The identification and characterization of fusogenic domains in herpes virus glycoprotein B molecules

The molecular mechanism of entry of herpes viruses requires a multicomponent fusion system. Virus entry and cell-cell fusion of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) requires four glycoproteins: gD, gB and gH/gL. The role of gB remained elusive until recently, when the crystal structure of HSV-1 gB became available. Glycoprotein B homologues represent the most highly conserved group of herpes virus glycoproteins; however, despite the high degree of sequence and structural conservation, differences in post-translational processing are observed for different members of this virus family. Whereas gB of HSV is not proteolytically processed after oligomerization, most other gB homologues are cleaved by a cellular protease into subunits that remain linked through disulfide bonds. Proteolytic cleavage is common for activation of many other viral fusion proteins, so it remains difficult to envisage a common role for different herpes virus gB structures in the fusion mechanism. We selected bovine herpes virus type 1 (BoHV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) as representative viruses expressing cleaved and uncleaved gBs, and have screened their amino acid sequences for regions of highly interfacial hydrophobicity. Synthetic peptides corresponding to such regions were tested for their ability to induce the fusion of large unilamellar vesicles and to inhibit herpes virus infection. These results underline that several regions of the gB protein are involved in the mechanism of membrane interaction.     

Identification of a βCD-Based Hyper-Branched Negatively Charged Polymer as HSV-2 and RSV Inhibitor

Cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives were demonstrated to improve the antiviral potency of numerous drugs, but also to be endowed with intrinsic antiviral action. They are suitable building blocks for the synthesis of functionalized polymer structures with potential antiviral activity. Accordingly, four water-soluble hyper-branched beta cyclodextrin (βCD)-based anionic polymers were screened against herpes simplex virus (HSV-2), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus (HRoV), and influenza virus (FluVA). They were characterized by FTIR-ATR, TGA, elemental analyses, zeta-potential measurements, and potentiometric titrations, while the antiviral activity was investigated with specific in vitro assays. The polymer with the highest negative charge, pyromellitic dianhydride-linked polymer (P_PMDA), showed significant antiviral action against RSV and HSV-2, by inactivating RSV free particles and by altering HSV-2 binding to the cell. The polymer fraction with the highest molecular weight showed the strongest antiviral activity and both P_PMDA and its active fractions were not toxic for cells. Our results suggest that the polymer virucidal activity against RSV can be exploited to produce new antiviral materials to counteract the virus dissemination through the air or direct contact. Additionally, the strong HSV-2 binding inhibition along with the water solubility of P_PMDA and the acyclovir complexation potential of βCD are attractive features for developing new therapeutic topical options against genital HSV-2 infection.     

Ⅱ型单纯疱疹病毒疫苗的研究进展

Ⅱ型单纯疱疹病毒(HSV-2)是一种主要引起人类生殖器疱疹的病原体,在世界范围内广泛流行,不发达国家和地区尤为严重。HSV-2感染不仅严重威胁人类健康,同时也造成大量的经济损失。对HSV-2疫苗的研究已开展多年,历经了灭活疫苗、减毒活疫苗、重组亚单位疫苗、肽疫苗、DNA疫苗等多个阶段,并取得了一定进展,然而到目前为止,全球仍无一种HSV-2疫苗被批准上市。本文对近年来HSV-2疫苗的研究进展作一综述。     

Disrupting Neurons and Glial Cells Oneness in the Brain—The Possible Causal Role of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) in Alzheimer’s Disease

