A Single Case Observation: Is the Ebola Virus Soluble Glycoprotein an Indicator of Viral Recrudescence?

This case study investigated the long-term expression dynamics of Ebola virus (EBOV) soluble glycoprotein (sGP) in the serum of a patient who was infected with EBOV in West Africa and recovered from acute Ebola virus disease (EVD) at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Samples from this patient were collected during acute EVD and during convalescence up to day 361 following illness onset. Although blood samples were negative by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction after recovery from acute EVD, we detected small amounts of EBOV sGP in the serum of the patient long after recovery, potentially indicating viral recrudescence. As this was only observed in a single patient, additional longitudinal patient samples are needed to confirm our hypothesis that EBOV sGP may be an indicator of viral recrudescence long after recovery from acute EVD.

Atypical Ebola Virus Disease in a Rhesus Macaque.

Ebola virus (EBOV)-Makona infected more than 30 000 people from 2013 to 2016 in West Africa, among them many health care workers including foreign nationals. Most of the infected foreign nationals were evacuated and treated in their respective home countries, resulting in detailed reports of the acute disease following EBOV infection as well as descriptions of symptoms now known as post-Ebola syndrome, which occurred months after the infection. Symptoms associated with this syndrome include uveitis and neurological manifestations. In 1 of our EBOV-Makona nonhuman primate (NHP) studies, 1 NHP was euthanized on day 28 after infection having completely recovered from the acute disease. During convalescence, this NHP developed neurological signs and acute respiratory distress requiring euthanasia. The organ tropism had changed with high virus titers in lungs, brain, eye, and reproductive organs but no virus in the typical target organs for acute EBOV infection. This in part reflects sequelae described for EBOV survivors albeit developing quicker after recovery from acute disease.

The Ebola virus soluble glycoprotein contributes to viral pathogenesis by activating the MAP kinase signaling pathway.

Ebola virus (EBOV) expresses three different glycoproteins (GPs) from its GP gene. The primary product, soluble GP (sGP), is secreted in abundance during infection. EBOV sGP has been discussed as a potential pathogenicity factor, however, little is known regarding its functional role. Here, we analyzed the role of sGP in vitro and in vivo. We show that EBOV sGP has two different functions that contribute to infectivity in tissue culture. EBOV sGP increases the uptake of virus particles into late endosomes in HEK293 cells, and it activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway leading to increased viral replication in Huh7 cells. Furthermore, we analyzed the role of EBOV sGP on pathogenicity using a well-established mouse model. We found an sGP-dependent significant titer increase of EBOV in the liver of infected animals. These results provide new mechanistic insights into EBOV pathogenicity and highlight EBOV sGP as a possible therapeutic target.

[Introduction of high containment laboratories in abroad].

Recently, outbreaks of highly pathogenic viruses, such as those of Ebola and Lassa viruses, have become a global public health issue. Such viruses must be handled in biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories. Currently, 62 BSL-4 laboratories are in operation, under construction, or planned in 24 counties. In this review, I provide an overview of the current status and characteristics of BSL-4 facilities in abroad and introduce my research on the wild-type Ebola virus at the BSL-4 facility in the USA.

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Human NPC1 Influence Filovirus Entry Into Cells.

Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1), a host receptor involved in the envelope glycoprotein (GP)-mediated entry of filoviruses into cells, is believed to be a major determinant of cell susceptibility to filovirus infection. It is known that proteolytically digested Ebola virus (EBOV) GP interacts with 2 protruding loops in domain C of NPC1. Using previously published structural data and the National Center for Biotechnology Information Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) database, we identified 10 naturally occurring missense SNPs in human NPC1. To investigate whether these SNPs affect cell susceptibility to filovirus infection, we generated Vero E6 cell lines stably expressing NPC1 with SNP substitutions and compared their susceptibility to vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotyped with filovirus GPs and infectious EBOV. We found that some of the substitutions resulted in reduced susceptibility to filoviruses, as indicated by the lower titers and smaller plaque/focus sizes of the viruses. Our data suggest that human NPC1 SNPs may likely affect host susceptibility to filoviruses.

Seroprevalence of Filovirus Infection of Rousettus aegyptiacus Bats in Zambia.

