Article
Immunology
Victoria Alves Santos Lunardelli, Bianca da Silva Almeida, Juliana de Souza Apostolico, Thais Rezende, Marcio Massao Yamamoto, Samuel Santos Pereira, Maria Fernanda Campagnari Bueno, Lennon Ramos Pereira, Karina Inacio Carvalho, Renata Dezengrini Slhessarenko, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, Silvia Beatriz Boscardin, Daniela Santoro Rosa
Summary: This study evaluated the features of different recombinant forms of Zika virus proteins produced in bacterial or insect cells. The results showed that proteins produced in bacterial cells had better sensitivity and specificity, and were able to induce higher levels of Zika virus neutralizing antibodies. In addition, proteins produced in insect cells also induced specific cellular immune responses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Yingchong Wang, Qin Li, Dingwen Hu, Daolong Gao, Wenbiao Wang, Kailang Wu, Jianguo Wu
Summary: Research has identified the crucial role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 38 (USP38) in host resistance against Zika virus infection by reducing viral polyubiquitination to inhibit infection. The deubiquitinase activity of USP38 is essential for inhibiting Zika virus infection.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chia-Jung Li, Ping-Han Huang, Hui-Wen Chen, Shih-Chung Chang
Summary: The study developed four Zika virus envelope protein-specific monoclonal antibodies, with mAb 9E-1 showing the strongest affinity to ZIKV E protein. However, mAbs A1, C1, and 9E-1 do not cross-react with dengue virus, and mAbs B1 and 9E-1 have been developed for specific detection of ZIKV E protein and virions.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Asif Shajahan, Lauren E. Pepi, Daniel S. Rouhani, Christian Heiss, Parastoo Azadi
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which contains glycosylated proteins that interact with host receptors like hACE2 to facilitate infection. Studies show that these glycosylated proteins play important roles in viral infection and immune evasion, understanding which can aid in developing suitable prevention and therapy strategies.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hernan H. M. da Costa, Monica Bielavsky, Diego J. B. Orts, Sergio Araujo, Patricia P. Adriani, Juliana S. Nogueira, Renato M. Astray, Ramendra P. Pandey, Marcelo Lancellotti, Jair P. Cunha-Junior, Carlos R. Prudencio
Summary: This study successfully obtained a bioactive and functional recombinant envelope protein from Zika Virus (rEZIKV) using an E. coli expression system and an automated fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) protocol. The use of an airlift bioreactor for the production of rEZIKV showed great potential for ZIKV vaccine development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Alexander Malogolovkin, Andrew Davies, Sherif Abouelhadid, Adeline Kerviel, Polly Roy, Andrew K. Falconar
Summary: Researchers constructed and characterized Zika virus-like particles (Zika VLPs) to study the interaction between ZIKV and antibodies. These VLPs showed typical virus morphology and the importance of glycosylation of the E glycoprotein was demonstrated. A new construct showed higher efficacy and protein concentration, making it a potential candidate for vaccine trials.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Dingwen Hu, Haimei Zou, Weijie Chen, Yuting Li, Ziqing Luo, Xianyang Wang, Dekuan Guo, Yu Meng, Feng Liao, Wenbiao Wang, Ying Zhu, Jianguo Wu, Geng Li
Summary: In this study, it was found that the envelope protein of Zika virus (ZIKV) undergoes palmitoylation at Cys308, which is mediated by the enzyme ZDHHC11. This palmitoylation modification suppresses ZIKV infections. This study reveals a novel post-translational modification mechanism and provides important insights into the study of ZIKV infections.
Article
Virology
Meng-Li Cheng, Yun-Xiang Yang, Zhong-Yu Liu, Dan Wen, Pan Yang, Xing-Yao Huang, Hao-Long Dong, Yan-Peng Xu, Xiao-Feng Li, Yong-Qiang Deng, Qing Ye, Ling Zhu, Juan Li, Andrew D. D. Davidson, Ai-Hua Zheng, Wei-Feng Shi, Hui Zhao, Xiang-Xi Wang, Cheng-Feng Qin
Summary: This study reveals the re-emergence of glycan loop deletions in Zika virus (ZIKV) and their impact on pathogenesis. These deletions attenuate the virus in adult mice and reduce oral infections in mosquitoes. However, they enhance neurovirulence and result in severe microcephaly in neonatal mice. The crystal structures show conformational alterations induced by glycan loop deletion.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Joseph P. Steiner, Muznabanu Bachani, Nasir Malik, Wenxue Li, Richa Tyagi, Kevon Sampson, Rachel P. M. Abrams, Youssef Kousa, Jamie Solis, Tory P. Johnson, Avindra Nath
Summary: Prenatal Zika virus infection can cause brain injury and congenital Zika syndrome, and postnatal Zika virus infection has been linked to neurological complications. The envelope protein of Zika virus can persist in the central nervous system and can independently contribute to neuronal toxicity through the overexpression of poly adenosine diphosphate -ribose polymerase 1. These findings suggest that neuronal toxicity resulting from the envelope protein may contribute to postnatal Zika virus-related neurologic complications.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Dan Israel Zavala-Vargas, Giovani Visoso-Carbajal, Leticia Cedillo-Barron, Jessica Georgina Filisola-Villasenor, Romel Rosales-Ramirez, Juan E. E. Ludert, Edgar Morales-Rios
Summary: By studying the interactions between the Zika virus and host proteins, we discovered that human cytoplasmic dynein-1 interacts with the virus's envelope protein. This interaction may serve as a potential drug target. Our findings also suggest that this interaction is dynamic and plays a role in the replication cycle of the Zika virus. These results provide new insights into the replication of the Zika virus and offer a promising molecular target for modulating viral infection.
