Structural Basis for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Antibody Specificity.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) typically causes a fatal disease in rabbits. In Australia, RHDV was imported to control the feral rabbit population, while it poses a severe threat to native rabbits in other countries. RHDV variants are genetically diverse and serological studies using antibodies isolated from infected rabbits or raised against RHDV virus-like particles (VLPs) have found RHDV variants antigenically distinct. In this study, we determined the X-ray crystal structure of an RHDV GI.2 (N11 strain) protruding (P) domain in complex with a diagnostic monoclonal antibody (2D9) Fab. We showed that 2D9 interacted with conserved and variable residues on top of the P domain with nanomolar affinity. To better illustrate 2D9 specificity, we determined the X-ray crystal structure of an RHDV GI.1b (Ast89 strain) that was a 2D9 non-binder. Structural analysis indicated that amino acid substitutions on the GI.1b P domain likely restricted 2D9 binding. Interestingly, a model of the GI.2 P domain-Fab complex superimposed onto a cryo-EM structure of an RHDV VLP revealed that 2D9 Fab molecules clashed with neighboring Fabs and indicated that there was a reduced antibody binding occupancy. Moreover, the RHDV GI.2 histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) co-factor binding site appeared obstructed when 2D9 was modeled on the VLP and suggested that 2D9 might also function by blocking HBGA attachment. Overall, this new data provides the first structural basis of RHDV antibody specificity and explains how amino acid variation at the binding site likely restricts 2D9 cross-reactivity. IMPORTANCE Isolated RHDV antibodies have been used for decades to distinguish between antigenic variants, monitor temporal capsid evolution, and examine neutralizing capacities. In this study, we provided the structural basis for an RHDV GI.2 specific diagnostic antibody (2D9) binding and reveal that a small number of amino acid substitutions at the binding site could differentiate between RHDV GI.2 and GI.1b. This novel structural information provides a framework for understanding how RHDV displays a specific antigenic epitope and engages an antibody at the atomic level. Importantly, part of the 2D9 binding region was earlier reported to contain a neutralizing epitope and our structural modeling as well as recent human norovirus antibody-mediated neutralization studies, suggest that the 2D9 antibody has the potential to block HBGA attachment. These new findings should aid in characterizing antigenic variants and advance the development of novel monoclonal antibodies for diagnostics and therapeutics.

A Quadruplex qPCR for Detection and Differentiation of Classic and Natural Recombinant Myxoma Virus Strains of Leporids.

A natural recombinant myxoma virus (referred to as ha-MYXV or MYXV-Tol08/18) emerged in the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) and the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in late 2018 and mid-2020, respectively. This new virus is genetically distinct from classic myxoma virus (MYXV) strains that caused myxomatosis in rabbits until then, by acquiring an additional 2.8 Kbp insert within the m009L gene that disrupted it into ORFs m009L-a and m009L-b. To distinguish ha-MYXV from classic MYXV strains, we developed a robust qPCR multiplex technique that combines the amplification of the m000.5L/R duplicated gene, conserved in all myxoma virus strains including ha-MYXV, with the amplification of two other genes targeted by the real-time PCR systems designed during this study, specific either for classic MYXV or ha-MYXV strains. The first system targets the boundaries between ORFs m009L-a and m009L-b, only contiguous in classic strains, while the second amplifies a fragment within gene m060L, only present in recombinant MYXV strains. All amplification reactions were validated and normalized by a fourth PCR system directed to a housekeeping gene (18S rRNA) conserved in eukaryotic organisms, including hares and rabbits. The multiplex PCR (mPCR) technique described here was optimized for Taqman® and Evagreen® systems allowing the detection of as few as nine copies of viral DNA in the sample with an efficiency > 93%. This real-time multiplex is the first fast method available for the differential diagnosis between classic and recombinant MYXV strains, also allowing the detection of co-infections. The system proves to be an essential and effective tool for monitoring the geographical spread of ha-MYXV in the hare and wild rabbit populations, supporting the management of both species in the field.

Electrochemical quantification of Ag2S quantum dots: evaluation of different surface coating ligands for bacteria determination.