Current data strongly suggest herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in the brain as a contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The consequences of HSV-1 brain infection are multilateral, not only are neurons and glial cells damaged, but modifications also occur in their environment, preventing the transmission of signals and fulfillment of homeostatic and immune functions, which can greatly contribute to the development of disease. In this review, we discuss the pathological alterations in the central nervous system (CNS) cells that occur, following HSV-1 infection. We describe the changes in neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes related to the production of inflammatory factors, transition of glial cells into a reactive state, oxidative damage, Aβ secretion, tau hyperphosphorylation, apoptosis, and autophagy. Further, HSV-1 infection can affect processes observed during brain aging, and advanced age favors HSV-1 reactivation as well as the entry of the virus into the brain. The host activates pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) for an effective antiviral response during HSV-1 brain infection, which primarily engages type I interferons (IFNs). Future studies regarding the influence of innate immune deficits on AD development, as well as supporting the neuroprotective properties of glial cells, would reveal valuable information on how to harness cytotoxic inflammatory milieu to counter AD initiation and progression.     

Recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Infection Modulates Neuronal Aging Marks in In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread neurotropic virus establishing a life-long latent infection in neurons with periodic reactivations. Recent studies linked HSV-1 to neurodegenerative processes related to age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we explored whether recurrent HSV-1 infection might accelerate aging in neurons, focusing on peculiar marks of aged cells, such as the increase in histone H4 lysine (K) 16 acetylation (ac) (H4K16ac); the decrease of H3K56ac, and the modified expression of Sin3/HDAC1 and HIRA proteins. By exploiting both in vitro and in vivo models of recurrent HSV-1 infection, we found a significant increase in H4K16ac, Sin3, and HDAC1 levels, suggesting that the neuronal response to virus latency and reactivation includes the upregulation of these aging markers. On the contrary, we found a significant decrease in H3K56ac that was specifically linked to viral reactivation and apparently not related to aging-related markers. A complex modulation of HIRA expression and localization was found in the brain from HSV-1 infected mice suggesting a specific role of this protein in viral latency and reactivation. Overall, our results pointed out novel molecular mechanisms through which recurrent HSV-1 infection may affect neuronal aging, likely contributing to neurodegeneration.     

Sulfonated and Carboxymethylated β-Glucan Derivatives with Inhibitory Activity against Herpes and Dengue Viruses

The infection of mammalian cells by enveloped viruses is triggered by the interaction of viral envelope glycoproteins with the glycosaminoglycan, heparan sulfate. By mimicking this carbohydrate, some anionic polysaccharides can block this interaction and inhibit viral entry and infection. As heparan sulfate carries both carboxyl and sulfate groups, this work focused on the derivatization of a (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan, botryosphaeran, with these negatively-charged groups in an attempt to improve its antiviral activity. Carboxyl and sulfonate groups were introduced by carboxymethylation and sulfonylation reactions, respectively. Three derivatives with the same degree of carboxymethylation (0.9) and different degrees of sulfonation (0.1; 0.2; 0.4) were obtained. All derivatives were chemically characterized and evaluated for their antiviral activity against herpes (HSV-1, strains KOS and AR) and dengue (DENV-2) viruses. Carboxymethylated botryosphaeran did not inhibit the viruses, while all sulfonated-carboxymethylated derivatives were able to inhibit HSV-1. DENV-2 was inhibited only by one of these derivatives with an intermediate degree of sulfonation (0.2), demonstrating that the dengue virus is more resistant to anionic β-D-glucans than the Herpes simplex virus. By comparison with a previous study on the antiviral activity of sulfonated botryosphaerans, we conclude that the presence of carboxymethyl groups might have a detrimental effect on antiviral activity.     

Enhanced Antiviral Function of Magnesium Chloride-Modified Heparin on a Broad Spectrum of Viruses

Previous studies reported on the broad-spectrum antiviral function of heparin. Here we investigated the antiviral function of magnesium-modified heparin and found that modified heparin displayed a significantly enhanced antiviral function against human adenovirus (HAdV) in immortalized and primary cells. Nuclear magnetic resonance analyses revealed a conformational change of heparin when complexed with magnesium. To broadly explore this discovery, we tested the antiviral function of modified heparin against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and found that the replication of HSV-1 was even further decreased compared to aciclovir. Moreover, we investigated the antiviral effect against the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and measured a 55-fold decreased viral load in the supernatant of infected cells associated with a 38-fold decrease in virus growth. The advantage of our modified heparin is an increased antiviral effect compared to regular heparin.     