Article
Immunology
Dejian Liu, Xuyao Xiao, Peng Zhou, Huijun Zheng, Yaqian Li, Hui Jin, Anan Jongkaewwattana, Rui Luo
Summary: The study demonstrated the crucial roles of E glycosylation in replication and pathogenicity of Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) in ducks; Disruption of E glycosylation could substantially impair virus attachment, entry, and infectivity; The attenuated phenotypes of mutant viruses in vivo may be partly associated with lower inflammatory cytokines expression.
Article
Cell Biology
Biswas Neupane, Mona Fendereski, Farzana Nazneen, Yan-Lin Guo, Fengwei Bai
Summary: The study shows that mouse trophoblast stem cells and their differentiated cells are susceptible to Zika virus infection, but the propagated virus exhibits significantly lower infectivity, potentially due to reduced glycosylation on viral envelope proteins necessary for initial attachment to cells. This phenomenon may serve as a unique anti-viral mechanism in the pre-implantation stage embryo.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nitin Sharma, Prateek Kumar, Rajanish Giri
Summary: ZIKV, a flavivirus belonging to the flavivirus family, enters host cells through the fusion of membrane with the help of envelope protein E. Compounds like PGG have high affinity for E protein and can inhibit various viral infections. These compounds binding to E protein can stabilize the complex and reduce the flexibility of the linker, thus blocking the folding event during membrane fusion.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ana Castro, Juan Manuel Carreno, James Duehr, Florian Krammer, Ravi S. Kane
Summary: Infections with Zika virus can lead to severe central nervous system disorders, but the need for a Zika virus vaccine is still unmet. A study utilized a nanopatterning technique to shield specific epitopes on the DIII protein, demonstrating that this approach can redirect the antibody response towards targeted areas on the protein surface. This strategy may be useful for designing effective and safe Zika virus vaccines.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lorenna K. B. Santos, Priscila D. Mendonca, LiLian K. S. Assis, Carlos R. Prudencio, Maria Izabel F. Guedes, Ernesto T. A. Marques, Rosa Fireman Dutra
Summary: This study developed a new electrochemical immunosensor for rapid detection of the Zika virus (ZIKV). The sensor shows high sensitivity and practicality, eliminates the need for additional redox probe solutions, and is suitable for point-of-care diagnosis.
Article
Cell Biology
Yang Liu, Jianyin Liu, Bryan A. Johnson, Hongjie Xia, Zhiqiang Ku, Craig Schindewolf, Steven G. Widen, Zhiqiang An, Scott C. Weaver, Vineet D. Menachery, Xuping Xie, Pei-Yong Shi
Summary: This study reports that the P681R mutation in the Delta spike plays a crucial role in the replacement of the Alpha variant by the Delta variant during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Delta variant outcompetes the Alpha variant in human lung cells and airway tissues. The P681R mutation enhances the cleavage of the spike protein, leading to increased replication of the Delta variant.
Article
Immunology
Jianying Liu, Yang Liu, Hongjie Xia, Jing Zou, Scott C. Weaver, Kena A. Swanson, Hui Cai, Mark Cutler, David Cooper, Alexander Muik, Kathrin U. Jansen, Ugur Sahin, Xuping Xie, Philip R. Dormitzer, Pei-Yong Shi
Summary: The study shows that sera from individuals who received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine can neutralize the currently dominant Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, as well as other variants, indicating that the vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies are effective against these strains.
Article
Immunology
Jacqueline Kyungah Lim, Valery Ridde, Selidji Todagbe Agnandji, Bertrand Lell, Seydou Yaro, Jae Seung Yang, Damien Hoinard, Scott C. Weaver, Jessica Vanhomwegen, Henrik Salje, In Kyu Yoon
Summary: Chikungunya virus serostudies and models were used to identify outbreaks and reconstruct past circulation in Burkina Faso and Gabon. The findings suggest sporadic outbreaks in these settings and underscore the importance of serostudies and models in supporting disease surveillance.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catherine H. Schein, Grace Rafael, Wendy S. Baker, Elizabeth S. Anaya, Jurgen G. Schmidt, Scott C. Weaver, Surendra Negi, Werner Braun
Summary: Vaccines based on proteins and peptides calculated from multiple sequences may be safer and more broad-spectrum than those designed based on single strains. Alphavirus antigens based on Physicochemical Property Consensus (PCPcon) from the B-domain of the E2 envelope protein were shown to be immunogenic, and antigens designed against multiple species recognized all three serotype specific antigens. The study provides a promising start for the development of a molecularly defined vaccine against multiple alphavirus species.
