Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julien Melade, Geraldine Piorkowski, Hawa Sophia Bouzidi, Alain Medawar, Claudine Raffy, Xavier de Lamballerie, Antoine Nougairede
Summary: PRRSV is a highly challenging infectious disease for pig populations, causing severe economic losses to the swine industry. Reverse genetics has been used to engineer modified viruses for vaccine development, but the complex genome of PRRSV makes the construction and modification of reverse genetic systems time-consuming. The ISA method provides a rapid alternative to conventional reverse genetic systems, allowing for the quick generation of infectious PRRSV particles for the development of sanitary countermeasures in the future.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Honglei Wang, Yangyang Xu, Wenhai Feng
Summary: PRRSV, a widely prevalent RNA virus in pigs, causes significant economic losses globally. Vaccines, including modified live and inactivated vaccines, are currently the best countermeasures against PRRSV infection, but are still facing challenges due to the virus's variability and interaction complexity with host immune responses. Novel strategies are being explored to develop more effective vaccines against this evolving virus.
Article
Virology
Yifeng Jiang, Wu Tong, Lingxue Yu, Liwei Li, Fei Gao, Guoxin Li, Changlong Liu, Pengfei Chen, Qi Shen, Yujiao Zhang, Yanjun Zhou, Guangzhi Tong
Summary: In this study, we generated chimeric viruses to identify the virulence associated regions of HP-PRRSV during in vitro attenuation. Our results revealed that ORF1a played a crucial role in virus replication, cytokine response, and lung damage. Furthermore, the exchange of ORF1b and ORF2-7 between different backbones led to different outcomes in virus replication and cytokine response. Consistent amino acid changes were also found during PRRSV attenuation. These findings provide fundamental data for understanding PRRSV attenuation and suggest different mechanisms for virulence enhancement in vivo and attenuation in vitro.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Yangli Pei, Chenghong Lin, Hua Li, Zheng Feng
Summary: This article provides an overview of the basic infection process, symptoms, immune mechanisms, noncoding RNA, and alternative splicing in PRRSV infection. It emphasizes the significant role of genetic background in susceptibility and resistance to PRRSV and its implications for individual treatment options.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Peter Oba, Michel M. Dione, Joseph Erume, Barbara Wieland, Christine Mutisya, Linnet Ochieng, Elizabeth A. J. Cook, Frank N. Mwiine
Summary: This study identified the co-circulation of two species of PRRSv in northern Uganda. PRRSv showed an association with lung pathology, suggesting it may be a significant cause of lung disease in pigs in Uganda, leading to production losses. Further investigations are needed to assess the potential economic impacts of PRRSv on pig productivity, and discussions about surveillance and vaccination strategies in Uganda.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Xin-xin Chen, Songlin Qiao, Rui Li, Jing Wang, Xuewu Li, Gaiping Zhang
Summary: By studying how PRRSV evades host immune responses, we can understand that the virus establishes long-term infection through various complex mechanisms, which is a major obstacle in controlling PRRS disease. Understanding the exact mechanisms of PRRSV immune evasion will contribute to the development of novel antiviral strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Giulia D'Annunzio, Fabio Ostanello, Luisa Vera Muscatello, Massimo Orioles, Niccolo Jacumin, Nicola Tommasini, Giorgio Leotti, Andrea Luppi, Luciana Mandrioli, Giuseppe Sarli
Summary: This study examines the impact of Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) on Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC). The results show that PCV2 and PRRSV are the primary infections associated with PRDC in Italy, and co-infections can worsen the pathology. Therefore, selecting appropriate preventive measures is crucial.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Shengnan Ruan, Wenhui Ren, Bin Yu, Xuexiang Yu, Hao Wu, Wentao Li, Yunbo Jiang, Qigai He
Summary: In this study, a new TaqMan-based RT-qPCR assay was developed to detect and type the circulating PRRSV strains in Chinese swine populations. The assay showed high specificity, sensitivity, and concordance with reference assays, and could assist in monitoring PRRSV prevalence and implementing prevention and control strategies effectively.
