Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michelle N. Vu, Kumari G. Lokugamage, Jessica A. Plante, Dionna Scharton, Aaron O. Bailey, Stephanea Sotcheff, Daniele M. Swetnam, Bryan A. Johnson, Craig Schindewolf, R. Elias Alvarado, Patricia A. Crocquet-Valdes, Kari Debbink, Scott C. Weaver, David H. Walker, William K. Russell, Andrew L. Routh, Kenneth S. Plante, Vineet D. Menachery
Summary: The furin cleavage site (FCS) and the QTQTN motif are key factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis. Deletion of the QTQTN motif reduces viral replication and pathogenicity by creating a shorter and more rigid peptide loop that is less accessible to host proteases. Disruption of the glycosylation in the QTQTN motif also attenuates virus replication. Therefore, the FCS, loop length, and glycosylation at the S1/S2 cleavage site are crucial for efficient SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Michihito Sasaki, Shinsuke Toba, Yukari Itakura, Herman M. Chambaro, Mai Kishimoto, Koshiro Tabata, Kittiya Intaruck, Kentaro Uemura, Takao Sanaki, Akihiko Sato, William W. Hall, Yasuko Orba, Hirofumi Sawa
Summary: Studies have shown that the loss of the furin cleavage site results in attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 variants in airway tissues of hamsters, with minimal impact on weight loss and inflammatory response. These mutants induce sufficient levels of neutralizing antibodies in hamsters, providing protective immunity against both parental strains and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Article
Virology
Helena Winstone, Maria Jose Lista, Alisha C. Reid, Clement Bouton, Suzanne Pickering, Rui Pedro Galao, Claire Kerridge, Katie J. Doores, Chad M. Swanson, Stuart J. D. Neil
Summary: The presence of a polybasic cleavage site in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 allows the virus to enter cells in a pH-independent manner, mitigating against IFITM-mediated restriction and promoting replication and transmission. Targeted depletion of IFITM2 expression alleviates potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by type I IFNs. Therapeutic strategies targeting furin-mediated cleavage of the spike protein may reduce viral replication through the activity of type I IFNs.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ya-Wen Cheng, Tai-Ling Chao, Chiao-Ling Li, Sheng-Han Wang, Han-Chieh Kao, Ya-Min Tsai, Hurng-Yi Wang, Chi-Ling Hsieh, You-Yu Lin, Pei-Jer Chen, Sui-Yuan Chang, Shiou-Hwei Yeh
Summary: The D614G substitution in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 enhances furin-mediated S cleavage, promoting syncytium formation, which may increase the transmissibility and infectivity. This study suggests a possible antiviral effect by targeting furin protease, which warrants further investigation in appropriate animal models.
Review
Immunology
Changqing Yu, Guosheng Wang, Qiang Liu, Jingbo Zhai, Mengzhou Xue, Qiang Li, Yuanhua Xian, Chunfu Zheng
Summary: Viral envelope glycoproteins play a crucial role in viral infections. Host cells have developed counteracting mechanisms to suppress viral replication by targeting their envelope glycoproteins. Some host antiviral proteins have been found to inhibit furin cleavage of viral envelope glycoproteins, impairing viral infectivity. This review summarizes these host antiviral factors and their roles in reducing furin cleavage, providing insights for future antiviral studies.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Wentao Zhu, Yuyuan Huang, Jian Gong, Lingzhi Dong, Xiaojie Yu, Haiyun Chen, Dandan Li, Libo Zhou, Jing Yang, Shan Lu
Summary: The study identified three coronaviruses in bats, including one (Bat CoV CD35) that shares similar structure and features with SARS-CoV-2. This finding provides clues about the natural origin of SARS-CoV-2 and deepens our understanding of coronavirus diversity.
Article
Microbiology
Wei Zou, Min Xiong, Siyuan Hao, Elizabeth Yan Zhang, Nathalie Baumlin, Michael D. Kim, Matthias Salathe, Ziying Yan, Jianming Qiu
Summary: The spike polypeptide of SARS-CoV-2 undergoes mutations in the FCS region during infection, with deletions occurring in Vero cells. Human airway epithelia play a unique role in stabilizing the FCS region during virus infection, although donor-dependent differences in FCS deletion rates were observed.
