Review
Immunology
Yaqi Yu, Zhenzhou Wan, Jian-Hua Wang, Xianguang Yang, Chiyu Zhang
Summary: This article summarizes the natural history, spread, and association of human pegivirus with other human viral diseases, as well as its potential use in therapy.
Article
Cell Biology
Jinliang Wang, Guan Yang, Xinxin Wang, Zhiyuan Wen, Lei Shuai, Jie Luo, Chong Wang, Ziruo Sun, Renqiang Liu, Jinying Ge, Xijun He, Ronghong Hua, Xijun Wang, Xiao Yang, Weiye Chen, Gongxun Zhong, Zhigao Bu
Summary: mGluR2 has been identified as an internalization factor for SARS-CoV-2, facilitating viral entry into cells. It cooperates with ACE2 to promote virus internalization through clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and its knockout in mice significantly reduces viral infection in the nasal turbinates and lungs. mGluR2 is also important for the internalization of other coronaviruses, suggesting it may be a potential target for antiviral development.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Lukas Wilkman, Clas Ahlm, Magnus Evander, Olivia Wesula Lwande
Summary: Five endemic mosquito-borne viruses in Fennoscandia have significant impact on human health, but their incidence remains unknown due to underdiagnosing and lack of surveillance. The complex transmission and lack of clear case definition criteria make prevention and diagnosis of Fennoscandian moboviruses challenging, leading to potential misdiagnosis. Some infections have long-term effects such as malaise, rash, and joint pain. Research on mobovirus diseases is mainly focused on a few pathogens, neglecting many others. This review aims to summarize current medically relevant knowledge of moboviruses in Fennoscandia while highlighting unknown and overlooked aspects.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arthur S. Kim, Natasha M. Kafai, Emma S. Winkler, Theron C. Jr Jr Gilliland, Emily L. Cottle, James T. Earnest, Prashant N. Jethva, Paulina Kaplonek, Aadit P. Shah, Rachel H. Fong, Edgar Davidson, Ryan J. Malonis, Jose A. Quiroz, Lauren E. Williamson, Lo Vang, Matthias Mack, James E. Jr Jr Crowe, Benjamin J. Doranz, Jonathan R. Lai, Galit Alter, Michael L. Gross, William B. Klimstra, Daved H. Fremont, Michael S. Diamond
Summary: Two poorly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies, DC2.112 and DC2.315, have been identified as pan-protective against both arthritogenic and encephalitic alphaviruses. These antibodies target a conserved epitope in the E1 protein domain II and offer protection through multiple mechanisms, including inhibiting viral egress and monocyte-dependent Fc effector functions. This finding provides potential targets for pan-alphavirus immunotherapy and vaccine design.
Article
Virology
Feixiang Yan, Wei Yang, Xinlu Wang, Guangxia Gao
Summary: This study found that the ISG product TMEM45B inhibits the replication of Sindbis virus (SINV). TMEM45B interacts with the viral nonstructural proteins Nsp1 and Nsp4, inhibiting the translation and promoting the degradation of SINV RNA. In addition, TMEM45B also interacts with Nsp1 and Nsp4 of chikungunya virus (CHIKV), suggesting its potential role in inhibiting the replication of other alphaviruses.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lauren E. Williamson, Kristen M. Reeder, Kevin Bailey, Minh H. Tran, Vicky Roy, Mallorie E. Fouch, Nurgun Kose, Andrew Trivette, Rachel S. Nargi, Emma S. Winkler, Arthur S. Kim, Christopher Gainza, Jessica Rodriguez, Erica Armstrong, Rachel E. Sutton, Joseph Reidy, Robert H. Carnahan, W. Hayes McDonald, Clara T. Schoeder, William B. Klimstra, Edgar Davidson, Benjamin J. Doranz, Galit Alter, Jens Meiler, Kevin L. Schey, Justin G. Julander, Michael S. Diamond, James E. Jr Jr Crowe
Summary: Antibody responses to alphavirus E1 proteins are influenced by the exposure of epitopes on the glycoprotein and their presentation on the cell surface. Therapeutic efficacy in vivo corresponds with virus egress inhibition potency in vitro, and treatment does not require Fc-mediated effector functions.