In this work, novel silver sulphide quantum dots (Ag2S QD) are electrochemically quantified for the first time. The method is based on the electrochemical reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 at -0.3 V on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs), followed by anodic stripping voltammetric oxidation that gives a peak of currents at +0.06 V which represents the analytical signal. The optimized methodology allows the quantification of water-stabilized Ag2S QD in the range of approximately 2 × 109-2 × 1012 QD·mL-1 with a good reproducibility (RSD: 5%). Moreover, as proof-of-concept of relevant biosensing application, Ag2S QD are evaluated as tags for Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria determination. Bacteria tagged with QD are separated by centrifugation from the sample solution and placed on the SPCE surface for quantitative analysis. The effect of two different Ag2S QD surface coating/stabilizing agents on both the voltammetric response and the bacteria sensing is also evaluated. 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) is studied as model of short length coating ligand with no affinity for the bacteria, while boronic acid (BA) is evaluated as longer length ligand with chemical affinity for the polysaccharides present in the peptidoglycan layer on the bacteria cells surface. The biosensing system allows to detect bacteria in the range 10-1-103 bacteria·mL-1 with a limit of detection as low as 1 bacteria·mL-1. This methodology is a promising proof-of-concept alternative to traditional laboratory-based tests, with good sensitivity and short time and low cost of analysis. Graphical abstractNovel silver sulphide quantum dots (Ag2S QD) are electrochemically quantified for the first time. Moreover, Ag2S QD are evaluated as tags for Escherichia coli bacteria determination. The effect of two different QD surface coating ligands is also evaluated.

Saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance titrations reveal complex multistep-binding of l-fucose to norovirus particles.

Recently, combined nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), native mass spectrometry (MS) and X-ray crystallographic studies have demonstrated that binding of histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) to norovirus capsid protein (P-dimers) is a cooperative process involving four binding pockets. Here, we show that binding to norovirus virus-like particles (VLPs) is even more complex. We performed saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR titration experiments with two representative genotypes of norovirus VLPs using l-fucose as a minimal HBGA. Compared to titrations with P-dimers, the corresponding binding isotherms reflect at least six distinct binding events.

Proposal for a unified classification system and nomenclature of lagoviruses.

Lagoviruses belong to the Caliciviridae family. They were first recognized as highly pathogenic viruses of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) that emerged in the 1970-1980s, namely, rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV), according to the host species from which they had been first detected. However, the diversity of lagoviruses has recently expanded to include new related viruses with varying pathogenicity, geographic distribution and host ranges. Together with the frequent recombination observed amongst circulating viruses, there is a clear need to establish precise guidelines for classifying and naming lagovirus strains. Therefore, here we propose a new nomenclature based on phylogenetic relationships. In this new nomenclature, a single species of lagovirus would be recognized and called Lagovirus europaeus. The species would be divided into two genogroups that correspond to RHDV- and EBHSV-related viruses, respectively. Genogroups could be subdivided into genotypes, which could themselves be subdivided into phylogenetically well-supported variants. Based on available sequences, pairwise distance cutoffs have been defined, but with the accumulation of new sequences these cutoffs may need to be revised. We propose that an international working group could coordinate the nomenclature of lagoviruses and any proposals for revision.

Antiviral Activity of Myticin C Peptide from Mussel: an Ancient Defense against Herpesviruses.

UNLABELLED: Little is known about the antiviral response in mollusks. As in other invertebrates, the interferon signaling pathways have not been identified, and in fact, there is a debate about whether invertebrates possess antiviral immunity similar to that of vertebrates. In marine bivalves, due to their filtering activity, interaction with putative pathogens, including viruses, is very high, suggesting that they should have mechanisms to address these infections. In this study, we confirmed that constitutively expressed molecules in naive mussels confer resistance in oysters to ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) when oyster hemocytes are incubated with mussel hemolymph. Using a proteomic approach, myticin C peptides were identified in both mussel hemolymph and hemocytes. Myticins, antimicrobial peptides that have been previously characterized, were constitutively expressed in a fraction of mussel hemocytes and showed antiviral activity against OsHV-1, suggesting that these molecules could be responsible for the antiviral activity of mussel hemolymph. For the first time, a molecule from a bivalve has shown antiviral activity against a virus affecting mollusks. Moreover, myticin C peptides showed antiviral activity against human herpes simplex viruses 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2). In summary, our work sheds light on the invertebrate antiviral immune response with the identification of a molecule with potential biotechnological applications. IMPORTANCE: Several bioactive molecules that have potential pharmaceutical or industrial applications have been identified and isolated from marine invertebrates. Myticin C, an antimicrobial peptide from the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) that was identified by proteomic techniques in both mussel hemolymph and hemocytes, showed potential as an antiviral agent against ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1), which represents a major threat to the oyster-farming sector. Both hemolymph from mussels and a myticin C peptide inhibited OsHV-1 replication in oyster hemocytes. Additionally, a modified peptide derived from myticin C or the nanoencapsulated normal peptide also showed antiviral activity against the human herpesviruses HSV-1 and HSV-2. Therefore, myticin C is an example of the biotechnological and therapeutic potential of mollusks.

