exosomes but not uninfected-cell exosomes. Of these, 13 miRNAs were upregulated in exosomes from HIV-infected cells, including 4 miRNA species that were increased by more than 10-fold. Though numerous miRNA species have been identified in HIV-infected cells, relatively little is known about miRNA content in exosomes from these cells. In the future, we plan to investigate whether the upregulated miRNA species we identified are increased in exosomes from HIV-1-positive patients.

Exosome-associated hepatitis C virus in cell cultures and patient plasma

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects its target cells in the form of cell-free viruses and through cell-cell contact. Here we report that HCV is associated with exosomes. Using highly purified exosomes and transmission electron microscopic imaging, we demonstrated that HCV occurred in both exosome-free and exosome-associated forms. Exosome-associated HCV was infectious and resistant to neutralization by an anti-HCV neutralizing antibody. There were more exosome-associated HCV than exosome-free HCV detected in the plasma of HCV-infected patients. These results suggest exosome-associated HCV as an alternative form for HCV infection and transmission.

Nonstructural protein 5A is incorporated into hepatitis C virus low-density particle through interaction with core protein and microtubules during intracellular transport

Nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) serves dual functions in viral RNA replication and virus assembly. Here, we demonstrate that HCV replication complex along with NS5A and Core protein was transported to the lipid droplet (LD) through microtubules, and NS5A-Core complexes were then transported from LD through early-to-late endosomes to the plasma membrane via microtubules. Further studies by cofractionation analysis and immunoelectron microscopy of the released particles showed that NS5A-Core complexes, but not NS4B, were present in the low-density fractions, but not in the high-density fractions, of the HCV RNA-containing virions and associated with the internal virion core. Furthermore, exosomal markers CD63 and CD81 were also detected in the low-density fractions, but not in the high-density fractions. Overall, our results suggest that HCV NS5A is associated with the core of the low-density virus particles which exit the cell through a preexisting endosome/exosome pathway and may contribute to HCV natural infection.

[Role of tumor-derived secretary small RNAs in EBV related lymphoma]

EB virus (EBV) is associated with heterogeneous lymphomas. In these lymphomas EBV+ lymphoma cells are embedded in non-neoplastic bystanders: B and T cells, macrophages. Without these bystander cells, the lymphoma cells are incapable of being engrafted in immunodeficient mice. In this context, the bystanders are tumor-supportive "inflammatory niche". Recently, EBV-infected cells produce exosomes that contain EBV specifically encoded miRNAs (EBV-miRNAs). Accordingly, we hypothesized that exosomal EBV-miRNAs might redirect tumor surrounding immune cells from tumor reactive into tumor-supportive "inflammatory niche". The EBV-miRNAs in the exosome secreted from EBV positive lymphoma cells significantly influenced on monocyte/macrophage Mo/Mf in inducing CD69, IL-10, and TNF, suggesting that EBV-miRNAs might polarize Mo/Mf into tumor associated Mf (TAM). EBV-miRNAs were required to develop lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) in vivo mouse model. Moreover, when Mfs were depleted by clodronate liposome, EBV positive tumor cells disappeared. These results suggest that lymphoma-derived secretary EBV-miRNAs regulate Mo/Mf to support the lymphoma survival or development. Most importantly, exosomal EBV-miRNAs derived from the lymphoma cells were transferred to Mf in human EBV+ lymphoma samples, which showed correlation with prognosis.

Modulation of B-cell exosome proteins by gamma herpesvirus infection

The human gamma herpesviruses, Kaposi sarcoma-associated virus (KSHV) and EBV, are associated with multiple cancers. Recent evidence suggests that EBV and possibly other viruses can manipulate the tumor microenvironment through the secretion of specific viral and cellular components into exosomes, small endocytically derived vesicles that are released from cells. Exosomes produced by EBV-infected nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells contain high levels of the viral oncogene latent membrane protein 1 and viral microRNAs that activate critical signaling pathways in recipient cells. In this study, to determine the effects of EBV and KSHV on exosome content, quantitative proteomics techniques were performed on exosomes purified from 11 B-cell lines that are uninfected, infected with EBV or with KSHV, or infected with both viruses. Using mass spectrometry, 871 proteins were identified, of which ∼360 were unique to the viral exosomes. Analysis by 2D difference gel electrophoresis and spectral counting identified multiple significant changes compared with the uninfected control cells and between viral groups. These data predict that both EBV and KSHV exosomes likely modulate cell death and survival, ribosome function, protein synthesis, and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Distinct viral-specific effects on exosomes suggest that KSHV exosomes would affect cellular metabolism, whereas EBV exosomes would activate cellular signaling mediated through integrins, actin, IFN, and NFκB. The changes in exosome content identified in this study suggest ways that these oncogenic viruses modulate the tumor microenvironment and may provide diagnostic markers specific for EBV and KSHV associated malignancies.