Article
Immunology
Andrew Nishimoto, Nicholas Wohlgemuth, Jason Rosch, Stacey Schultz-Cherry, Valerie Cortez, Hannah M. Rowe
Summary: Bacterial, fungal, and helminthic species within the microbiome of mammalian hosts have significant effects on health and disease. Pathogenic viruses have evolved to interact with and potentially exploit or evade the microbiome during infection. Recent research has highlighted both synergistic and antagonistic interactions between the microbiome and pathogenic viruses, showcasing the complexity of their relationship.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jia-Qi Li, Zhe-Rui Zhang, Hong-Qing Zhang, Ya-Nan Zhang, Xiang-Yue Zeng, Qiu-Yan Zhang, Cheng-Lin Deng, Xiao-Dan Li, Bo Zhang, Han-Qing Ye
Summary: The study demonstrated a safe and cost-effective method to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection by expressing neutralizing antibodies in the lungs. Through in vitro and in vivo assays, it was shown that self-replicating mRNA could efficiently block SARS-CoV-2 infection with reduced viral titer and tissue damage in the lung with the help of lung target delivery using the VRP system.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2021)
Review
Virology
Yuan Fang, Emad I. M. Khater, Jing-Bo Xue, Enas H. S. Ghallab, Yuan-Yuan Li, Tian-Ge Jiang, Shi-Zhu Li
Summary: This systematic review examines the prevalence of mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) in Egypt. The study finds that dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV) have shown an increase in seropositivity rates, and spillover events have been recorded. The surveillance system for MBVs in Egypt has deficiencies and calls for the establishment of an early warning system and a joint system for medical care and public health.
Review
Biology
Faheem Anwar, Fatima Haider, Sarmir Khan, Ibrar Ahmad, Naveed Ahmed, Muhammad Imran, Summya Rashid, Zhi-Guang Ren, Saadullah Khattak, Xin-Ying Ji
Summary: Monkeypox virus is a zoonotic double-stranded DNA virus that causes disease in humans and mammals. It is associated with the smallpox virus and has been reported in various regions of Africa and the Northern and western hemispheres. This review focuses on the taxonomic classification, clinical presentations, and pathogenicity of the monkeypox virus in humans, as well as different diagnostic methods used for virus detection.
Article
Oncology
Kangyixin Sun, Xiangwei Shi, Li Li, Xiupeng Nie, Lin Xu, Fan Jia, Fuqiang Xu
Summary: This study suggests that using sindbis virus combined with cytokines is an efficient treatment option for malignant gliomas, and sindbis virus has a significant safety profile as an oncolytic virus.
Article
Virology
Isabel Fourie, Jumari Snyman, June Williams, Arshad Ismail, Petrus Jansen van Vuren, Marietjie Venter
Summary: This study investigated the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of MIDV and SINV infections in horses in South Africa. MIDV infection was more prevalent than SINV infection, and MIDV cases showed a seasonal pattern while SINV cases did not. The study also found prolonged replication of MIDV compared to SINV.
Article
Microbiology
Xiangwei Shi, Kangyixin Sun, You Hu, Qinghan Wang, Guoyang Liao, Li Li, Pengjie Wen, Leo E. Wong, Fan Jia, Fuqiang Xu
Summary: Using a directed evolution approach, we identified two adaptive mutations that help SINV stably express exogenous genes. The G285S mutation was sufficient for stable expression, and it is conserved. Based on this mutation, we constructed a new vector and found that the mutant SINV maintained its transsynaptic transmission property. This efficient approach to enhance gene delivery capacity of viral vectors will be valuable for neuroscience and oncolytic therapy.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jialu Qiao, Qingzhen Liu
Summary: The study revealed the interaction between autophagy and Sindbis virus replication in Aedes mosquito cells, showing that autophagy manipulation plays a role in viral replication and could potentially help in controlling mosquito-borne diseases. The differing patterns of autophagy induction and suppression in C6/36 and Aag2 cells during SINV replication suggest the complexity of viral-vector interactions. Understanding these interactions could aid in elucidating the differences in viral transmission capacity between Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rody Blom, Maarten J. J. Schrama, Jeroen Spitzen, Babette F. M. Weller, Anne van der Linden, Reina S. Sikkema, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt
Summary: Genomic analyses of mosquito-borne virus outbreaks in temperate Europe have shown the presence of similar virus strains over multiple years, indicating local overwintering. It is unclear how these viruses persist in winter, but diapausing mosquitoes may play a role in their persistence.
Article
Virology
Ruchika Shakya, Morten Tryland, Rose Vikse, Javier Sanchez Romano, Kjetil Asbakk, Ingebjorg H. Nymo, Reidar Mehl, Magnus Evander, Clas Ahlm, Olli Vapalahti, Olivia Wesula Lwande, Niina Putkuri, Wenche Johansen, Arnulf Soleng, Kristin S. Edgar, Ashild K. Andreassen
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of INKV and SINV in blood sucking insects and semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer in Norway. Results showed that Aedes spp. were the dominant species among the collected blood sucking insects, with 2 pools testing positive for INKV and none for SINV. The IgG seroprevalence for INKV in reindeer was 62%, with no cross-reactivity observed. These findings highlight the need for further monitoring of these viruses in Northern Europe.
