Article
Microbiology
Olivia C. Swann, Amalie B. Rasmussen, Thomas P. Peacock, Carol M. Sheppard, Wendy S. Barclay
Summary: To infect humans and cause a pandemic, avian influenza must adapt to use human versions of certain proteins. One critical host protein is ANP32. Understanding how ANP32 supports viral activity may help develop new antiviral strategies. Surprisingly, avian influenza can use human ANP32 for one step of replication, but needs avian ANP32 for another step.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Heegwon Shin, Yejin Jang, Sangmi Jun, Younghoon Lee, Meehyein Kim
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the promoter structure of influenza A virus genomic RNA on virus replication, revealing that the first segment-specific base pair plays a crucial role in regulating cRNA promoter activity.
Article
Microbiology
Chao Ma, Yuhan Li, Yanan Zong, Tony Velkov, Chenxi Wang, Xinyu Yang, Ming Zhang, Zhimin Jiang, Haoran Sun, Qi Tong, Honglei Sun, Juan Pu, Munir Iqbal, Jinhua Liu, Chongshan Dai, Yipeng Sun
Summary: The influenza A virus (IAV) can activate p21 through a p53-independent pathway. p21 directly binds to the viral polymerase acidic protein, limiting IAV polymerase activity by disrupting the formation of the ribonucleoprotein complex. p21 activation promotes IRF3 activation by blocking the degradation of HO-1, leading to the activation of the type I interferon pathway.
Article
Immunology
Gang Lu, Feiyan Zheng, Jiajun Ou, Xin Yin, Shoujun Li
Summary: In this study, the feline RNA PolI promoter was identified and found to have higher transcriptional activity in feline cells. The equine influenza virus showed higher polymerase activity compared to human and canine influenza viruses. Additionally, the feline myxovirus resistance protein 1 and baloxavir were found to inhibit influenza virus polymerase activity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Thierry Candresse, Laurence Svanella-Dumas, Armelle Marais, Flora Depasse, Chantal Faure, Marie Lefebvre
Summary: A study found that grapevine samples infected with grapevine-associated jivivirus 1 (GaJV-1) consistently detected 7 additional RNA molecules in addition to the previously identified 3 genomic RNAs, with 6 of them belonging to one family and 1 to another family. These RNA molecules have conserved non-coding regions and protein domains. Furthermore, analysis of pecan transcriptomic data identified two more jiviviruses and additional genomic RNAs with homologies to GaJV-1.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinzhou Xu, Lu Zhang, Julie Tung Sem Chu, Yuqing Wang, Alex Wing Hong Chin, Tin Hang Chong, Zixi Dai, Leo Lit Man Poon, Peter Pak-Hang Cheung, Xuhui Huang
Summary: The study demonstrated that the RdRp PB1 subunit residues R239 and K235 play a crucial role in controlling the activity and fidelity of IAV RdRp. Contrary to common beliefs, the single lysine-to-arginine mutation on K235 showed enhanced fidelity and activity, with a 1.9-fold increase in transcription activity and a 4.6-fold increase in fidelity compared to wild-type. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the higher activity of the mutant RdRp is due to the closer distance between K235R and the triphosphate moiety of NTP compared to wild-type. These findings provide new insights into NTP incorporation and fidelity control mechanisms for the rational design of IAV vaccine and antiviral targets.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liuke Sun, Huihui Kong, Mengmeng Yu, Zhenyu Zhang, Haili Zhang, Lei Na, Yuxing Qu, Yuan Zhang, Hualan Chen, Xiaojun Wang
Summary: Species differences in ANP32A/B restrict avian influenza virus in mammalian cells. Adaptive mutations, such as PB2-E627K, are required for efficient replication of avian influenza viruses in mammals. We found that NS2 protein promotes avian vRNP assembly and enhances interactions with mammalian ANP32A/B, overcoming the restriction. Disrupting the conserved SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) in NS2 impairs virus replication and pathogenicity in mammals, indicating NS2 as a cofactor in the adaptation process of avian influenza virus to mammals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hui Yang, Yurui Dong, Ying Bian, Nuo Xu, Yuwei Wu, Fan Yang, Yinping Du, Tao Qin, Sujuan Chen, Daxin Peng, Xiufan Liu
Summary: The PB2 subunit of influenza virus polymerase inhibits the host immune response by blocking interferon induction. It reduces cellular sensitivity to interferons and suppresses the activation of STAT1/STAT2 and ISGs. It targets mammalian JAK1 for ubiquitination and degradation. Mutations on PB2 increase the ability to degrade mammalian JAK1 and enhance viral replication and pathogenicity in mammalian cells and mouse lung tissues. This study provides insights into the evasion strategy employed by influenza virus to evade host antiviral immunity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Chithra C. Sreenivasan, Zizhang Sheng, Dan Wang, Feng Li
Summary: Influenza C and D viruses with seven-segmented genomes differ biologically from influenza A and B viruses with eight-segmented genomes in terms of genome structure, host range, and receptor specificity. The presence of IDV genome in human respiratory samples and ICV in pigs and cattle highlights the potential public health significance and possibility of gene segment interactions/virus reassortment between ICV and IDV.