Epitope mapping of histo blood group antigens bound to norovirus VLPs using STD NMR experiments reveals fine details of molecular recognition.

Attachment of human noroviruses to histo blood group antigens (HBGAs) is thought to be critical for the infection process. Therefore, we have determined binding epitopes of synthetic type 1 to 6 blood group A- and B-tetrasaccharides binding to GII.4 human Norovirus virus like particles (VLPs) using STD NMR experiments. So far, little information is available from crystal structure analysis studies on the interactions of the reducing-end sugars with the protruding domain (P-domain) of the viral coat protein VP1. Here, we show that the reducing-end sugars make notable contacts with the protein surface. The type of glycosidic linkage, and the identity of the sugar at the reducing end modulate HBGA recognition. Most strikingly, type 2 structures yield only very poor saturation transfer indicating impeded binding. This observation is in accordance with previous mass spectrometry based affinity measurements, and can be understood based on recent crystal structure data of a complex of highly homologous GII.4 P-dimers with H-type 2 trisaccharide where the N-acetyl group of the reducing N-acetyl glucosamine residue points towards a loop comprising amino acids Q390 to H395. We suggest that in our case, binding of type 2 A- and B-tetrasaccharides leads to steric conflicts with this loop. In order to identify factors determining L-Fuc recognition, we also synthesized GII.4 VLPs with point mutations D391A and H395A. Prior studies had suggested that these residues, located in a second shell around the L-Fuc binding site, assist L-Fuc binding. STD NMR experiments with L-Fuc and B-trisaccharide in the presence of wild type and mutant VLPs yield virtually identical binding epitopes suggesting that these two mutations do not significantly alter HBGA recognition. Our study emphasizes that recognition of α-(1→2)-linked L-Fuc residues is a conserved feature of GII.4 noroviruses. However, structural variation of the HBGA core structures clearly modulates molecular recognition depending on the genotype.

Full genomic analysis of new variant rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus revealed multiple recombination events.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a Lagovirus of the family Caliciviridae, causes rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The disease was first documented in 1984 in China and rapidly spread worldwide. In 2010, a new RHDV variant emerged, tentatively classified as 'RHDVb'. RHDVb is characterized by affecting vaccinated rabbits and those <2 months old, and is genetically distinct (~20 %) from older strains. To determine the evolution of RHDV, including the new variant, we generated 28 full-genome sequences from samples collected between 1994 and 2014. Phylogenetic analysis of the gene encoding the major capsid protein, VP60, indicated that all viruses sampled from 2012 to 2014 were RHDVb. Multiple recombination events were detected in the more recent RHDVb genomes, with a single major breakpoint located in the 5' region of VP60. This breakpoint divides the genome into two regions: one that encodes the non-structural proteins and another that encodes the major and minor structural proteins, VP60 and VP10, respectively. Additional phylogenetic analysis of each region revealed two types of recombinants with distinct genomic backgrounds. Recombinants always include the structural proteins of RHDVb, with non-structural proteins from non-pathogenic lagoviruses or from pathogenic genogroup 1 strains. Our results show that in contrast to the evolutionary history of older RHDV strains, recombination plays an important role in generating diversity in the newly emerged RHDVb.

Secretion and assembly of calicivirus-like particles in high-cell-density yeast fermentations: strategies based on a recombinant non-specific BPTI-Kunitz-type protease inhibitor.

The yeast Pichia pastoris is one of the most robust cell factories in use for the large-scale production of biopharmaceuticals with applications in the fields of human and animal health. Recently, intracellular high-level expression of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) capsid protein (VP1) as a self-assembled multipurpose antigen/carrier was established as a production process from P. pastoris. Since recovery of VP1 from the culture media implies technological and economic advantages, the secretion of VP1 variants was undertaken in this work. Conversely, extensive degradation of VP1 was detected. Variations to culture parameters and supplementation with different classes of additives were unable to diminish degradation. Strategies were then conducted during fermentations using a recombinant variant of a non-specific BPTI-Kunitz-type protease inhibitor (rShPI-1A) isolated from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus. The presence of the inhibitor in the culture medium at the recombinant protein induction phase, as well as co-culture of the yeast strains expressing VP1 and rShPI-1A, led to VP1 protection from proteolysis and to production of ordered virus-like particles. A yeast strain was also engineered to co-express the rShPI-1A inhibitor and intact VP1. Expression levels up to 116 mg L(-1) of VP1 were reached under these approaches. The antigen was characterized and purified in a single chromatography step, its immunogenic capacity was evaluated, and a detection test for specific antibodies was developed. This work provides feasible strategies for improvements in P. pastoris heterologous protein secretion and is the first report on co-expression of the ShPI-1A with a recombinant product otherwise subjected to proteolytic degradation.