Article
Immunology
Loic Vivien Bocard, Andrew Robert Kick, Corinne Hug, Heidi Erika Lisa Lischer, Tobias Kaser, Artur Summerfield
Summary: This study aimed to understand the nature of innate and adaptive immune responses to PRRSV, revealing differences in regulation by PRRSV-2 strains and MLV. Different PRRSV strains induced varied immune responses, impacting platelet activation, dendritic cell activity, interferon type I, and plasma cell responses. Correlations of BTMs with T-cell responses showed both positive and negative associations post-infection, indicating complexities in immune regulation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Rong Wang, Yueqiang Xiao, Qian Zhang, Liang Bai, Weirong Wang, Sihai Zhao, Enqi Liu
Summary: This study demonstrated that highly pathogenic PRRSV strain HuN4 induced significant secretion of HMGB1 and inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), resulting in severe interstitial pneumonia in pigs. In contrast, infection with an avirulent PRRSV vaccine strain CH1R led to mild lung inflammation with minimal HMGB1 secretion.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Feng Long, Yating Chen, Kaichuang Shi, Yanwen Yin, Shuping Feng, Hongbin Si
Summary: PRRSV type 1 (European genotype) and PRRSV type 2 (North American genotype) are prevalent in China, and classical PRRSV (C-PRRSV), highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV), and NADC30-like PRRSV (NL-PRRSV) are the most common circulating strains. Multiplex real-time quantitative RT-PCR and multiplex Crystal digital RT-PCR were developed for the differential detection of these strains and showed high sensitivity, strong specificity, and excellent repeatability.
Article
Virology
Qiyun Ke, Kaiqi Duan, Yan Cheng, Si Xu, Shaobo Xiao, Liurong Fang
Summary: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a worldwide prevalent virus that causes significant economic losses to the swine industry. Current vaccines fail to effectively control PRRSV, therefore the development of safe and effective antiviral drugs is urgently needed. Sanguinarine, a natural alkaloid found in many plants including Macleaya cordata, has been demonstrated as a potent antagonist against PRRSV. It targets multiple stages of the viral life cycle and shows promising potential as a novel candidate for anti-PRRSV agents.
Article
Microbiology
Dike Jiang, Teng Tu, You Zhou, Yanwei Li, Yan Luo, Xueping Yao, Zexiao Yang, Meishen Ren, Yin Wang
Summary: This study investigated the PRRSV epidemic situation in Sichuan province, China, and identified HP-PRRSV as the predominant strain. A new PRRSV strain named SCSN2020 was isolated and characterized, showing high genomic similarity to the JXA1 strain. The study also demonstrated the pathogenicity of the SCSN2020 strain in piglets.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Yao Yao, Sihan Li, Yingqi Zhu, Yangyang Xu, Siyuan Hao, Shuyuan Guo, Wen-Hai Feng
Summary: miR-204 suppresses PRRSV replication by inhibiting LC3B-mediated autophagy, providing a potential approach for developing antiviral therapies and controlling PRRSV outbreaks.