Article
Virology
Benjamin E. Nilsson-Payant, Benjamin R. TenOever, Aartjan J. W. te Velthuis
Summary: ANP32A is essential for both vRNA and cRNA synthesis in influenza A virus replication. This new understanding provides insights into the replication and host adaptation of influenza A viruses.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Kevin Ciminski, Martin Schwemmle
Summary: Influenza A viruses from aquatic waterfowl recurrently cross interspecies barriers by utilizing cell surface-exposed monosaccharide sialic acids as a universal host cell receptor. Batborne IAV subtypes H17N10 and H18N11 encode HA and NA homologs unable to interact with sialic acid residues, but instead use major histocompatibility complex class II proteins of different vertebrate species for cell entry, potentially allowing for a broader host tropism.
COLD SPRING HARBOR PERSPECTIVES IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Tirth Uprety, Chithra C. Sreenivasan, Milton Thomas, Ben Hause, Jane Christopher-Hennings, Dale Miskimis, Angela Pillatzki, Eric Nelson, Dan Wang, Feng Li
Summary: In this study, molecular screening of lung samples from 208 bovine pneumonia cases was conducted, and it was found that the prevalence of influenza C (ICV) and D (IDV) viruses in cases of bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) was 5.99% and 20.88%, respectively. Further analysis showed that the lung-tropic strains of IDV isolated from cattle with BRD belonged to the D/Michigan/2019 clade and had antigenic divergence from the circulating dominant IDV clades D/OK and D/660. These results reveal the association of IDV and ICV with BRD and support their role in the etiology of BRD.
Article
Immunology
Lei Zhang, Xinxin Zheng, Jun Li, Guoqing Wang, Zenglei Hu, Yu Chen, Xiaoquan Wang, Min Gu, Ruyi Gao, Shunlin Hu, Xiaowen Liu, Xinan Jiao, Daxin Peng, Jiao Hu, Xiufan Liu
Summary: Lnc45 plays a crucial role in inhibiting viral replication and suppressing virus-induced cell apoptosis during different subtypes of influenza virus infection. Its broad-spectrum antiviral activity is likely mediated by its specific stem ring arms, inhibiting viral polymerase activity and nuclear accumulation of viral proteins NP and PA.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mengying Liu, Liane Z. X. Huang, Anthony A. Smits, Christian Bull, Yoshiki Narimatsu, Frank J. M. van Kuppeveld, Henrik Clausen, Cornelis A. M. de Haan, Erik de Vries
Summary: The recognition of receptors between human and avian viruses is not as strict as previously assumed, as human viruses can also bind to avian receptors and vice versa. This suggests that heteromultivalent interactions are crucial for host adaptation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Emi Takashita, Shin Murakami, Yoko Matsuzaki, Seiichiro Fujisaki, Hiroko Morita, Shiho Nagata, Misa Katayama, Katsumi Mizuta, Hidekazu Nishimura, Shinji Watanabe, Taisuke Horimoto, Hideki Hasegawa
Summary: To minimize public health risks, monitoring antiviral susceptibilities of influenza viruses is crucial. This study tested the susceptibility of influenza C and D viruses to RNA polymerase inhibitors and found that all tested viruses were susceptible without any associated amino acid substitutions. The combined use of focus reduction assay and genotypic assay has proven valuable for monitoring antiviral susceptibilities of influenza C and D viruses.
