Article
Immunology
Masayuki Ohira, Kentaro Yoshii, Yasuhiro Aso, Hideto Nakajima, Toru Yamashita, Ikuko Takahashi-Iwata, Norihisa Maeda, Katsuro Shindo, Toshihiko Suenaga, Tohru Matsuura, Kazuma Sugie, Tadanori Hamano, Akira Arai, Rikiya Furutani, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Chikako Kaneko, Yasuhiro Kobayashi, Eduardo Campos-Alberto, Lisa R. Harper, Juanita Edwards, Cody Bender, Andreas Pilz, Shuhei Ito, Frederick J. Angulo, Wilhelm Erber, Harish Madhava, Jennifer Moisi, Luis Jodar, Hidehiro Mizusawa, Masaki Takao
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases have been identified in Japan, including outside of Hokkaido, suggesting that TBEV infection may be undiagnosed in the country. This study retrospectively tested serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from hospitalized patients and confirmed three TBE cases. Limited clinical awareness and lack of TBE diagnostic tests contribute to the underdiagnosis of TBE in Japan.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Andrey Matveev, Yana Khlusevich, Irina Kozlova, Leonid Matveev, Lyudmila Emelyanova, Artem Tikunov, Ivan Baykov, Nina Tikunova
Summary: In this study, a new protective antibody FVN-32 against tick-borne encephalitis virus was discovered. The antibody showed 37.5% protective efficacy in a mouse model, and its epitope was localized in the glycoprotein E domain I+II.
Article
Immunology
Laura Wiesner, Carla Schmutte, Imke Steffen
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a serious pathogen that requires heightened biosafety measures in the laboratory. Different inactivation procedures, such as heat, acidic pH, alcohol, formaldehyde, detergents, and UV irradiation, show varying effectiveness against TBEV, depending on sample size and composition.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Karin Stiasny, Stefan Malafa, Stephan W. Aberle, Iris Medits, Georgios Tsouchnikas, Judith H. Aberle, Heidemarie Holzmann, Franz X. Heinz
Summary: In this study, a new IgM assay format was developed for specific diagnosis of TBE, Zika, and dengue virus infections. The IgM response proved to be highly specific for TBE and Zika infections, while cross-reactive IgM antibodies were detected in cases of primary dengue virus infections. Despite the presence of cross-reactive IgM, the assay allowed for serotype-specific diagnosis of recent dengue virus infections in most cases.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Rahel Ackermann-Gaumann, Arthur Brechet, Jan Smetana, Jiri Salat, Reto Lienhard, Antony Croxatto, Petra Polcarova, Roman Chlibek, Daniel Ruzek
Summary: This study found that vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis induces the production of NS1-specific antibodies in humans. Individuals who received multiple vaccine doses had higher levels of NS1-specific antibodies compared to those who were not vaccinated.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yuji Takahashi, Shintaro Kobayashi, Ryo Nakao, Hiroaki Kariwa, Kentaro Yoshii
Summary: A novel Far Eastern subtype of tick-borne encephalitis virus was isolated from a dog in central Hokkaido, Japan. The isolated strain showed similar growth properties to known strains, but displayed a different distribution in infected neurons of the mouse brain. This suggests the presence of unknown TBEV strains in other areas of Japan.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andrea Fortova, Vaclav Honig, Martin Palus, Jiri Salat, Martina Pychova, Lenka Krbkova, Tereza Vyhlidalova, Michal F. Kriha, Ales Chrdle, Daniel Ruzek
Summary: pNF-H can be used as a biomarker to assess the severity of neuroaxonal injury and prognosis in tick-borne encephalitis.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrey Moiseenko, Dmitry Bagrov, Mikhail F. Vorovitch, Victoria Uvarova, Maxim M. Veselov, Anastasia Kashchenko, Alla L. Ivanova, Dmitry Osolodkin, Alexey M. Egorov, Aydar A. Ishmukhametov, Konstantin Shaitan, Olga S. Sokolova
Summary: This article provides a detailed analysis of the size and structure of the inactivated TBEV vaccine strain, using multiple analytical methods. The results show the monodispersity of the particles and their similarity in size, as well as the presence of specific protein molecules and RNA.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Carmen Adella Sirbu, Constantin Stefani, Marian Mitrica, Gabriela Simona Toma, Aurelian Emil Ranetti, Any Docu-Axelerad, Aida Mihaela Manole, Ion Stefan
Summary: Some neurotropic viruses can cause specific lesions in deep structures, such as the basal ganglia and thalamus, leading to different types of epileptic seizures. This case report describes a 25-year-old male who presented with altered consciousness, agitation, and seizures after traveling to Turkey and Egypt. The diagnosis of tick-borne encephalitis was supported by cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging showing hyper signal in the basal ganglia, and IgM antibodies. The patient's seizures improved over time and the MRI images returned to almost normal, without seizure recurrence after reducing antiepileptic doses.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dominic Adam Worku