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
Virology
Craig Schindewolf, Kumari Lokugamage, Michelle N. Vu, Bryan A. Johnson, Dionna Scharton, Jessica A. Plante, Birte Kalveram, Patricia A. Crocquet-Valdes, Stephanea Sotcheff, Elizabeth Jaworski, Rojelio E. Alvarado, Kari Debbink, Matthew D. Daugherty, Scott C. Weaver, Andrew L. Routh, David H. Walker, Kenneth S. Plante, Vineet D. Menachery
Summary: Understanding the role of NSP16 in SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis, this study demonstrates the attenuation of a NSP16 mutant both in vitro and in vivo, as well as its sensitivity to IFN-I. Silencing IFIT1 or IFIT3 partially restores the mutant's fitness. Furthermore, targeting NSP16 with a MTase inhibitor enhances the virus' sensitivity to IFN-I. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of NSP16 in immune evasion and suggest a potential target for antiviral development.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Virology
Rachel A. Reyna, Scott C. Weaver
Summary: Eastern (EEEV), Venezuelan (VEEV), and western equine encephalitis viruses (WEEV) are mosquito-borne alphaviruses that cause febrile illness and severe encephalitic disease. The lack of vaccines and therapeutics highlights the need for advanced animal models and detailed mechanistic understanding of the neurological sequelae induced by these viruses. This review summarizes the clinical neurologic findings, available animal models, and the importance of developing therapeutics and vaccines.
Article
Virology
Se Hun Gu, Marcos Minarro, Carlos Feliu, Jean-Pierre Hugot, Naomi L. Forrester, Scott C. Weaver, Richard Yanagihara
Summary: Recent detection of NVAV and BRGV in European moles in Belgium and Germany prompted a search for related hantaviruses in the Iberian mole. Analysis of lung tissue from 106 Iberian moles in Spain revealed genetically distinct hantaviruses, including a new hantavirus species designated as ASTV. Next generation sequencing of infected moles confirmed the presence of ASTV. These findings challenge the previous assumption that each hantavirus species is limited to a single host species.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alioune Gaye, Cheikh Fall, Oumar Faye, Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol, El Hadji Ndiaye, Diawo Diallo, Paolo Marinho de Andrade Zanotto, Ibrahima Dia, Scott C. Weaver, Mawlouth Diallo
Summary: This study assessed the susceptibility of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus to ZIKV strains from Senegal, Brazil, and New Caledonia, and found that the Senegalese strain had a significantly higher infection rate compared to the Brazilian and New Caledonian strains. No infection was recorded for C. quinquefasciatus.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Rafael K. Campos, Shannan L. Rossi, Robert B. Tesh, Scott C. Weaver
Summary: Emerging zoonotic mosquito-borne viruses pose increasing health threats and require global preparedness to effectively mitigate the impacts in terms of health, society, and economy.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Douglas Barker, Xiaobing Han, Eryu Wang, Ashley Dagley, Deborah M. Anderson, Aruni Jha, Scott C. Weaver, Justin Julander, Cory Nykiforuk, Shantha Kodihalli
Summary: The despeciated equine polyclonal antibody (CHIKV-EIG) treatment shows promising efficacy in preventing and improving CHIKV infection in mice, with significant reduction in mortality, viremia, and clinical symptoms. It also proves effective in reducing virus-induced arthritis in a dose-dependent manner.
Article
Immunology
Rachel A. Reyna, Jordyn Walker, Brooke Mitchell, Divya P. Shinde, Jessica A. Plante, Scott C. Weaver, Kenneth S. Plante
Summary: Anosmia, a common consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, is correlated with disease severity. Different variants of the virus can cause significant loss of smell, and vaccination does not prevent anosmia but can protect against severe disease.
Meeting Abstract
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria I. Giraldo, Maria Gonzalez Orozco, Stephanea Sotcheff, Victoria Morris, Nathan Elrod, Andrew Routh, Scott C. Weaver, Pei-Yong Shi, Ricardo Rajsbaum
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria I. Giraldo, Maria Gonzalez Orozco, Stephanea Sotcheff, Victoria Morris, Nathan Elrod, Andrew Routh, Scott C. Weaver, Pei-Yong Shi, Ricardo Rajsbaum
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Immunology
Yashoda Madaiah Hosakote, Kempaiah Rayavara, Levine B. Corri, Susan McLellan, Scott C. Weaver, Ashok Chopra, Chein-Te K. Tseng
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)