Structure of a backtracked state reveals conformational changes similar to the state following nucleotide incorporation in human norovirus polymerase.

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) from norovirus (NV) genogroup II has previously been crystallized as an apoenzyme (APO1) in multiple crystal forms, as well as as a pre-incorporation ternary complex (PRE1) bound to Mn(2+), various nucleoside triphosphates and an RNA primer-template duplex in an orthorhombic crystal form. When crystallized under near-identical conditions with a slightly different RNA primer/template duplex, however, the enzyme-RNA complex forms tetragonal crystals (anisotropic data, dmin ≃ 1.9 Å) containing a complex with the primer/template bound in a backtracked state (BACK1) similar to a post-incorporation complex (POST1) in a step of the enzymatic cycle immediately following nucleotidyl transfer. The BACK1 conformation shows that the terminal nucleotide of the primer binds in a manner similar to the nucleoside triphosphate seen in the PRE1 complex, even though the terminal two phosphoryl groups in the triphosphate moiety are absent and a covalent bond is present between the α-phosphoryl group of the terminal nucleotide and the 3'-oxygen of the penultimate nucleotide residue. The two manganese ions bound at the active site coordinate to conserved Asp residues and the bridging phosphoryl group of the terminal nucleotide. Surprisingly, the conformation of the thumb domain in BACK1 resembles the open APO1 state more than the closed conformation seen in PRE1. The BACK1 complex thus reveals a hybrid state in which the active site is closed while the thumb domain is open. Comparison of the APO1, PRE1 and BACK1 structures of NV polymerase helps to reveal a more complete and complex pathway of conformational changes within a single RdRP enzyme system. These conformational changes lend insight into the mechanism of RNA translocation following nucleotidyl transfer and suggest novel approaches for the development of antiviral inhibitors.

Detection of RHDVa on the Iberian Peninsula: isolation of an RHDVa strain from a Spanish rabbitry.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), genus Lagovirus, family Caliciviridae, causes a large number of deaths in wild and domestic adult European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The first documented outbreak dates from 1984 in China, but the virus rapidly dispersed worldwide. In 1997, an antigenic variant was detected in Italy and designated RHDVa. Despite causing symptoms similar to those caused by classic RHDV strains, marked antigenic and genetic differences exist. In some parts of Europe, RHDVa is replacing classic strains. Here, we report the presence of RHDVa on the Iberian Peninsula, where this variant was thought not to contribute to viral diversity.

Highs and Lows in Calicivirus Reverse Genetics.

In virology, the term reverse genetics refers to a set of methodologies in which changes are introduced into the viral genome and their effects on the generation of infectious viral progeny and their phenotypic features are assessed. Reverse genetics emerged thanks to advances in recombinant DNA technology, which made the isolation, cloning, and modification of genes through mutagenesis possible. Most virus reverse genetics studies depend on our capacity to rescue an infectious wild-type virus progeny from cell cultures transfected with an "infectious clone". This infectious clone generally consists of a circular DNA plasmid containing a functional copy of the full-length viral genome, under the control of an appropriate polymerase promoter. For most DNA viruses, reverse genetics systems are very straightforward since DNA virus genomes are relatively easy to handle and modify and are also (with few notable exceptions) infectious per se. This is not true for RNA viruses, whose genomes need to be reverse-transcribed into cDNA before any modification can be performed. Establishing reverse genetics systems for members of the Caliciviridae has proven exceptionally challenging due to the low number of members of this family that propagate in cell culture. Despite the early successful rescue of calicivirus from a genome-length cDNA more than two decades ago, reverse genetics methods are not routine procedures that can be easily extrapolated to other members of the family. Reports of calicivirus reverse genetics systems have been few and far between. In this review, we discuss the main pitfalls, failures, and delays behind the generation of several successful calicivirus infectious clones.

The chaperone ClpC participates in sporulation, motility, biofilm, and toxin production of Clostridioides difficile.