Article
Immunology
Sophie Duerlinger, Christian Knecht, Spencer Sawyer, Gyula Balka, Marianne Zaruba, Till Ruemenapf, Christian Kraft, Poul Henning Rathkjen, Andrea Ladinig
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy of a modified live PRRSV-1 vaccine in weaned piglets experimentally infected with PRRSV strain AUT15-33. Results showed that vaccination increased average daily weight gain, reduced viral shedding in oral fluids and tissue samples, as well as reduced the severity of lung lesions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bo Wang, Debin Tian, Harini Sooryanarain, Hassan M. Mahsoub, C. Lynn Heffron, Anna M. Hassebroek, Xiang-Jin Meng
Summary: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in pregnant women often leads to fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) with high mortality rates. Mutations in HEV-1 have been found to be associated with FHF, and two specific mutations have been identified in all FHF cases in Bangladesh. These mutations greatly enhance HEV replication and may explain the rapid viral replication and severe disease in FHF patients. However, these mutations do not affect the replication ability of HEV-3 and do not alter the sensitivity to ribavirin, suggesting that ribavirin can still be used for antiviral therapy in FHF patients.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chu Chen, Ya-Li Li, Fang-Li Lv, Ling-Dong Xu, Yao-Wei Huang
Summary: Although feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection is common in cats, effective treatments are limited. This study developed a recombinant Bacillus subtilis (rBS(CotB-HR2P)) expressing a peptide derived from the heptad repeat 2 domain of the coronavirus spike protein. The study also established a mouse model for FCoV infection and evaluated the protective effects of the oral vaccine candidate. The results suggest that rBS(CotB-HR2P) could be a promising treatment for FECV/FCoV infection in cats.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Fang-Shu Shi, Yin Yu, Ya-Li Li, Lilan Cui, Zhuangzhuang Zhao, Mi Wang, Bin Wang, Rong Zhang, Yao-Wei Huang
Summary: This study systematically analyzed the expression and subcellular localization of 11 distinct viral nonstructural proteins (nsp) during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The data revealed highly regulated expression of nsp genes in space and time, which could provide insights into the function of viral replicases and aid in the development of diagnostics and potential antiviral strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Michael A. Purdy, Jan Felix Drexler, Xiang-Jin Meng, Helene Norder, Hiroaki Okamoto, Wim H. M. Van der Poel, Gabor Reuter, William M. de Souza, Rainer G. Ulrich, Donald B. Smith
Summary: Hepeviridae family includes enterically transmitted viruses infecting mammals, birds, and fish, with Hepatitis E virus causing acute hepatitis in humans and Avian hepatitis E virus inducing hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome in chickens.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tanja Opriessnig, Yao-Wei Huang
Summary: This review article summarizes the latest research findings on whether pigs can be infected with SARS-CoV-2. It suggests that pigs are currently considered a low-risk species, posing no immediate risk to the human population or xenotransplantation recipients. However, monitoring the ever-changing variants of the virus is crucial.
XENOTRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Fei Zhang, Ling-Dong Xu, Qian Zhang, Ailian Wang, Xinyuan Yu, Shengduo Liu, Chu Chen, Shiying Wu, Jianping Jin, Aifu Lin, Dante Neculai, Bin Zhao, Xin-Hua Feng, Tingbo Liang, Pinglong Xu, Yao-Wei Huang
Summary: We identified 17 efficient anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) drugs through high-throughput screening, which showed promising results in vitro and in vivo. These drugs target the proteostasis of the HEV replicase and exhibited superior efficacy compared to conventional antivirals. This study provides insights into the critical host-HEV interactions and lays the foundation for the development of clinically promising antivirals.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Anna M. Hassebroek, Harini Sooryanarain, Connie L. Heffron, Seth A. Hawks, Tanya LeRoith, Thomas E. Cecere, William B. Stone, Debra Walter, Hassan M. Mahsoub, Bo Wang, Debin Tian, Hannah M. Ivester, Irving C. Allen, Albert J. Auguste, Nisha K. Duggal, Chenming Zhang, Xiang-Jin Meng
Summary: This study developed a vaccine based on hepatitis B virus core antigen, which expressed B and T cell epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 and was evaluated for its immunogenicity and protective efficacy. The results showed that the vaccine induced specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, but had limited effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Qi-Zhang Liang, Bin Wang, Chun-Miao Ji, Feifan Hu, Pan Qin, Yaoyu Feng, Yan-Dong Tang, Yao-Wei Huang