Oncolytic Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Inhibits Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth by Inducing DNA Damage

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is a promising oncolytic virus with broad antitumor spectrum; however, its oncolytic effects on human lung adenocarcinoma in vivo have not been reported. In this study, we report that BoHV-1 can be used as an oncolytic virus for human lung adenocarcinoma, and elucidate the underlying mechanism of how BoHV-1 suppresses tumor cell proliferation and growth. First, we examined the oncolytic activities of BoHV-1 in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. BoHV-1 infection reduced the protein levels of histone deacetylases (HDACs), including HDAC1-4 that are promising anti-tumor drug targets. Furthermore, the HDAC inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA) promoted BoHV-1 infection and exacerbated DNA damage and cytopathology, suggesting a synergy between BoHV-1 and TSA. In the A549 tumor xenograft mouse model, we, for the first time, showed that BoHV-1 can infect tumor and suppressed tumor growth with a similar high efficacy as the treatment of TSA, and HDACs have potential effects on the virus replication. Taken together, our study demonstrates that BoHV-1 has oncolytic effects against human lung adenocarcinoma in vivo.     

Effect of Complexes of Cobalt With Aminoacids on the Replication of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1)

Cobalt, being essential metal, influences different physiological and enzymatic functions. As cobalt does not accumulate in the body, Co-compounds have relatively low toxicity. The aim of the present study is the effect of complexes of Co(II) with aminoacids - lysine, arginine, histidine and serine on HSV-1 replication. No effect of [O(2)Co(his)(4)].nH(2)O and [O(2)Co(arg)(2)].nH(2)O on HSV-1 infection in vitro was found. Both, [O(2)Co(lys)(2)].nH(2)O and [O(2)Co(ser)(2)].nH(2)O suppress the attachement of HSV-1 particles onto target cells and the viral replication as well. Moreover, the properties of the particular Co-complex (charge, stability, structure) are manifestated by their virucidal effect. Thus, [O(2)Co(ser)(2)].nH(2)O irreversibly inhibits the infectious activity of free HSV-1 virions, while virucidal effect of [O(2)Co(lys)(2)].nH(2)O is completely reversible after the 2h of contact.     

Evidence for a role of the membrane-proximal region of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein H in membrane fusion and virus inhibition

We have identified a putative membrane-interacting domain preceding the transmembrane domain of the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein H (gH). Peptides derived from this region interact strongly with membranes and show a high tendency to partition at the interface. This region is predicted to bind at the membrane interface by adopting an alpha helical structure. Peptides representing either the HSV-1 gH pretransmembrane region or a scrambled control with a different hydrophobic profile at the point of interface have been studied. The peptides derived from this domain of gH induce the fusion of liposomal membranes, adopt helical conformations in membrane mimetic environments and are able to inhibit HSV-1 infectivity. The pretransmembrane region appears to be a common feature in viral fusion proteins of several virus families, and such a feature might be related to their fusogenic function. The identification of membrane-interacting regions capable of modifying the biophysical properties of phospholipid membranes lends weight to the view that such domains might function directly in the fusion process and could facilitate the future development of HSV-1 entry inhibitors.     

HSV-1 and Endogenous Retroviruses as Risk Factors in Demyelination

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic alphaherpesvirus that can infect the peripheral and central nervous systems, and it has been implicated in demyelinating and neurodegenerative processes. Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences that can move from one genomic location to another. TEs have been linked to several diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS), including multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease of unknown etiology influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Exogenous viral transactivators may activate certain retrotransposons or class I TEs. In this context, several herpesviruses have been linked to MS, and one of them, HSV-1, might act as a risk factor by mediating processes such as molecular mimicry, remyelination, and activity of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Several herpesviruses have been involved in the regulation of human ERVs (HERVs), and HSV-1 in particular can modulate HERVs in cells involved in MS pathogenesis. This review exposes current knowledge about the relationship between HSV-1 and human ERVs, focusing on their contribution as a risk factor for MS.     