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease prevalent in large parts of Europe and Asia, characterized by neurological symptoms that can range from mild to severe, and it often leads to long-term morbidity. The pathogenesis of TBE is not fully understood, but factors such as ticks, viral strains, host immune response, and age may contribute to the disease phenotype. The incidence of TBE is increasing and its epidemiology is changing due to global warming.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Renata Varnaite, Sara Gredmark-Russ, Jonas Klingstrom
Summary: We assessed the standardized mortality ratio of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Sweden from 2004 to 2017. The standardized mortality ratio for TBE was 3.96 (95% CI 2.55-5.90), and no fatalities were observed in patients under 40 years of age. These findings highlight the importance of further vaccination efforts in populations at risk for TBE.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ludek Eyer, Katherine Seley-Radtke, Daniel Ruzek
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially fatal disease common in much of Europe and Asia. Currently, there is no specific therapy for TBE patients, but there are ongoing efforts to develop small molecules and monoclonal antibodies that can interfere with the TBE virus life cycle and potentially be used for post-exposure prophylaxis or early therapy. This review summarizes the latest directions and experimental approaches for combating TBE in humans.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Phebe de Heus, Zoltan Bago, Pia Weidinger, Dilara Lale, Dagmar S. Trachsel, Sandra Revilla-Fernandez, Kaspar Matiasek, Norbert Nowotny
Summary: Sero-epidemiological studies have shown frequent infections of horses with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in endemic areas, but clinical cases are rarely reported. This study used various diagnostic tests to analyze serum and brain tissue samples from horses. TBEV nucleic acids were found in the brain tissue samples and sequencing revealed the Western European subtype of TBEV as the causative agent. Early diagnostic procedures are necessary for the definitive diagnosis of acute TBEV infections in horses.
Article
Immunology
Ewa Bojkiewicz, Kacper Toczylowski, Sambor Grygorczuk, Beata Zelazowska-Rutkowska, Justyna Dunaj, Agnieszka Zebrowska, Piotr Czupryna, Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska, Artur Sulik
Summary: In Poland, the vaccination rate for tick-borne encephalitis is low, despite a high incidence of severe infections. A study found that many people have asymptomatic infections and have different attitudes towards the vaccine.
Review
Immunology
Monika Groth, Elzbieta Skrzydlewska, Marta Dobrzynska, Slawomir Pancewicz, Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
Summary: Vector-borne diseases, including tick-borne diseases, are a growing global health problem. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic effects play key roles in the pathogenesis of these diseases, impacting the structure and function of phospholipids and proteins. Finding diagnostic biomarkers related to redox imbalance and phospholipid metabolites can help in monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nirmitee Mulgaonkar, Haoqi Wang, Samavath Mallawarachchi, Daniel Ruzek, Byron Martina, Sandun Fernando
Summary: This study identified potential molecules with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 through virtual screening and investigated the interaction between imatinib and the spike glycoprotein. These findings are significant for the development of novel drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ludek Eyer, Katherine Seley-Radtke, Daniel Ruzek
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially fatal disease common in much of Europe and Asia. Currently, there is no specific therapy for TBE patients, but there are ongoing efforts to develop small molecules and monoclonal antibodies that can interfere with the TBE virus life cycle and potentially be used for post-exposure prophylaxis or early therapy. This review summarizes the latest directions and experimental approaches for combating TBE in humans.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marta Zimna, Gabriela Brzuska, Jiri Salat, Pavel Svoboda, Klaudia Baranska, Boguslaw Szewczyk, Daniel Ruzek, Ewelina Krol
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes severe neurological infections. Dairy products from infected animals are a common cause. Vaccination of livestock could help reduce human infections. Researchers developed a potential TBEV vaccine based on virus-like particles (VLPs) produced in Leishmania tarentolae cells, which proved to be highly immunogenic and provided full protection from lethal TBE in mice.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Andrea Fortova, Vaclav Honig, Jiri Salat, Martin Palus, Martina Pychova, Lenka Krbkova, Andrey Barkhash, Michal F. Kriha, Ales Chrdle, Marie Lipoldova, Daniel Ruzek
Summary: This study analyzed the levels of 8 different matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of adult patients infected with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus. The results showed that MMP-9 was significantly increased in the CSF of TBE patients. Further analysis revealed elevated serum MMP-9 levels in both pediatric and adult TBE patients, with a correlation to the clinical course, suggesting the potential of serum MMP-9 as a bioindicator for TBE.