Bats are suspected to play important roles in the ecology of filoviruses, including ebolaviruses and marburgviruses. A cave-dwelling fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus, has been shown to be a reservoir of marburgviruses. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the viral glycoprotein antigen, we detected immunoglobulin G antibodies specific to multiple filoviruses in 158 of 290 serum samples of R aegyptiacus bats captured in Zambia during the years 2014-2017. In particular, 43.8% of the bats were seropositive to marburgvirus, supporting the notion that this bat species continuously maintains marburgviruses as a reservoir. Of note, distinct peaks of seropositive rates were repeatedly observed at the beginning of rainy seasons, suggesting seasonality of the presence of newly infected individuals in this bat population. These data highlight the need for continued monitoring of filovirus infection in this bat species even in countries where filovirus diseases have not been reported.

Fcγ-receptor IIa-mediated Src Signaling Pathway Is Essential for the Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of Ebola Virus Infection.

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of Ebola virus (EBOV) infection has been demonstrated in vitro, raising concerns about the detrimental potential of some anti-EBOV antibodies. ADE has been described for many viruses and mostly depends on the cross-linking of virus-antibody complexes to cell surface Fc receptors, leading to enhanced infection. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Here we show that Fcγ-receptor IIa (FcγRIIa)-mediated intracellular signaling through Src family protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) is required for ADE of EBOV infection. We found that deletion of the FcγRIIa cytoplasmic tail abolished EBOV ADE due to decreased virus uptake into cellular endosomes. Furthermore, EBOV ADE, but not non-ADE infection, was significantly reduced by inhibition of the Src family protein PTK pathway, which was also found to be important to promote phagocytosis/macropinocytosis for viral uptake into endosomes. We further confirmed a significant increase of the Src phosphorylation mediated by ADE. These data suggest that antibody-EBOV complexes bound to the cell surface FcγRIIa activate the Src signaling pathway that leads to enhanced viral entry into cells, providing a novel perspective for the general understanding of ADE of virus infection.

Development of an Immunochromatography Assay (QuickNavi-Ebola) to Detect Multiple Species of Ebolaviruses.

The latest outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa has highlighted the urgent need for the development of rapid and reliable diagnostic assays. We used monoclonal antibodies specific to the ebolavirus nucleoprotein to develop an immunochromatography (IC) assay (QuickNavi-Ebola) for rapid diagnosis of EVD. The IC assay was first evaluated with tissue culture supernatants of infected Vero E6 cells and found to be capable of detecting 103-104 focus-forming units/mL of ebolaviruses. Using serum samples from experimentally infected nonhuman primates, we confirmed that the assay could detect the viral antigen shortly after disease onset. It was also noted that multiple species of ebolaviruses could be detected by the IC assay. Owing to the simplicity of the assay procedure and absence of requirements for special equipment and training, QuickNavi-Ebola is expected to be a useful tool for rapid diagnosis of EVD.

Ebola vaccine, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

Ebolaviruses, members of the family Filoviridae, cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates, with human case fatality rates of up to 90%. No effective prophylaxis or treatment for Ebola virus disease (EVD) is yet commercially available. During the latest outbreak of EVD in West Africa, several unapproved drugs were used for the treatment of patients. This outbreak has indeed accelerated efforts to develop antiviral strategies and some of the vaccine and drug candidates have undergone clinical trials. This article reviews previous researches and recent advances on the development of vaccine, therapeutics, and diagnostics for EVD.

Simultaneous administration of 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate and chloroquine reverses chloroquine resistance in malaria parasites.

A nearly complete reversal of chloroquine (CQ) resistance in the CQ-resistant Plasmodium falciparum K-1 strain, with a significant decrease in the mean ± standard deviation (SD) 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) from 1,050 ± 95 nM to 14 ± 2 nM, was achieved in vitro by the simultaneous administration of 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB). The CQ resistance-reversing activity of 2-APB, which showed the same efficacy as verapamil, was also observed in an in vivo mouse infection model with the CQ-resistant Plasmodium chabaudi AS(30CQ) strain.

Genetic and antigenic characterization of H5 and H7 influenza viruses isolated from migratory water birds in Hokkaido, Japan and Mongolia from 2010 to 2014.

Migratory water birds are the natural reservoir of influenza A viruses. H5 and H7 influenza viruses are isolated over the world and also circulate among poultry in Asia. In 2010, two H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) were isolated from fecal samples of water birds on the flyway of migration from Siberia, Russia to the south in Hokkaido, Japan. H7N9 viruses are sporadically isolated from humans and circulate in poultry in China. To monitor whether these viruses have spread in the wild bird population, we conducted virological surveillance of avian influenza in migratory water birds in autumn from 2010 to 2014. A total of 8103 fecal samples from migratory water birds were collected in Japan and Mongolia, and 350 influenza viruses including 13 H5 and 19 H7 influenza viruses were isolated. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that all isolates are genetically closely related to viruses circulating among wild water birds. The results of the antigenic analysis indicated that the antigenicity of viruses in wild water birds is highly stable despite their nucleotide sequence diversity but is distinct from that of HPAIVs recently isolated in Asia. The present results suggest that HPAIVs and Chinese H7N9 viruses were not predominantly circulating in migratory water birds; however, continued monitoring of H5 and H7 influenza viruses both in domestic and wild birds is recommended for the control of avian influenza.