Complexes of zinc with picolinic and aspartic acids inactivate free varicella-zoster virions

Zn(II) picolinate and aspartate, Zn(pic)(2) and Zn(asp)(2), have been shown to inhibit key steps of the replication of HSV-1. In the present study we describe the effect of Zn(pic)(2) and Zn(asp)(2) on the replication of VZV and on the infectivity of free virions. The experiments are done using BHK-21 cells, a clinical isolate of VZV and Zn-complexes in concentration of 10 muM. When Zn-complexes are present during the whole period of infection, the yield of infectious virus progeny decreases up to 98%. The infectivity of VZV is completely restored after the removal of zinc. The virucidal effect is manifested at the 2nd h of contact, when 90% of the virions are inactivated. The results show that both Zn(pic)(2) and Zn(asp)(2) specifically inactivate free VZV virions with no effect on viral replication.     

Interplay between Autophagy and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1: ICP34.5, One of the Main Actors

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic virus that occasionally may spread to the central nervous system (CNS), being the most common cause of sporadic encephalitis. One of the main neurovirulence factors of HSV-1 is the protein ICP34.5, which although it initially seems to be relevant only in neuronal infections, it can also promote viral replication in non-neuronal cells. New ICP34.5 functions have been discovered during recent years, and some of them have been questioned. This review describes the mechanisms of ICP34.5 to control cellular antiviral responses and debates its most controversial functions. One of the most discussed roles of ICP34.5 is autophagy inhibition. Although autophagy is considered a defense mechanism against viral infections, current evidence suggests that this antiviral function is only one side of the coin. Different types of autophagic pathways interact with HSV-1 impairing or enhancing the infection, and both the virus and the host cell modulate these pathways to tip the scales in its favor. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on the interplay between autophagy and HSV-1, focusing on the intricate role of ICP34.5 in the modulation of this pathway to fight the battle against cellular defenses.     

Action of Ozone on Trophozoites and Free Amoeba cysts,Whether Pathogenic or Not

Owing to the presence of free living amoeba – some ofwhich are pathogenic to man– in any aqueous medium (before or after traditional treatment processes in surface water, groundwater. swimming pools, etc.). our task wasto test the efficiency of ozone asa disinfecting agent. We began by studying the ozonation process, in bactericidal and virucidal conditions, on cysts of eleven free living amoeba strains. Most of thetested strains were destroyed under less drastic conditions than those arising from true ozonation (0.4 mg/L of dissolved ozone residual maintained for 4 minutes) and we attempted to find the ozonation parameters (dissolved ozone residual and contact time) Just necessary to obtain inactivation of the cystsunder laboratory conditions.     

The Biochemical Processes Underlying Ozone Therapy

The type of application, the application range, and the dosage of a medical ozone/oxygen mixture (prepared from the purest oxygen and used in a concentration between 1 and 100 g/mL) have been derived principally from its employment in the preparation of drinking water and the regeneration of liquid waste. This is in the light of its bactericidal and fungicidal properties – which in the clinical field also comes under the heading of disinfection – in addition to the virucidal and thus the overall sterilizing property of ozone. Furthermore, within the biological system, different properties become manifest which may be summarized as its positive effect on blood circulation, and as expressed by an activation of oxygen transportation mechanisms and an improvement of active biological oxygen utilization.     