Article
Virology
M. Zeeshan Chaudhry, Kathrin Eschke, Markus Hoffmann, Martina Grashoff, Leila Abassi, Yeonsu Kim, Linda Brunotte, Stephan Ludwig, Andrea Kroeger, Frank Klawonn, Stefan H. Poehlmann, Luka Cicin-Sain
Summary: The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants with spike mutations highlights the potential for adaptation and evolution of the coronavirus, despite the stable consensus genotype of clinical isolates.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zeng Wang, Kunhong Zhong, Guoqing Wang, Qizhong Lu, Hexian Li, Zhiguo Wu, Zongliang Zhang, Nian Yang, Meijun Zheng, Yuelong Wang, Chunlai Nie, Liangxue Zhou, Aiping Tong
Summary: By constructing a Luc/eGFP based on a pseudotyped lentiviral HIV-1 system, we found that the deletion of the furin cleavage site in the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 can enhance viral infection efficiency and generate high-titer SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles for the detection of neutralizing antibodies from COVID-19 patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marni E. Cueno, Miu Ueno, Rinako Iguchi, Tsubasa Harada, Yoshifumi Miki, Kanae Yasumaru, Natsumi Kiso, Kanta Wada, Koki Baba, Kenichi Imai
Summary: The study analyzed a genomic epidemiology network of COVID-19 from December 2019 to July 2020, investigating the structural features of the SARS2 spike protein and its interactions with host cells. Nine structural patterns of SARS2 FLC were identified, possibly corresponding to different countries, and a rapid evolution of the SARS2 genome was associated with this. Furthermore, it was observed that the presence or absence of a unique amino acid sequence did not cause structural changes in the SARS2 RBD, indicating that the FLC does not influence the RBD and may explain the maintenance of host tropism.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yue Zhang, Li Zhang, Jiajing Wu, Yuanling Yu, Shuo Liu, Tao Li, Qianqian Li, Ruxia Ding, Haixin Wang, Jianhui Nie, Zhimin Cui, Yulin Wang, Weijin Huang, Youchun Wang
Summary: A new functional furin site, which plays a key role in promoting SARS-CoV-2 infection, has been discovered. This site is also present in related viruses found in bats and pangolins.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nastiti Wijayanti, Faris Muhammad Gazali, Endah Supriyati, Mohamad Saifudin Hakim, Eggi Arguni, Marselinus Edwin Widyanto Daniwijaya, Titik Nuryastuti, Matin Nuhamunada, Rahma Nabilla, Sofia Mubarika Haryana, Tri Wibawa
Summary: This study analyzed the sequence of the furin cleavage site (FCS) region in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java provinces in Indonesia. Several mutations were identified, with the D614G mutation being the most important and prevalent variant. The study suggests an evolutionary advantage of the D614G mutation in the FCS region of the spike protein.
INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Arnau Boix-Besora, Francesc Godia, Laura Cervera
Summary: This study investigates the effect of rational engineered mutations on the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 to improve its characteristics and evaluates their immunogenic potential by testing the recognition of generated VLP variants by COVID-19 convalescent patients' sera. The results of this study are important for the selection of S protein candidates for use as immunogens and highlight the potential of VLPs as carriers for antigen presentation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liping Zhang, Matthew Mann, Zulfeqhar A. Syed, Hayley M. Reynolds, E. Tian, Nadine L. Samara, Darryl C. Zeldin, Lawrence A. Tabak, Kelly G. Ten Hagen
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has a novel furin cleavage site in its spike protein, and O-glycosylation near this site is mediated by GALNT enzymes. Mutations in the proline at position 681 can disrupt O-glycosylation and lead to increased furin cleavage and syncytia formation. Host O-glycosylation may impact viral infectivity by modulating furin cleavage of the spike protein.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Virology
Stacy Gellenoncourt, Nell Saunders, Remy Robinot, Lucas Auguste, Maaran Michael Rajah, Jerome Kervevan, Raphael Jeger-Madiot, Isabelle Staropoli, Cyril Planchais, Hugo Mouquet, Julian Buchrieser, Olivier Schwartz, Lisa A. Chakrabarti
Summary: The D614G mutation in SARS-CoV-2 stabilized the viral spike and enabled the emergence of variants with highly fusogenic spikes. The later mutations at the cleavage site further increased spike processing and fusogenicity, but limited spike incorporation into pseudoviruses. The enhanced infectivity of variants with both D614G and cleavage site mutations was more pronounced in cells with an endosomal route, suggesting a better resistance to the endosomal environment by stable spikes.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Virology
Chowdhury Nusaiba Binte Sayed Prapty, Raad Rahmat, Yusha Araf, Samiha Kamal Shounak, Noor-A-Afrin, Tanjim Ishraq Rahaman, Mohammad Jakir Hosen, Chunfu Zheng, Md. Golzar Hossain
Summary: The co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus is increasing in dengue-endemic regions, posing a threat of a co-epidemic. The comorbidity risk in co-infection cases is greater than that of a single viral infection. Although the pathophysiologies of the two infections differ, they have similar effects in the body, resulting in identical clinical symptoms in the case of co-infection. Proper differentiation and diagnosis of the infections are important, and specific biomarkers can be used for precise results. However, the treatment of co-infection cases is more complicated. Therefore, confirmation diagnosis of both COVID-19 and dengue should be mandatory to prevent health deterioration in individuals treated for a single infection. The literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapy, and management of SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus co-infection is scarce. This review provides a summary of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and management of co-infection cases, shedding light on appropriate approaches for patients.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Xueping Yu, Yijuan Zheng, Dawu Zeng, Yongjun Zhou, Jian Sun, Milong Su, Huatang Zhang, Minhui Zheng, Zhipeng Huang, Wenwu Lin, Richeng Mao, Jiming Zhang, Chunfu Zheng, Zhijun Su