Summary: The receptor usage of avian deltacoronaviruses (DCoVs) has been investigated and it has been shown that chicken or porcine aminopeptidase N (APN) serves as a cell receptor for three avian DCoVs. The S1 subunit of these avian DCoVs binds to APN in vitro and on avian and porcine cells. This study provides crucial information on the receptor usage of avian DCoVs and suggests a potential interspecies transmission.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qian Zhang, Shengduo Liu, Chen-Song Zhang, Qirou Wu, Xinyuan Yu, Ruyuan Zhou, Fansen Meng, Ailian Wang, Fei Zhang, Shasha Chen, Xiaojian Wang, Lei Li, Jun Huang, Yao-Wei Huang, Jian Zou, Jun Qin, Tingbo Liang, Xin-Hua Feng, Sheng-Cai Lin, Pinglong Xu
Summary: This study found that viral infection leads to a rapid decrease in blood glucose levels, resulting in the activation of AMPK. The activated AMPK directly phosphorylates TBK1, triggering the recruitment of IRF3 and the assembly of MAVS or STING signalosomes. However, depletion or inhibition of AMPK and increased glucose levels impair nucleic acid sensing, while enhancing the AMPK-TBK1 cascade significantly improves antiviral immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhuangzhuang Zhao, Ling-Dong Xu, Fei Zhang, Qi-Zhang Liang, Yajuan Jiao, Fang-Shu Shi, Biao He, Pinglong Xu, Yao-Wei Huang
Summary: Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) effectively limits SARS-CoV-2 infection, but little is known about Hsp90 interaction with SARS-CoV-2 proteins. This study analyzed the effects of Hsp90 alpha and Hsp9011 on individual SARSCoV-2 viral proteins and found that five SARS-CoV-2 proteins are novel clients of Hsp9011. Hsp90 depletion-induced N protein degradation is independent of CHIP but alleviated by FBXO10.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Virology
De Yu, Zhuang-Yan Zhao, Yong-Le Yang, Yu Qin, Dan Pan, Li-Xia Yuan, Yao-Wei Huang, Bin Wang
Summary: SADS-CoV is a newly discovered alphacoronavirus that causes diarrhea and vomiting in piglets and has the potential for zoonotic transmission. It is believed to have originated from the bat coronavirus HKU2 and underwent interspecies transmission through an intermediate host. The evolutionary analysis suggests that SADS-CoV is slowly evolving, providing valuable insights for predicting future cross-species transmission and monitoring zoonotic outbreaks.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hassan M. M. Mahsoub, C. Lynn Heffron, Anna M. M. Hassebroek, Harini Sooryanarain, Bo Wang, Tanya LeRoith, Guillermo Raimundi Rodriguez, Debin Tian, Xiang-Jin Meng
Summary: HEV causes adverse pregnancy outcomes with a mortality rate of >30% in pregnant women. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study utilizes HEV-3ra and pregnant rabbits to investigate the potential mechanisms of pregnancy-associated adverse outcomes during HEV infection.
Article
Microbiology
Bo Wang, Hassan M. M. Mahsoub, Wen Li, C. Lynn Heffron, Debin Tian, Anna M. M. Hassebroek, Tanya LeRoith, Xiang-Jin Meng
Summary: HEV-3 causes chronic hepatitis E that requires antiviral therapy in immunosuppressed individuals, and ribavirin (RBV) is the main therapeutic option, although it is an off-label use. Treatment failure may occur due to mutations in the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), including Y1320H, K1383N, and G1634R.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Zhuang-Yan Zhao, De Yu, Chun-Miao Ji, Qiankun Zheng, Yao-Wei Huang, Bin Wang
Summary: New analysis suggests that seven arteriviruses isolated from rodents may be ancestors of PRRSV. These viruses share genetic similarities, genome organization, and other characteristics with PRRSV. The evolutionary analysis reveals the close relationship between four rodent arteriviruses and PRRSV, shedding light on the origin and evolution of PRRSV and other arteriviruses.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Debin Tian, Wen Li, C. Lynn Heffron, Bo Wang, Hassan M. Mahsoub, Harini Sooryanarain, Anna M. Hassebroek, Sherrie Clark-Deener, Tanya LeRoith, Xiang-Jin Meng
Summary: This study demonstrates that the hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cross the blood-brain barrier and both quasi-enveloped and nonenveloped HEVs have similar abilities in this process. Additionally, human brain microvascular endothelial cells are susceptible to HEV infection, and similar results were observed in pigs.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Virology
Mohamed S. H. Hassan, Ahmed Ali, Motamed Elsayed Mahmoud, Danah Altakrouni, Shahnas M. Najimudeen, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem
Summary: This study compared the efficacy of different vaccination programs against Canadian DMV/1639 IBV and found that the autogenous inactivated DMV/1639 vaccine was more effective in reducing viral loads and boosting virus neutralization titers. Both vaccination programs provided significant protection against pathological effects.