OBJECTIVES: Clostridioides difficile is a nosocomial pathogen that is associated with the use of antibiotics. One of the most worrying aspects of C. difficile infection is its ability to resist antimicrobial therapies, owing to spore formation. In several bacterial pathogens, proteases of the Clp family participate in phenotypes associated with persistence and virulence. This suggests that these proteins could be involved in virulence-related traits. In this study, we analysed the role of ClpC chaperone-protease of C. difficile in virulence-related traits by comparing the phenotypes of wild-type and mutant strains lacking the clpC gene (ΔclpC). METHODS: We performed biofilm, motility, spore formation, and cytotoxicity assays. RESULTS: Our results show significant differences between the wild-type and ΔclpC strains in all analysed parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, we conclude that clpC plays a role in the virulence properties of C. difficile.

Variant rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus in young rabbits, Spain.

Outbreaks of rabbit hemorrhagic disease have occurred recently in young rabbits on farms on the Iberian Peninsula where rabbits were previously vaccinated. Investigation identified a rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus variant genetically related to apathogenic rabbit caliciviruses. Improved antivirus strategies are needed to slow the spread of this pathogen.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of Phyllanthus orbicularis and identification of the principal anti HSV-2 compounds.

The antiherpes virus properties of Phyllanthus orbicularis Kunth, a Cuban-endemic medicinal plant, have been reported previously but data on its phytochemical profile and identification of antiviral metabolites as well as their mechanisms of action are still lacking. In this work, a bioactivity-guided phytochemical analysis was performed in order to isolate anti HSV-2 compounds. P. orbicularis contained mainly phenolic acids derivatives and flavonoids. The antiviral effects were attributed to (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (EC(50) = 11.7 µg/mL), procyanidins B1 and B2 (EC(50) = 32.8 µg/mL and 24.2 µg/mL, respectively) as well as oligomeric and polymeric procyanidins and their gallate derivatives. The antiviral mechanisms of the active P. orbicularis extracts and fractions were also investigated and the inhibition of several HSV-2 early replication events and DNA synthesis were observed. This is the first study of extensive fractionation and phytochemical characterization of phenolic compounds from this species.

Percutaneous Intervention With GuideLiner Catheter in 4 Patients With Anomalous Coronary Artery Originating From Opposite Sinus of Valsalva.

Percutaneous intervention in anomalous coronary arteries originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva is complicated by their unusual location and course, which makes selective cannulation difficult. The GuideLiner (Vascular Solutions, Inc.) is a monorail guide extension catheter designed to advance beyond the tip of a mother guide catheter to enable deep intubation of a coronary artery, provide extra support, and improve coaxial alignment. We describe the cases of 4 patients with an anomalous coronary artery originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva-including 2 with acute myocardial infarction-who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention with use of a GuideLiner catheter.

Virucidal Properties of Photocatalytic Coating on Glass against a Model Human Coronavirus.

The antimicrobial properties of photocatalysts have long been studied. However, most of the available literature describes their antibacterial properties, while knowledge of their antiviral activity is rather scarce. Since the outset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an increasing body of research has suggested their antiviral potential and highlighted the need for further research in this area. In this study, we investigated the virucidal properties of a commercial TiO2-coated photocatalytic glass against a model human coronavirus. Our findings demonstrate that the TiO2-coated glass consistently inactivates coronaviruses upon contact under daylight illumination, in a time-dependent manner. A 99% drop in virus titer was achieved after 3.9 h. The electron micrographs of virus-covered TiO2-glass showed a reduced number of virions compared to control glass. Morphological alterations of TiO2-exposed viruses included deformation, disruption of the viral envelope, and virion ghosts, endorsing the application of this material in the construction of protective elements to mitigate the transmission of viruses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing direct visual evidence of human coronaviruses being damaged and morphologically altered following exposure to this photocatalyst. IMPORTANCE Surface contamination is an important contributor to SARS-CoV-2 spread. The use of personal protective elements and physical barriers (i.e., masks, gloves, and indoor glass separators) increases safety and has proven invaluable in preventing contagion. Redesigning these barriers so that the virus cannot remain infectious on them could make a difference in COVID-19 epidemiology. The introduction of additives with virucidal activity could potentiate the protective effects of these barriers to serve not only as physical containment but also as virus killers, reducing surface contamination after hand touch or aerosol deposition. We performed in-depth analysis of the kinetics of photocatalysis-triggered coronavirus inactivation on building glass coated with TiO2. This is the first report showing direct visual evidence (electron microscopy) of coronaviruses being morphologically damaged following exposure to this photocatalyst, demonstrating the high potential of this material to be incorporated into daily-life high-touch surfaces, giving them an added value in decelerating the virus spread.