Article
Virology
Rommel Iheozor-Ejiofor, Katariina Vapalahti, Tarja Sironen, Lev Levanov, Jussi Hepojoki, Ake Lundkvist, Satu Makela, Antti Vaheri, Jukka Mustonen, Alexander Plyusnin, Tomas M. Strandin, Olli Vapalahti
Summary: Nephropathia epidemica, a mild form of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome caused by Puumala orthohantavirus, typically presents with acute kidney injury. This study found that although most patients already had considerable levels of neutralizing and anti-PUUV-N IgG antibodies upon hospitalization, these antibody levels did not appear to protect from acute kidney injury.
Article
Virology
Luz E. Cabrera, Constanze Schmotz, Moin A. Saleem, Sanna Lehtonen, Olli Vapalahti, Antti Vaheri, Satu Makela, Jukka Mustonen, Tomas Strandin
Summary: This study found that HPSE levels in urine were significantly increased during the acute phase of HFRS and strongly associated with kidney injury and disease severity. Furthermore, increased expression of HPSE was detected in orthohantavirus-infected podocytes. These findings suggest that HPSE may play a role in disrupting the endothelial glycocalyx in the kidneys of orthohantavirus-infected patients, leading to proteinuria.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ngoc Anh Nguyen, Xiaobo Huang, Luz E. Cabrera, Pirkka T. Pekkarinen, Kirsten Nowlan, Tomas Strandin, Anu Kantele, Olli Vapalahti, Santtu Heinonen, Eliisa Kekalainen
Summary: This study evaluated and compared the performance of four commercial whole blood cryopreservation kits and found that PROT-1, Transfix, and Cytodelics maintained the distribution of major leukocyte subsets and the activated phenotypes of neutrophils. Cytodelics also allowed reliable detection of lymphopenia and granulocyte expansion in longitudinal clinical samples from acute COVID-19 patients.
Article
Virology
Ilya Plyusnin, Olli Vapalahti, Tarja Sironen, Ravi Kant, Teemu Smura
Summary: Viruses are the main cause of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a high-throughput technology that can detect known or novel divergent viruses without prior assumptions. The Lazypipe 2 mNGS pipeline has significant improvements in code stability and transparency, with added functionality and support for new software components.
Article
Virology
Pinja Kettunen, Angelina Lesnikova, Noora Rasanen, Ravi Ojha, Leena Palmunen, Markku Laakso, Sarka Lehtonen, Johanna Kuusisto, Olli Pietilainen, Saber H. Saber, Merja Joensuu, Olli P. Vapalahti, Jari Koistinaho, Taisia Rolova, Giuseppe Balistreri
Summary: COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and can lead to neurological symptoms. Research shows that a small fraction of human iPSC-derived neurons are naturally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, which seems to depend on the ACE2 receptor despite low expression levels in neurons.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yingying X. G. Wang, Liina Voutilainen, Mahdi Aminikhah, Heikki Helle, Otso Huitu, Juha Laakkonen, Andreas Linden, Jukka Niemimaa, Jussi Sane, Tarja Sironen, Olli Vapalahti, Heikki Henttonen, Eva R. Kallio
Summary: The study shows that certain predators, young bank voles, and diverse rodent communities may reduce the risk of PUUV infection in humans by negatively impacting the abundance of infected bank voles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Tobias L. Freitag, Riku Fagerlund, Nihay Laham Karam, Veli-Matti Leppanen, Hasan Ugurlu, Ravi Kant, Petri Makinen, Ahmed Tawfek, Sawan Kumar Jha, Tomas Strandin, Katarzyna Leskinen, Jussi Hepojoki, Tapio Kesti, Lauri Kareinen, Suvi Kuivanen, Emma Koivulehto, Aino Sormunen, Svetlana Laidinen, Ayman Khattab, Paivi Saavalainen, Seppo Meri, Anja Kipar, Tarja Sironen, Olli Vapalahti, Kari Alitalo, Seppo Yla-Herttuala, Kalle Saksela
Summary: Intranasal administration of adenoviral vector vaccines can induce mucosal immunity and protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection, supporting the potential of this approach for preventing transmission of the virus.