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Els Duysburgh, Laure Mortgat, Cyril Barbezange, Katelijne Dierick, Natalie Fischer, Leo Heyndrickx, Veronik Hutse, Isabelle Thomas, Steven Van Gucht, Bea Vuylsteke, Kevin K. Arien, Isabelle Desombere
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lorenzo Subissi, Nathalie Bossuyt, Marijke Reynders, Michele Gerard, Nicolas Dauby, Patrick Lacor, Siel Daelemans, Benedicte Lissoir, Xavier Holemans, Koen Magerman, Door Jouck, Marc Bourgeois, Benedicte Delaere, Sophie Quolin, Steven Van Gucht, Isabelle Thomas, Cyril Barbezange
Summary: The study in Belgium found that non-influenza respiratory viruses (NIRV) contributed significantly to severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), with a high positivity rate among children, particularly those under 15 years old. The incidence rates of NIRV-associated SARI were higher than influenza, especially in children under 5 years old. Co-infections with multiple NIRV and other respiratory viruses further contributed to the burden of SARI, highlighting the importance of early testing for NIRV in clinical management, especially for young children.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dung Nguyen, Peter Simmonds, Maurice Steenhuis, Elise Wouters, Daniel Desmecht, Mutien Garigliany, Marta Romano, Cyril Barbezange, Piet Maes, Bram Van Holm, Joaquin Mendoza, Salvador Oyonarte, Anders Fomsgaard, Ria Lassauniere, Eva Zusinaite, Katarina Resman Rus, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Johan H. J. Reimerink, Fiona Brouwer, Marieke Hoogerwerf, Chantal B. E. M. Reusken, Gunnveig Grodeland, Sophie Le Cam, Pierre Gallian, Abdennour Amroun, Nadege Brisbarre, Christophe Martinaud, Isabelle Leparc Goffart, Hubert Schrezenmeier, Hendrik B. Feys, C. Ellen van der Schoot, Heli Harvala
Summary: The research compared the performance of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibody testing among 12 European laboratories involved in convalescent plasma trials. It was found that there were significant differences in titres between laboratories during blind-testing, but calibration of titres reduced this variability. Harmonisation of neutralising antibody quantification is a crucial step towards determining protective and therapeutic levels of neutralising antibodies.
Letter
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xavier Montagutelli, Sylvie van der Werf, Felix A. Rey, Etienne Simon-Loriere
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has substitutions in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein, indicating its potential to infect rodents. The existence of wild animal reservoirs could facilitate the emergence of new variants with the risk of transmission to humans, and therefore should be closely monitored.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meetali Singh, Maxime Chazal, Piergiuseppe Quarato, Loan Bourdon, Christophe Malabat, Thomas Vallet, Marco Vignuzzi, Sylvie van der Werf, Sylvie Behillil, Flora Donati, Nathalie Sauvonnet, Giulia Nigro, Maryline Bourgine, Nolwenn Jouvenet, Germano Cecere
Summary: A virus-derived miRNA produced during SARS-CoV-2 infection can target interferon-stimulated genes and suppress their expression, potentially aiding the virus in evading the host immune response. Detection of these viral miRNA isoforms in COVID-19 patients' samples suggests a mechanism by which the virus hijacks the host miRNA machinery.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Di Gioacchino, Rachel Legendre, Yannis Rahou, Valerie Najburg, Pierre Charneau, Benjamin D. Greenbaum, Frederic Tangy, Sylvie van der Werf, Simona Cocco, Anastassia Komarova
Summary: It is crucial to study the production of sgRNA in the vast amount of NGS data of SARS-CoV-2, and a user-friendly bioinformatic tool called sgDI-tector is introduced to identify and quantify these sgRNAs. Researchers successfully detected the nested set of sgRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 using this tool, and compared their production level with other types of viral RNA products.
Article
Immunology
Nathalie Vanderheijden, Annelies Stevaert, Jiexiong Xie, Xiaolei Ren, Cyril Barbezange, Sam Noppen, Isabelle Desombere, Bruno Verhasselt, Peter Geldhof, Nick Vereecke, Veerle Stroobants, Dayoung Oh, Merijn Vanhee, Lieve M. J. Naesens, Hans J. Nauwynck
Summary: Broadly protective therapeutic antibodies are urgently needed to combat SARS-CoV-2 variants. Researchers have found that antibodies formed during coronavirus infection can target multiple coronaviruses. These antibodies can bind to both alpha- and betacoronaviruses, but their neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 is weak. However, they may still play a role in influencing the severity of coronavirus infection and disease through Fc-mediated effector functions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Camille Bonnet, Shirley Masse, Hayat Benamar, Ana-Maria Vilcu, Morgane Swital, Thomas Hanslik, Sylvie van der Werf, Xavier Duval, Fabrice Carrat, Alessandra Falchi, Thierry Blanchon
Summary: The study compared the evolution of viral load between patients infected with the Alpha variant and those infected with historical SARS-CoV-2 strains, finding no significant difference in viral load evolution in saliva samples when controlling for the time interval between symptom onset and sampling.