Article
Virology
Wanda Christ, Jonas Klingstrom, Janne Tynell
Summary: The integrated stress response (ISR) is activated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, triggering translational arrest and inhibiting stress granule formation. However, the stress-responsive transcription factors ATF4 and CHOP are not induced. Different SARS-CoV-2 variants show variant-specific differences in ISR activation, suggesting potential impacts on pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
Article
Virology
Xiao Han, Hankun Xu, Yifan Weng, Rong Chen, Jidong Xu, Tong Cao, Renjie Sun, Ying Shan, Fang He, Weihuan Fang, Xiaoliang Li
Summary: Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) can inhibit the host innate immunity by decreasing the level of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and CSFV Npro can evade host antiviral immune response through upregulating HMGB1 acetylation.
Article
Virology
Sunjian Lyu, Fulei Xiong, Tianpeng Qi, Weifeng Shen, Qi Guo, Mingming Han, Li Liu, Weishao Bu, Julin Yuan, Bao Lou
Summary: This study identified and characterized a novel temperate A. hydrophila phage, P05B, which has strong lytic ability and stability across different temperatures and pH values.
Article
Virology
Siyuan Liu, Wei Chen, Raphael Nyaruaba, Shunlong Wang, Cihan Yang, Qun Wu, Ying Liu, Puyu Liu, Fei Wang, Jingling Wang, Zhiming Yuan, Dingwei Sun, Han Xia
Summary: Specific, sensitive, and reliable RT-qPCR assays for the detection of OYAV and EBIV have been successfully developed in this study. These assays hold great promise for their potential application in clinical and field samples in the future.
Article
Virology
Rui Wang, Qiang Sun, Jinbo Xiao, Congcong Wang, Xiaoliang Li, Jichen Li, Yang Song, Huanhuan Lu, Ying Liu, Shuangli Zhu, Zhijun Liu, Yong Zhang
Summary: Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) has emerged as an important agent causing hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Mutations in residue 64 of the virus have been found to increase resistance to ribavirin and decrease sensitivity to guanidine hydrochloride. This mutation also leads to increased replication fidelity and reduced pathogenicity. These findings provide a foundation for the development of a safe and effective live attenuated CVA6 vaccine.
Article
Virology
Yao Xiong, Keran Ma, Xiao Zou, Yantao Liang, Kaiyang Zheng, Tiancong Wang, Hong Zhang, Yue Dong, Ziyue Wang, Yundan Liu, Hongbing Shao, Andrew Mcminn, Min Wang
Summary: This study isolated a novel virus, vB_VviC_ZQ26, infecting Vibrio cyclitrophicus from coastal waters near Qingdao, China. It was found that vB_VviC_ZQ26 belongs to a new vibriophage-specific family, Coheviridae, and is mainly found in temperate and tropical epipelagic zones.
Article
Virology
Xing Li, Zhiping Ye, Ewan P. Plant
Summary: By analyzing clinical and cultured samples using the same bioinformatic pipeline, it was found that 5' copyback DVGs are prevalent in human clinical samples but not in cultured samples. Furthermore, there are differences in DVG production and composition between in vivo and in vitro infections.