Identification of a Novel Myxoma Virus C7-Like Host Range Factor That Enabled a Species Leap from Rabbits to Hares.

Myxoma virus (MYXV) is naturally found in rabbit Sylvilagus species and is known to cause lethal myxomatosis in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In 2019, an MYXV strain (MYXV strain Toledo [MYXV-Tol]) causing myxomatosis-like disease in Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) was identified. MYXV-Tol acquired a recombinant region of ∼2.8 kb harboring several new genes, including a novel host range gene (M159) that we show to be an orthologous member of the vaccinia virus C7 host range family. Here, to test whether M159 alone has enabled MYXV to alter its host range to Iberian hares, several recombinant viruses were generated, including an MYXV-Tol ΔM159 (knockout) strain. While MYXV-Tol underwent fully productive infection in hare HN-R cells, neither the wild-type MYXV-Lau strain (lacking M159) nor vMyxTol-ΔM159 (deleted for M159) was able to infect and replicate, showing that the ability of MYXV-Tol to infect these cells and replicate depends on the presence of M159. Similar to other C7L family members, M159 was shown to be expressed as an early/late gene but was translocated into the nucleus at later time points, indicating that further studies are needed to elucidate its role in the nucleus. Finally, in rabbit cells, the M159 protein did not contribute to increased replication but was able to upregulate the replication levels of MYXV in nonpermissive and semipermissive human cancer cells, suggesting that the M159-targeted pathway is conserved across mammalian species. Altogether, these observations demonstrate that the M159 protein plays a critical role in determining the host specificity of MYXV-Tol in hare and human cells by imparting new host range functions. IMPORTANCE The coevolution of European rabbit populations and MYXV is a textbook example of an arms race between a pathogen and a host. Recently, a recombinant MYXV (MYXV-Tol) crossed the species barrier by jumping from leporid species to another species, causing lethal myxomatosis-like disease. Given the highly pathogenic nature of this new virus in hares and the incidences of other poxvirus cross-species spillovers into other animals, including humans, it is important to understand how and why MYXV-Tol was able to become virulent in a new host species. The results presented clearly demonstrate that M159 is the key factor allowing MYXV-Tol replication in hare cells by imparting new host range functions. These results have the potential to improve current knowledge about the virulence of poxviruses and provide a platform to better understand the new MYXV-Tol, rendering the virus capable of leaping into a new host species.

Evaluation of Commercial Myxomatosis Vaccines against Recombinant Myxoma Virus (ha-MYXV) in Iberian Hare and Wild Rabbit.

The recent emergence of a new myxoma virus capable of causing disease in the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) has resulted in numerous outbreaks with high mortality leading to the reduction, or even the disappearance, of many local populations of this wild species in the Iberian Peninsula. Currently, the available vaccines that prevent myxomatosis in domestic rabbits caused by classic strains of myxoma virus have not been assessed for use in Iberian hares. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of commercial rabbit vaccines in Iberian hares and wild rabbits against the natural recombinant myxoma virus (ha-MYXV), bearing in mind its application in specific scenarios where capture is possible, such as genetic reserves. The study used a limited number of animals (pilot study), 15 Iberian hares and 10 wild rabbits. Hares were vaccinated with Mixohipra-FSA vaccine (Hipra) and Mixohipra-H vaccine (Hipra) using two different doses, and rabbits were vaccinated with the Mixohipra-H vaccine or the Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS (MSD Animal Health) using the recommended doses for domestic rabbits. After the vaccination trials, the animals were challenged with a wild type strain of ha-MYXV. The results showed that no protection to ha-MYXV challenge was afforded when a commercial dose of Mixohipra-FSA or Mixohipra-H vaccine was used in hares. However, the application of a higher dose of Mixohipra-FSA vaccine may induce protection and could possibly be used to counteract the accelerated decrease of wild hare populations due to ha-MYXV emergence. The two commercial vaccines (Mixohipra-H and Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS) tested in wild rabbits were fully protective against ha-MYXV infection. This knowledge gives more insights into ha-MYXV management in hares and rabbits and emphasises the importance of developing a vaccine capable of protecting wild populations of Iberian hare and wild rabbit towards MYXV and ha-MYXV strains.