Article
Immunology
Filippo Bianchini, Virginia Crivelli, Morgan E. Abernathy, Concetta Guerra, Martin Palus, Jonathan Muri, Harold Marcotte, Antonio Piralla, Mattia Pedotti, Raoul De Gasparo, Luca Simonelli, Milos Matkovic, Chiara Toscano, Maira Biggiogero, Veronica Calvaruso, Pavel Svoboda, Tomas Cervantes Rincon, Tommaso Fava, Lucie Podesvova, Akanksha A. Shanbhag, Andrea Celoria, Jacopo Sgrignani, Michal Stefanik, Vaclav Honig, Veronika Pranclova, Tereza Michalcikova, Jan Prochazka, Giuditta Guerrini, Dora Mehn, Annalisa Clabbattini, Hassan Abolhassani, David Jarrossay, Mariagrazia Uguccioni, Donata Medaglini, Qiang Pan-Hammarstroem, Luigi Calzolai, Daniel Fernandez, Fausto Baldanti, Alessandra Franzetti-Pellanda, Christian Garzoni, Radislav Sedlacek, Daniel Ruzek, Luca Varani, Andrea Cavalli, Christopher O. Barnes, Davide F. Robbiani
Summary: Using coldspot-guided antibody discovery, neutralizing antibodies to highly conserved viral epitopes were identified. Antibody fp.006 binds the fusion peptide and cross-reacts against coronaviruses. Antibody hr2.016 targets the stem helix and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants. Antibody sd1.040 binds to subdomain 1 and synergizes with antibody rbd.042 for neutralization.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Claude Saegerman, Marie-France Humblet, Marc Leandri, Gaelle Gonzalez, Paul Heyman, Hein Sprong, Monique L'Hostis, Sara Moutailler, Sarah I. Bonnet, Nadia Haddad, Nathalie Boulanger, Stephen Leib, Thierry Hoch, Etienne Thiry, Laure Bournez, Jana Kerlik, Aurelie Velay, Solveig Jore, Elsa Jourdain, Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont, Katharina Brugger, Julia Geller, Marie Studahl, Natasa Knap, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Daniel P. Ruzek, Tizza Zomer, Rene Bodker, Thomas F. H. Berger, Sandra Martin-Latil, Nick De Regge, Alice A. Raffetin, Sandrine Lacour, Matthias Klein, Tinne Lernout, Elsa Quillery, Zdenek Hubalek, Francisco Ruiz-Fons, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Philippe Fravalo, Pauline Kooh, Florence Etore, Celine M. Gossner, Bethan Purse
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an endemic viral disease in Eurasia, primarily transmitted to humans through ticks and occasionally through unpasteurized milk products. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported an increase in TBE incidence over the years, as well as its emergence in new areas. Through expert knowledge elicitation, we identified nine key drivers for TBE emergence and increased incidence, including changes in human behavior, eating habits, landscape, humidity, difficulty in controlling reservoirs and vectors, temperature, wildlife compartments, increase in autochthonous wild mammals, and distribution of tick species vectors.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Balazs Kakuk, Akos Dormo, Zsolt Csabai, Gabor Kemenesi, Jiri Holoubek, Daniel Ruzek, Istvan Prazsak, Virag eva Dani, Bela Denes, Gabor Torma, Ferenc Jakab, Gabor E. Toth, Fanni V. Foldes, Brigitta Zana, Zsofia Lanszki, Akos Harangozo, Adam Fulop, Gabor Gulyas, Mate Mizik, Andras Attila Kiss, Dora Tombacz, Zsolt Boldogkoi
Summary: The recent Monkeypox outbreak highlighted the importance of studying the basic biology of orthopoxviruses. However, there has been no investigation into the transcriptome of the causative agent using either short-read or long-read sequencing approaches. This Oxford Nanopore long-read RNA-Sequencing dataset fills this gap and allows for the comprehensive characterization of the monkeypox virus transcriptomic architecture and the potential annotation of novel host transcripts. Additionally, this study will provide insights into gene expression changes in both the virus and host cells during infection, leading to a deeper understanding of the alterations caused by viral infection at the transcriptome level.