An interplay between 2 signaling pathways: melatonin-cAMP and IP3-Ca2+ signaling pathways control intraerythrocytic development of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Plasmodium falciparum spends most of its asexual life cycle within human erythrocytes, where proliferation and maturation occur. Development into the mature forms of P. falciparum causes severe symptoms due to its distinctive sequestration capability. However, the physiological roles and the molecular mechanisms of signaling pathways that govern development are poorly understood. Our previous study showed that P. falciparum exhibits stage-specific spontaneous Calcium (Ca(2+)) oscillations in ring and early trophozoites, and the latter was essential for parasite development. In this study, we show that luzindole (LZ), a selective melatonin receptor antagonist, inhibits parasite growth. Analyses of development and morphology of LZ-treated P. falciparum revealed that LZ severely disrupted intraerythrocytic maturation, resulting in parasite death. When LZ was added at ring stage, the parasite could not undergo further development, whereas LZ added at the trophozoite stage inhibited development from early into late schizonts. Live-cell Ca(2+) imaging showed that LZ treatment completely abolished Ca(2+) oscillation in the ring forms while having little effect on early trophozoites. Further, the melatonin-induced cAMP increase observed at ring and late trophozoite stage was attenuated by LZ treatment. These suggest that a complex interplay between IP3-Ca(2+) and cAMP signaling pathways is involved in intraerythrocytic development of P. falciparum.

Phylogenetic analysis of the promoter element 2 of paramyxo- and filoviruses.

Paramyxo- and filovirus genomes are equipped with bipartite promoters at their 3' ends to initiate RNA synthesis. The two elements, the primary promoter element 1 (PE1) and the secondary promoter element 2 (PE2), are separated by a spacer region that must be precisely a multiple of 6 nucleotides (nts), indicating these viruses adhere to the "rule of six." However, our knowledge of PE2 has been limited to a narrow spectrum of virus species. In this study, a comparative analysis of 1,647 paramyxoviral genomes from a public database revealed that the paramyxovirus PE2 can be clearly categorized into two distinct subcategories: one marked by C repeats at every six bases (exclusive to the subfamily Orthoparamyxovirinae) and another characterized by CG repeats every 6 nts (observed in the subfamilies Avulavirinae and Rubulavirinae). This unique pattern collectively mirrors the evolutionary lineage of these subfamilies. Furthermore, we showed that PE2 of the Rubulavirinae, with the exception of mumps virus, serves as part of the gene-coding region. This may be due to the fact that the Rubulavirinae are the only paramyxoviruses that cannot propagate without RNA editing. Filoviruses have three to eight consecutive uracil repeats every six bases (UN5) in PE2, which is located in the 3' end region of the genome. We obtained PE2 sequences from 2,195 filoviruses in a public database and analyzed the sequence conservation among virus species. Our results indicate that the continuity of UN5 hexamers is consistently maintained with a high degree of conservation across virus species. IMPORTANCE: The genomic intricacies of paramyxo- and filoviruses are highlighted by the bipartite promoters-promoter element 1 (PE1) and promoter element 2 (PE2)-at their 3' termini. The spacer region between these elements follows the "rule of six," crucial for genome replication. By a comprehensive analysis of paramyxoviral genome sequences, we identified distinct subcategories of PE2 based on C and CG repeats that were specific to Orthoparamyxovirinae and Avulavirinae/Rubulavirinae, respectively, mirroring their evolutionary lineages. Notably, the PE2 of Rubulavirinae is integrated into the gene-coding region, a unique trait potentially linked to its strict dependence on RNA editing for virus growth. This study also focused on the PE2 sequences in filovirus genomes. The strict conservation of the continuity of UN5 among virus species emphasizes its crucial role in viral genome replication.

A viral vaccine design harnessing prior BCG immunization confers protection against Ebola virus.

Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy and feasibility of an anti-viral vaccine strategy that takes advantage of pre-existing CD4 + helper T (Th) cells induced by Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. This strategy uses immunization with recombinant fusion proteins comprised of a cell surface expressed viral antigen, such as a viral envelope glycoprotein, engineered to contain well-defined BCG Th cell epitopes, thus rapidly recruiting Th cells induced by prior BCG vaccination to provide intrastructural help to virus-specific B cells. In the current study, we show that Th cells induced by BCG were localized predominantly outside of germinal centers and promoted antibody class switching to isotypes characterized by strong Fc receptor interactions and effector functions. Furthermore, BCG vaccination also upregulated FcγR expression to potentially maximize antibody-dependent effector activities. Using a mouse model of Ebola virus (EBOV) infection, this vaccine strategy provided sustained antibody levels with strong IgG2c bias and protection against lethal challenge. This general approach can be easily adapted to other viruses, and may be a rapid and effective method of immunization against emerging pandemics in populations that routinely receive BCG vaccination.

Micro-second time-resolved X-ray single-molecule internal motions of SARS-CoV-2 spike variants.

Single-molecule intramolecular dynamics were successfully measured for three variants of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, alpha: B.1.1.7, delta: B.1.617, and omicron: B.1.1.529, with a time resolution of 100 µs using X-rays. The results were then compared with respect to the magnitude and directions of motions for the three variants. The largest 3-D intramolecular movement was observed for the omicron variant irrespective of ACE2 receptor binding. A more detailed analysis of the intramolecular motions revealed that the distribution state of intramolecular motion for the three variants was completely different with and without ACE2 receptor binding. The molecular dynamics for the trimeric spike protein of the omicron variant increased when ACE2 binding occurred. At that time, the diffusion constant increased from 71.0 [mrad2/ms] to 91.1 [mrad2/ms].

Mapping of susceptibility loci for Ebola virus pathogenesis in mice.

Ebola virus (EBOV), a major global health concern, causes severe, often fatal EBOV disease (EVD) in humans. Host genetic variation plays a critical role, yet the identity of host susceptibility loci in mammals remains unknown. Using genetic reference populations, we generate an F2 mapping cohort to identify host susceptibility loci that regulate EVD. While disease-resistant mice display minimal pathogenesis, susceptible mice display severe liver pathology consistent with EVD-like disease and transcriptional signatures associated with inflammatory and liver metabolic processes. A significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for virus RNA load in blood is identified in chromosome (chr)8, and a severe clinical disease and mortality QTL is mapped to chr7, which includes the Trim5 locus. Using knockout mice, we validate the Trim5 locus as one potential driver of liver failure and mortality after infection. The identification of susceptibility loci provides insight into molecular genetic mechanisms regulating EVD progression and severity, potentially informing therapeutics and vaccination strategies.

Development of an imaging system for visualization of Ebola virus glycoprotein throughout the viral lifecycle.

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes severe EBOV disease (EVD) in humans and non-human primates. Currently, limited countermeasures are available, and the virus must be studied in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) laboratories. EBOV glycoprotein (GP) is a single transmembrane protein responsible for entry into host cells and is the target of multiple approved drugs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the intracellular dynamics of GP during EBOV lifecycle are poorly understood. In this study, we developed a novel GP monitoring system using transcription- and replication-competent virus-like particles (trVLPs) that enables the modeling of the EBOV lifecycle under BSL-2 conditions. We constructed plasmids to generate trVLPs containing the coding sequence of EBOV GP, in which the mucin-like domain (MLD) was replaced with fluorescent proteins. The generated trVLP efficiently replicated over multiple generations was similar to the wild type trVLP. Furthermore, we confirmed that the novel trVLP system enabled real-time visualization of GP throughout the trVLP replication cycle and exhibited intracellular localization similar to that of wild type GP. In summary, this novel monitoring system for GP will enable the characterization of the molecular mechanism of the EBOV lifecycle and can be applied for the development of therapeutics against EVD.