Summary: CD3(+)CD4(-)CD7(+)CD57(-) T cells are decreased in patients with end-stage liver disease, especially those with acute to chronic liver failure, and this decrease is associated with disease severity, prognosis, and complications. IL-22 stimulation promotes apoptosis and reduces the number of CD3(+)CD4(-)CD7(+)CD57(-) T cells. These cells exhibit an immunosuppressive phenotype and low expression levels of cytokines.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Yimin Xue, Jun Ke, Jiuyun Zhang, Mingguang Chen, Lijuan Zeng, Qiaolian Fan, Chunfu Zheng, Feng Chen
Summary: This study investigates the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with AVMC. It identifies differentially expressed genes involved in metabolic and immune-related processes and explores the molecular interactions between these molecules. These findings shed light on the roles of lncRNAs in disease pathogenesis and provide insights for discovering new therapeutic targets.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Virology
Zipeng Yang, Hao Yuan, Xiu-Xiang Zhang, Jingbo Zhai, Mengzhou Xue, Chunfu Zheng, Zi-Guo Yuan
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jie Gao, Qiaoban Wang, Yan-Dong Tang, Jingbo Zhai, Wei Hu, Chunfu Zheng
Summary: Apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy are different strategies used by host cells to defend against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered regulated cell death that pathogens can manipulate to promote their replication and pathogenesis. However, the interaction between ferroptosis and pathogenic infections is still not fully understood. This review summarizes the advances in understanding how pathogens exploit and regulate ferroptosis and discusses potential therapeutic approaches against pathogen-associated diseases.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weizheng Liang, Xiushen Li, Hao Wang, Shuangqing Wang, Qingxue Meng, Ruoqing Feng, Jingbo Zhai, Mengzhou Xue, Chunfu Zheng
Article
Fisheries
Zobayda Farzana Haque, Md. Saiful Islam, Abdullah Al Momen Sabuj, Amrita Pondit, Aksya Kumar Sarkar, Md. Golzar Hossain, Sukumar Saha
Summary: A study in Bangladesh has found a high occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant Vibrio species in shrimp and shrimp environments, which poses a threat to both the shrimp industry and public health management.
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mohammad Mojibur Rahman, Md. Saiful Islam, Abdullah Al Momen Sabuj, Md. Golzar Hossain, Md. Alimul Islam, Jahangir Alam, Md. Ershaduzzaman, Sukumar Saha
Summary: This study aimed to detect the PPR virus (PPRV) circulating in sheep in Bangladesh and determine its association with epidemiological risk factors, as well as the degree of relationship between the F and H genes of the PPRV of sheep with those of other sheep and goat isolates. The study found that potential molecular epidemiological risk factors for PPRV infection in sheep included locations, breeds, sources, and feeding systems. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the PPRV strain was genetically related to lineage IV virus isolates.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Virology
Xinhua Cui, Yang Wang, Jingbo Zhai, Mengzhou Xue, Chunfu Zheng, Lu Yu
Summary: SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing a global public health crisis, particularly with the emergence of the Omicron variants, has garnered significant attention from the WHO. As of February 1st, 2023, there have been 671,016,135 confirmed cases and 6,835,595 deaths worldwide. Despite available vaccines and treatments, complete eradication of SARS-CoV-2 remains elusive. Additionally, animal-to-human transmission of the virus has been observed, suggesting the need for rational prevention and control strategies for COVID-19.
Article
Virology
Yan Zhan, Ling Ye, Qianying Ouyang, Jiye Yin, Jiajia Cui, Ke Liu, Chengxian Guo, Haibo Zhang, Jingbo Zhai, Chunfu Zheng, Aoxiang Guo, Bao Sun
Summary: This study identified the binding affinity between different HLA proteins and SARS-CoV-2 strains, as well as 10 active binding sites that may contribute to immune evasion. Notably, the weak binding ability with HLA class I polymorphisms could promote immune evasion of Omicron. These findings have important implications for preventing immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 and providing new insights for vaccine design.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Virology
Jian Huang, Hongjuan You, Chenhe Su, Yangxin Li, Shunhua Chen, Chunfu Zheng
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Microbiology
Huifang Zhu, Chunfu Zheng
MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Correction
Microbiology
Hongjuan You, Sisilia Zheng, Zhiming Huang, Yingying Lin, Qingtang Shen, Chunfu Zheng
Review
Microbiology
Changqing Yu, Qiang Liu, Zhuo Zhao, Jingbo Zhai, Mengzhou Xue, Yan-Dong Tang, Chengbao Wang, Chunfu Zheng
Summary: MARCH8, a membrane-associated protein, regulates turnover of transmembrane proteins and exhibits antiviral activities. It functions through degradation and trapping of viral proteins, playing a role in antiviral defense.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chiranjib Chakraborty, Manojit Bhattacharya, Abdulrahman Alshammari, Metab Alharbi, Thamer H. Albekairi, Chunfu Zheng
Summary: This study examines the structural and molecular interaction of the Mpro-nirmatrelvir complex. The results provide insights into the characteristics and dynamics of the complex, which can aid in the design of broad-spectrum antiviral molecules and the fight against SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious viruses.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