Article
Virology
Victoria Leclercq, Nayema van den Houte, Lydia Gisle, Inge Roukaerts, Cyril Barbezange, Isabelle Desombere, Els Duysburgh, Johan Van der Heyden
Summary: This study examined the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the factors associated with their presence in the Belgian adult population. The results showed a significant increase in antibody prevalence after the onset of the vaccination campaign, while the prevalence remained stable among the unvaccinated individuals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu Wu, Nassim Mahtal, Elea Paillares, Lea Swistak, Sara Sagadiev, Mridu Acharya, Caroline Demeret, Sylvie Van der Werf, Florence Guivel-Benhassine, Olivier Schwartz, Serena Petracchini, Amel Mettouchi, Lucie Caramelle, Pierre Couvineau, Robert Thai, Peggy Barbe, Mathilde Keck, Priscille Brodin, Arnaud Machelart, Valentin Sencio, Francois Trottein, Martin Sachse, Gaetan Chicanne, Bernard Payrastre, Florian Ville, Victor Kreis, Michel-Robert Popoff, Ludger Johannes, Jean-Christophe Cintrat, Julien Barbier, Daniel Gillet, Emmanuel Lemichez
Summary: The compound C910 has been identified to disrupt toxin transport pathways, protecting cells against various bacterial toxins and reducing influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viral infections.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Els Tobback, Sophie Degroote, Sabine Buysse, Liesbeth Delesie, Lucas Van Dooren, Sophie Vanherrewege, Cyril Barbezange, Veronik Hutse, Marta Romano, Isabelle Thomas, Elizaveta Padalko, Steven Callens, Marie-Angelique De Scheerder
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of 300 mg camostat mesylate three times daily in a fasted state to treat early phase COVID-19. The results showed that camostat mesylate was not found to be effective as an antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kuang-Yu Chen, Jayaprakash Karuppusamy, Mary B. O'Neill, Vaitea Opuu, Mathieu Bahin, Sophie Foulon, Pablo Ibanez, Lluis Quintana-Murci, Tatsuhiko Ozawa, Sylvie van der Werf, Philippe Nghe, Nadia Naffakh, Andrew Griffiths, Catherine Isel
Summary: Using a high-throughput single-cell droplet microfluidic system, researchers have quantitatively studied influenza viruses and found that genetic reassortment is non-random. They accurately predicted the fraction of pairwise segments and full genotypes and discovered that a large proportion of reassortant genotypes can emerge upon coinfection and be detected at different frequencies, highlighting the importance of systematic and exhaustive monitoring of the reassortment potential of influenza viruses.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Timothy Devos, Quentin Van Thillo, Veerle Compernolle, Tome Najdovski, Marta Romano, Nicolas Dauby, Laurent Jadot, Mathias Leys, Evelyne Maillart, Sarah Loof, Lucie Seyler, Martial Moonen, Michel Moutschen, Niels Van Regenmortel, Kevin K. Arien, Cyril Barbezange, Albrecht Betrains, Mutien Garigliany, Matthias M. Engelen, Iwein Gyselinck, Piet Maes, Alexander Schauwvlieghe, Laurens Liesenborghs, Ann Belmans, Peter Verhamme, Geert Meyfroidt
Summary: Transfusion of 4 units of convalescent plasma with high neutralising antibody titres early in hospitalised COVID-19 patients did not result in a significant improvement of clinical status or reduced mortality.
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria E. Goossens, Kristof Y. Neven, Pieter Pannus, Cyril Barbezange, Isabelle Thomas, Steven Van Gucht, Katelijne Dierick, Marie-Noelle Schmickler, Mathieu Verbrugghe, Nele Van Loon, Kevin K. Arien, Arnaud Marchant, Stanislas Goriely, Isabelle Desombere
Summary: The study aims to compare COVID-19 disease development and symptomatology between geriatric and younger population, showing that older individuals tend to have more symptoms before and after infection, and there are differences in the rate of asymptomatic cases between residents and staff members post-infection.
ARCHIVES OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Di Gioacchino, Rachel Legendre, Yannis Rahou, Valerie Najburg, Pierre Charneau, Benjamin D. Greenbaum, Frederic Tangy, Sylvie van der Werf, Simona Cocco, Anastassia V. Komarova
Summary: Researchers have developed a user-friendly bioinformatic tool sgDI-tector to detect and quantify sgRNA production in SARS-CoV-2 NGS data, providing an effective method for studying subgenomic RNAs of coronaviruses.