Article
Virology
Stephanie Jansen, Anna Heitmann, Ruut Uusitalo, Essi M. Korhonen, Renke Luehken, Konstantin Kliemke, Unchana Lange, Michelle Helms, Lauri Kirjalainen, Roope Nykanen, Hilppa Gregow, Pentti Pirinen, Giada Rossini, Olli Vapalahti, Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, Eili Huhtamo
Summary: The West Nile and Sindbis viruses are mosquito-borne zoonotic viruses that are widespread in Europe. Finnish Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium mosquitoes were found to be susceptible to both viruses and could transmit them at temperatures ranging from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. Cx. torrentium was a more efficient vector than Cx. pipiens for both viruses. The current climate in Finland may not be optimal for WNV circulation, but if all other factors are in place, summertime transmission could occur in the future. More field data is needed to monitor the northward spreading of WNV in Europe.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna R. Maekelae, Hasan Ugurlu, Liina Hannula, Ravi Kant, Petja Salminen, Riku Fagerlund, Sanna Maeki, Anu Haveri, Tomas Strandin, Lauri Kareinen, Jussi Hepojoki, Suvi Kuivanen, Lev Levanov, Arja Pasternack, Rauno A. Naves, Olli Ritvos, Pamela oesterlund, Tarja Sironen, Olli Vapalahti, Anja Kipar, Juha T. Huiskonen, Ilona Rissanen, Kalle Saksela
Summary: The authors describe a small antibody-like protein, TriSb92, that can prevent infection by diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants. In cell culture and mice, intranasal treatment with TriSb92 before or shortly after exposure to the virus showed protective effects. This highly manufacturable and stable trimeric antibody-mimetic has the potential to be used as a nasal spray for protecting susceptible individuals from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mert Erdin, Kamelia R. Stanoeva, Ramona Mogling, Misa Korva, Natasa Knap, Katarina Resman Rus, Cristina Domingo, Johan H. J. Reimerink, Ankje de Vries, Hussein Alburkat, Mira Utriainen, Celine M. Gossner, Tarja Sironen, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Chantal B. E. M. Reusken, Olli Vapalahti
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic capability of European expert laboratories in detecting orthohantaviruses, LCMV, and human antibody response. The results showed a high accuracy in serological diagnosis but a need for improvement in molecular detection. Regular quality assessments were recommended.
Article
Parasitology
Fathiah Zakham, Essi M. Korhonen, Petteri T. Puonti, Robert S. Castren, Ruut Uusitalo, Teemu Smura, Ravi Kant, Olli Vapalahti, Tarja Sironen, Paula M. Kinnunen
Summary: This study found a high prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms in ticks collected from pet dogs and cats in Finland, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prevention of tick-borne diseases. Veterinary surveillance can facilitate early detection of tick-borne pathogens and new tick species and draw attention to possible co-infections.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Vilja Pietiainen, Minttu Polso, Ede Migh, Christian Guckelsberger, Maria Harmati, Akos Diosdi, Laura Turunen, Antti Hassinen, Swapnil Potdar, Annika Koponen, Edina Gyukity Sebestyen, Ferenc Kovacs, Andras Kriston, Reka Hollandi, Katalin Burian, Gabriella Terhes, Adam Visnyovszki, Eszter Fodor, Zsombor Lacza, Anu Kantele, Pekka Kolehmainen, Laura Kakkola, Tomas Strandin, Lev Levanov, Olli Kallioniemi, Lajos Kemeny, Ilkka Julkunen, Olli Vapalahti, Krisztina Buzas, Lassi Paavolainen, Peter Horvath, Jussi Hepojoki
Summary: We have developed a miniaturized immunofluorescence assay (mini-IFA) that utilizes machine learning-guided image analysis to measure antibody response against different viral antigens. This method allows simultaneous measurement of IgM, IgA, and IgG responses and can differentiate between vaccine-induced and infection-induced antibody responses. The assay has the potential for clinical diagnostics.
CELL REPORTS METHODS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mikael Knip, Anna Parviainen, Maaret Turtinen, Anna But, Taina Harkonen, Jussi Hepojoki, Tarja Sironen, Rommel Iheozor-Ejiofor, Hasan Ugurlu, Kalle Saksela, Johanna Lempainen, Jorma Ilonen, Olli Vapalahti
Summary: An observational cohort study in Finland found that the incidence of type 1 diabetes among children under 15 years old significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase may be attributed to the effects of lockdown and physical distancing, rather than a direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
LANCET DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Hanna Vauhkonen, Hannimari Kallio-Kokko, Eija Hiltunen-Back, Lasse Lonnqvist, Jaana Leppaaho-Lakka, Laura Mannonen, Ravi Kant, Tarja Sironen, Satu Kurkela, Maija Lappalainen, Tomaz Mark Zorec, Samo Zakotnik, Doroteja Vlaj, Misa Korva, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Mario Poljak, Teemu Smura, Olli Vapalahti
Summary: Monkeypox virus was introduced to Finland in late May-early June 2022. Analysis of viral genome in a patient's sample showed a major variant with 3 lineage B.1.3-specific mutations and a minor variant with ancestral B.1 nucleotides. The results suggest ongoing evolution mediated by APOBEC3 enzyme or co-infection.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