Ⅱ型单纯疱疹病毒糖蛋白D在CHO细胞中的表达及其免疫学特性

目的在CHO细胞中表达Ⅱ型单纯疱疹病毒(Herpes simplex virus-2,HSV-2)糖蛋白D(Glycoprotein D,gD),并检测其免疫学特性。方法采用Vero细胞培养HSV-2,提取总DNA,以其为模板,PCR扩增gD基因,与pCMV-sport载体连接,构建重组表达质粒pCMV-gD,将质粒pCMV-gD转染COS-7和CHO-K1细胞,并进行表达。亲和胶Anti-flag M2 Agarose纯化表达蛋白,经SDS-PAGE和HPLC分析重组蛋白纯度,Western blot分析蛋白反应原性,全波长扫描分析蛋白的光谱曲线,等电聚焦电泳测定蛋白的等电点。以20、40μg纯化的gD免疫BALB/c小鼠,ELISA法检测小鼠血清中HSV-2 gD特异性抗体水平,中和试验测定小鼠血清中和抗体水平。结果酶切鉴定及DNA测序表明,重组表达质粒pCMV-gD构建正确,在COS-7细胞的瞬时表达产物和CHO细胞中的稳定表达产物均可被HSV-2 gD单抗特异性识别,表明该蛋白具有较好的反应原性。纯化的gD在相对分子质量约5 500处可见目的蛋白条带,纯度为65.46%;保留天然HSV-2 gD的反应原性,最适紫外吸收波长为275.50 nm,等电点为8.3。gD 20μg组和40μg组小鼠血清特异性抗体滴度分别为1∶125 000和1∶16 000,中和抗体滴度分别为1∶17和1∶16,表明gD可诱导中和抗体的产生,也可诱导高滴度的HSV-2gD特异性抗体。结论成功在CHO细胞中稳定表达了HSV-2 gD,表达的HSV-2 gD具有较好的免疫原性,为基因工程疫苗的开发奠定了基础。     

β-Catenin-Specific Inhibitor,iCRT14, Promotes BoHV-1 Infection-Induced DNA Damage in Human A549 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Enhancing Viral Protein Expression

Oncolytic bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) infection induces DNA damage in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We found that BoHV-1 infection decreased the steady-state protein levels of p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1), which plays a central role in dictating DNA damage repair and maintaining genomic stability. Furthermore, BoHV-1 impaired the formation of 53BP1 foci, suggesting that BoHV-1 inhibits 53BP1-mediated DNA damage repair. Interestingly, BoHV-1 infection redistributed intracellular β-catenin, and iCRT14 (5-[[2,5-Dimethyl-1-(3-pyridinyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]methylene]-3-phenyl-2,4-thiazolidinedione), a β-catenin-specific inhibitor, enhanced certain viral protein expression, such as the envelope glycoproteins gC and gD, and enhanced virus infection-induced DNA damage. Therefore, for the first time, we provide evidence showing that BoHV-1 infection disrupts 53BP1-mediated DNA damage repair and suggest β-catenin as a potential host factor restricting both virus replication and DNA damage in A549 cells.     

The Inhibition of DNA Viruses by the Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptide Temporin G: A Virological Study Addressing HSV-1 and JPCyV

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and John Cunningham polyomavirus (JCPyV) are widely distributed DNA viruses causing mainly asymptomatic infection, but also mild to very severe diseases, especially when these viruses reach the brain. Some drugs have been developed to inhibit HSV-1 replication in host cells, but their prolonged use may induce resistance phenomena. In contrast, to date, there is no cure for JCPyV. The search for alternative drugs that can reduce viral infections without undermining the host cell is moving toward antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of natural occurrence. These include amphibian AMPs belonging to the temporin family. Herein, we focus on temporin G (TG), showing that it strongly affects HSV-1 replication by acting either during the earliest stages of its life cycle or directly on the virion. Computational studies have revealed the ability of TG to interact with HSV-1 glycoprotein B. We also found that TG reduced JCPyV infection, probably affecting both the earliest phases of its life cycle and the viral particle, likely through an interaction with the viral capsid protein VP1. Overall, our results are promising for the development of short naturally occurring peptides as antiviral agents used to counteract diseases related to HSV-1 and JCPyV.