Article
Biology
Jose M. Ribeiro, David Hartmann, Pavla Bartosova-Sojkova, Humberto Debat, Martin Moos, Petr Simek, Jiri Fara, Martin Palus, Matej Kucera, Ondrej Hajdusek, Daniel Sojka, Petr Kopacek, Jan Perner
Summary: Dermanyssus gallinae is a blood-feeding mite that parasitises wild birds and farmed poultry. Through transcriptome analysis, we identified midgut-enriched transcripts and upregulated cysteine protease transcripts in response to blood meals. We also discovered three distinct vitellogenin transcripts related to reproductive capacity and investigated genes associated with blood consumption, iron storage, and the RNA-virome of D. gallinae.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Srishylam Penjarla, Paidi Yella Reddy, Santhosh Penta, Yogesh S. Sanghvi, Ludek Eyer, Michal Stefanik, Daniel Ruzek, Shyamapada Banerjee
Summary: An efficient synthetic approach leading to novel C-nucleosides containing oxadiazole or thiadiazole ring system is reported. This provides an ideal framework for the development of new antiviral and antitumor drugs. Two of the synthesized compounds showed mild anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, with a decrease in viral titers by <1 log10 PFU/ml compared with controls. Mechanism for the formation of 5-substituted 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring is proposed and a structure-activity relationship is established with these C-nucleosides.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Andrea Fortova, Andrey Barkhash, Martina Pychova, Lenka Krbkova, Martin Palus, Jiri Salat, Daniel Ruzek
Summary: This study investigated the association between selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in innate immunity genes and susceptibility to tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in the Czech population. The results showed an association between SNPs in IFIT1 and DDX58 genes and TBE susceptibility, highlighting the role of innate immunity genes in TBE pathogenesis.
JOURNAL OF NEUROVIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kseniya A. Mariewskaya, Daniil A. Gvozdev, Alexey A. Chistov, Petra Strakova, Ivana Huvarova, Pavel Svoboda, Jan Kotoucek, Nikita M. Ivanov, Maxim S. Krasilnikov, Mikhail Y. Zhitlov, Alexandra M. Pak, Igor E. Mikhnovets, Timofei D. Nikitin, Vladimir A. Korshun, Vera A. Alferova, Josef Masek, Daniel Rfzek, Ludek Eyer, Alexey V. Ustinov
Summary: Novel perylenylethynylphenols show promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and FIPV by blocking viral entry and generating singlet oxygen under visible light. These compounds possess a unique combination of shape and singlet oxygen production, making them effective against enveloped viruses.
Review
Virology
Gabriele Chiffi, Denis Grandgirard, Stephen L. Leib, Ales Chrdle, Daniel Ruzek
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a common flavivirus in Europe and Asia, with increasing cases and an emerging public health problem. It can be transmitted through infected tick bites, as well as through infected milk consumption or aerosols.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jiri Salat, Milan Hunady, Pavel Svoboda, Lucie Strelcova, Petra Strakova, Andrea Fortova, Martin Palus, Daniel Ruzek
Summary: A vaccine candidate for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in dogs was developed, which showed good safety, immunogenicity and efficacy in both mice and dogs. The vaccine induced the production of specific anti-TBEV antibodies with virus neutralising activity, providing protection against fatal TBE in mice and preventing viremia after challenge infection in dogs.
Article
Immunology
Natalie Rudenko, Maryna Golovchenko, Ales Horak, Libor Grubhoffer, Emmanuel F. Mongodin, Claire M. Fraser, Weigang Qiu, Benjamin J. Luft, Richard G. Morgan, Sherwood R. Casjens, Steven E. Schutzer
Summary: Lyme disease is primarily caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, but a new strain called B. garinii has been found to cause Lyme disease in islands off the coast of Canada. We isolated and sequenced the whole genome of a B. garinii isolate from a cotton mouse in South Carolina, USA, and identified another B. garinii isolate from the same repository. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these isolates are not associated with the previously described B. garinii isolates from Canada.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Igor E. Mikhnovets, Jiri Holoubek, Irina S. Panina, Jan Kotoucek, Daniil A. Gvozdev, Stepan P. Chumakov, Maxim S. Krasilnikov, Mikhail Y. Zhitlov, Evgeny L. Gulyak, Alexey A. Chistov, Timofei D. Nikitin, Vladimir A. Korshun, Roman G. Efremov, Vera A. Alferova, Daniel Ruzek, Ludek Eyer, Alexey V. Ustinov
Summary: Amphipathic perylene derivatives are effective antiviral compounds that target the viral envelope and act as fusion inhibitors. They damage the viral envelope using lipophilic perylene and singlet oxygen generated by light. Short alkyl chains contribute to strong antiviral activity, while longer alkyl chains reduce activity due to increased lipophilicity and aggregation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)