Epstein-Barr virus encoded dUTPase containing exosomes modulate innate and adaptive immune responses in human dendritic cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells

We have recently demonstrated that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) modulates innate immunity in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages through toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 leading to NF-κB activation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our previous depletion studies indicated that dendritic cells (DCs) may also be a target of the EBV-encoded dUTPase. However, the role of EBV-encoded dUTPase in DC activation/function and its potential contribution to the inflammatory cellular milieu characteristic of EBV-associated diseases remains poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrate that EBV-encoded dUTPase significantly altered the expression of genes involved in oncogenesis, inflammation and viral defense mechanisms in human primary DCs by microarray analysis. Proteome array studies revealed that EBV-encoded dUTPase modulates DC immune responses by inducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory T_H1/T_H17 cytokines. More importantly, we demonstrate that EBV-encoded dUTPase is secreted in exosomes from chemically induced Raji cells at sufficient levels to induce NF-κB activation and cytokine secretion in primary DCs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Interestingly, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in DCs and PBMCs was TLR2-dependent. Together these findings suggest that the EBV-encoded dUTPase may act as an intercellular signaling molecule capable of modulating the cellular microenvironment and thus, it may be important in the pathophysiology of EBV related diseases.

Systemically circulating viral and tumor-derived microRNAs in KSHV-associated malignancies

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are stable, small non-coding RNAs that modulate many downstream target genes. Recently, circulating miRNAs have been detected in various body fluids and within exosomes, prompting their evaluation as candidate biomarkers of diseases, especially cancer. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common AIDS-associated cancer and remains prevalent despite Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART). KS is caused by KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), a gamma herpesvirus also associated with Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL). We sought to determine the host and viral circulating miRNAs in plasma, pleural fluid or serum from patients with the KSHV-associated malignancies KS and PEL and from two mouse models of KS. Both KSHV-encoded miRNAs and host miRNAs, including members of the miR-17–92 cluster, were detectable within patient exosomes and circulating miRNA profiles from KSHV mouse models. Further characterization revealed a subset of miRNAs that seemed to be preferentially incorporated into exosomes. Gene ontology analysis of signature exosomal miRNA targets revealed several signaling pathways that are known to be important in KSHV pathogenesis. Functional analysis of endothelial cells exposed to patient-derived exosomes demonstrated enhanced cell migration and IL-6 secretion. This suggests that exosomes derived from KSHV-associated malignancies are functional and contain a distinct subset of miRNAs. These could represent candidate biomarkers of disease and may contribute to the paracrine phenotypes that are a characteristic of KS.

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), such as those found in exosomes, have emerged as diagnostic tools and hold promise as minimally invasive, stable biomarkers. Transfer of tumor-derived exosomal miRNAs to surrounding cells may be an important form of cellular communication. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), the most common AIDS-defining cancer worldwide. Here, we survey systemically circulating miRNAs and reveal potential biomarkers for KS and Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL). This expands previous tissue culture studies by profiling clinical samples and by using two new mouse models of KSHV tumorigenesis. Profiling of circulating miRNAs revealed that oncogenic and viral miRNAs were present in exosomes from KS patient plasma, pleural effusions and mouse models of KS. Analysis of human oncogenic miRNAs, including the well-known miR-17-92 cluster, revealed that several miRNAs were preferentially incorporated into exosomes in our KS mouse model. Gene ontology analysis of upregulated miRNAs showed that the majority of pathways affected were known targets of KSHV signaling pathways. Transfer of these oncogenic exosomes to immortalized hTERT-HUVEC cells enhanced cell migration and IL-6 secretion. These circulating miRNAs and KS derived exosomes may therefore be part of the paracrine signaling mechanism that mediates KSHV pathogenesis.

HIV Pol inhibits HIV budding and mediates the severe budding defect of Gag-Pol

The prevailing hypothesis of HIV budding posits that the viral Gag protein drives budding, and that the Gag p6 peptide plays an essential role by recruiting host-cell budding factors to sites of HIV assembly. HIV also expresses a second Gag protein, p160 Gag-Pol, which lacks p6 and fails to bud from cells, consistent with the prevailing hypothesis of HIV budding. However, we show here that the severe budding defect of Gag-Pol is not caused by the absence of p6, but rather, by the presence of Pol. Specifically, we show that (i) the budding defect of Gag-Pol is unaffected by loss of HIV protease activity and is therefore an intrinsic property of the Gag-Pol polyprotein, (ii) the N-terminal 433 amino acids of Gag and Gag-Pol are sufficient to drive virus budding even though they lack p6, (iii) the severe budding defect of Gag-Pol is caused by a dominant, cis-acting inhibitor of budding in the HIV Pol domain, and (iv) Gag-Pol inhibits Gag and virus budding in trans, even at normal levels of Gag and Gag-Pol expression. These and other data support an alternative hypothesis of HIV budding as a process that is mediated by the normal, non-viral pathway of exosome/microvesicle biogenesis.

The role of microRNAs in Epstein-Barr virus latency and lytic reactivation

Oncogenic viruses reprogram host gene expression driving proliferation, ensuring survival, and evading the immune response. The recent appreciation of microRNAs (miRNAs) as small non-coding RNAs that broadly regulate gene expression has provided new insight into this complex scheme of host control. This review highlights the role of viral and cellular miRNAs during the latent and lytic phases of the EBV life cycle.