Multiple Routes of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection is generally known for many viruses. A potential risk of ADE in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has also been discussed since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; however, clinical evidence of the presence of antibodies with ADE potential is limited. Here, we show that ADE antibodies are produced by SARS-CoV-2 infection and the ADE process can be mediated by at least two different host factors, Fcγ receptor (FcγR) and complement component C1q. Of 89 serum samples collected from acute or convalescent COVID-19 patients, 62.9% were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG. FcγR- and/or C1q-mediated ADE were detected in 50% of the IgG-positive sera, whereas most of them showed neutralizing activity in the absence of FcγR and C1q. Importantly, ADE antibodies were found in 41.4% of the acute COVID-19 patients. Neutralizing activity was also detected in most of the IgG-positive sera, but it was counteracted by ADE in subneutralizing conditions in the presence of FcγR or C1q. Although the clinical importance of ADE needs to be further investigated with larger numbers of COVID-19 patient samples, our data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 utilizes multiple mechanisms of ADE. C1q-mediated ADE may particularly have a clinical impact since C1q is present at high concentrations in plasma and its receptors are ubiquitously expressed on the surfaces of many types of cells, including respiratory epithelial cells, which SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects. IMPORTANCE Potential risks of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been discussed and the proposed mechanism mostly depends on the Fc gamma receptor (FcγR). However, since FcγRs are exclusively expressed on immune cells, which are not primary targets of SARS-CoV-2, the clinical importance of ADE of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains controversial. Our study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces antibodies that increase SARS-CoV-2 infection through another ADE mechanism in which complement component C1q mediates the enhancement. Although neutralizing activity was also detected in the serum samples, it was counteracted by ADE in the presence of FcγR or C1q. Considering the ubiquity of C1q and its cellular receptors, C1q-mediated ADE may more likely occur in respiratory epithelial cells, which SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects. Our data highlight the importance of careful monitoring of the antibody properties in COVID-19 convalescent and vaccinated individuals.

VSV-Based Vaccines Reduce Virus Shedding and Viral Load in Hamsters Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern.

The continued progression of the COVID-19 pandemic can partly be attributed to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to mutate and introduce new viral variants. Some of these variants with the potential to spread quickly and conquer the globe are termed variants of concern (VOC). The existing vaccines implemented on a global scale are based on the ancestral strain, which has resulted in increased numbers of breakthrough infections as these VOC have emerged. It is imperative to show protection against VOC infection with newly developed vaccines. Previously, we evaluated two vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccines expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein alone (VSV-SARS2) or in combination with the Ebola virus glycoprotein (VSV-SARS2-EBOV) and demonstrated their fast-acting potential. Here, we prolonged the time to challenge; we vaccinated hamsters intranasally (IN) or intramuscularly 28 days prior to infection with three SARS-CoV-2 VOC-the Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants. IN vaccination with either the VSV-SARS2 or VSV-SARS2-EBOV resulted in the highest protective efficacy as demonstrated by decreased virus shedding and lung viral load of vaccinated hamsters. Histopathologic analysis of the lungs revealed the least amount of lung damage in the IN-vaccinated animals regardless of the challenge virus. This data demonstrates the ability of a VSV-based vaccine to not only protect from disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 VOC but also reduce viral shedding.

Rapid Protection from COVID-19 in Nonhuman Primates Vaccinated Intramuscularly but Not Intranasally with a Single Dose of a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-Based Vaccine.

The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus (CoV) disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to exert a significant burden on health care systems worldwide. With limited treatments available, vaccination remains an effective strategy to counter transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent discussions concerning vaccination strategies have focused on identifying vaccine platforms, number of doses, route of administration, and time to reach peak immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we generated a single-dose, fast-acting vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccine derived from the licensed Ebola virus (EBOV) vaccine rVSV-ZEBOV, expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the EBOV glycoprotein (VSV-SARS2-EBOV). Rhesus macaques vaccinated intramuscularly (i.m.) with a single dose of VSV-SARS2-EBOV were protected within 10 days and did not show signs of COVID-19 pneumonia. In contrast, intranasal (i.n.) vaccination resulted in limited immunogenicity and enhanced COVID-19 pneumonia compared to results for control animals. While both i.m. and i.n. vaccination induced neutralizing antibody titers, only i.m. vaccination resulted in a significant cellular immune response. RNA sequencing data bolstered these results by revealing robust activation of the innate and adaptive immune transcriptional signatures in the lungs of i.m. vaccinated animals only. Overall, the data demonstrate that VSV-SARS2-EBOV is a potent single-dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate that offers rapid protection based on the protective efficacy observed in our study. IMPORTANCE The vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vaccine platform rose to fame in 2019, when a VSV-based Ebola virus (EBOV) vaccine was approved by the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for human use against the deadly disease. Here, we demonstrate the protective efficacy of a VSV-EBOV-based COVID-19 vaccine against challenge in nonhuman primates (NHPs). When a single dose of the VSV-SARS2-EBOV vaccine was administered intramuscularly (i.m.), the NHPs were protected from COVID-19 within 10 days. In contrast, if the vaccine was administered intranasally, there was no benefit from the vaccine and the NHPs developed pneumonia. The i.m. vaccinated NHPs quickly developed antigen-specific IgG, including neutralizing antibodies. Transcriptional analysis highlighted the development of protective innate and adaptive immune responses in the i.m. vaccination group only.