Article
Virology
Shreya Banerjee, Rakesh Sarkar, Arpita Mukherjee, Suvrotoa Mitra, Animesh Gope, Mamta Chawla-Sarkar
Summary: Rotavirus is a major cause of viral gastroenteritis in infants and continues to be a severe issue in underdeveloped nations. Recent research has shown that a long non-coding RNA called SLC7A11-AS1 is upregulated during rotavirus infection and plays a role in facilitating the virus's propagation by regulating intracellular glutathione and lipid peroxidation.
Article
Virology
Eiichi Hondo, Tetsufumi Katta, Ayato Sato, Naoya Kadofusa, Tomoki Ishibashi, Hiroshi Shimoda, Hirokazu Katoh, Atsuo Iida
Summary: Bat-borne emerging viruses, such as the Ebola virus and Nipah virus, pose a significant threat to public health. In this study, we identified micafungin as a potential antiviral drug against Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) and found that it inhibits viral release in human cells through activating the endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathway. This research provides valuable insights into the development of effective treatments for future virus pandemics.
Article
Virology
M. Joubert, N. van den Berg, J. Theron, V. Swart
Summary: This study investigated the host gene expression in asymptomatic avocado nursery trees infected with Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) using RNA sequencing. The results showed that 631 genes were differentially expressed during infection, with 63% upregulated. ASBVd infection significantly affected plant defence responses, phytohormone networks, gene expression pathways, secondary metabolism, cellular transport, as well as protein modification and degradation. This study provides insights into the molecular interactions underlying avsunviroid-host interactions.
Article
Virology
Wanling Zhang, Haiyan Yang, Zhengyun Liu, Shengyu Wang, Tianyang Chen, Hong Song, Yunbin Xu, Fajin Li, Guo Luo, Huan Wang
Summary: EV71 infection leads to changes in mitochondrial morphology and dynamics in human neuroblastoma cells, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction that may contribute to nervous system dysfunction.
Article
Virology
Mikhail Oliveira Leastro, Elliot Watanabe Kitajima, Vicente Pallas, Jesus Angel Sanchez- Navarro
Summary: This study reports the construction and validation of an infectious cDNA clone of Citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C) based on an agroinfection system. Agro-injected Nicotiana benthamiana plants showed localized lesions similar to the natural infection process. The virus recovered from the infected plant tissue could be mechanically transmitted between plants. The CiLV-C reverse genetic system provides a powerful molecular tool for unraveling the peculiarities of the citrus leprosis pathosystem.
Article
Virology
Manel Essaidi-Laziosi, Francisco J. Perez-Rodriguez, Catia Alvarez, Pascale Sattonnet-Roche, Giulia Torriani, Meriem Bekliz, Kenneth Adea, Matthias Lenk, Tasnim Suliman, Wolfgang Preiser, Marcel A. Mueller, Christian Drosten, Laurent Kaiser, Isabella Eckerle
Summary: This study found that the Omicron variant has different replication characteristics compared to other variants of concern, being able to efficiently produce infectious virus in nasal cells but not lung cells. In addition, the Delta and Omicron variants showed increased infection efficiency in A549 cells. These findings suggest that the variants of concern have better adaptation to humans but do not have an extended host range.
Article
Virology
Martin Faye, Modeste Name Faye, Babacar Ndiaye, Moussa Moise Diagne, Safietou Sankhe, Ndeye Marieme Top, Amadou Diallo, Cheikh Loucoubar, Ndongo Dia, Amadou Alpha Sall, Ousmane Faye
Summary: Genomic surveillance in Senegal since March 2020 has detected the emergence of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sublineages in June 2022. Next-generation sequencing and phylogeny analysis of isolates from a cluster of cases in Northern Senegal in July 2022 revealed that the BA.4 cases originated from a XAS recombinant, marking the first reported sequence of this variant from Senegal. Continuous genomic surveillance of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples is crucial.
