Virology

Article Virology

SARS-CoV-2 viroporin encoded by ORF3a triggers the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway

Huanzhou Xu, Ibukun A. Akinyemi, Siddhi A. Chitre, Julia C. Loeb, John A. Lednicky, Michael T. McIntosh, Sumita Bhaduri-McIntosh

Summary: The study reveals that the ORF3a viroporin of SARS-CoV-2 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to heightened inflammatory response in severe COVID-19 cases. The activation of the inflammasome involves multiple molecular and cellular pathways, providing potential targets for intervention.

VIROLOGY (2022)

Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Adenoviridae 2022

Maria Benko, Koki Aoki, Niklas Arnberg, Andrew J. Davison, Marcela Echavarria, Michael Hess, Morris S. Jones, Gyozo L. Kajan, Adriana E. Kajon, Suresh K. Mittal, Iva I. Podgorski, Carmen San Martin, Goran Wadell, Hidemi Watanabe, Balazs Harrach

Summary: The family Adenoviridae consists of non-enveloped viruses with linear dsDNA genomes and medium-sized icosahedral capsids. Adenoviruses have been found in vertebrates from fish to humans. The family is divided into six genera, each of which is more prevalent in certain animal groups. The outcome of infection can range from subclinical to lethal disease.

JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Review Virology

Role of toll-like receptors in modulation of cytokine storm signaling in SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19

Moumita Manik, Rakesh K. Singh

Summary: TLRs are crucial regulators of the immune system, helping to differentiate between self and nonself molecules. Imbalance can lead to over-transcription and translation of inflammatory genes, releasing inflammatory molecules and causing a cytokine storm, ultimately resulting in multiple organ failure and death.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Letter Virology

Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2: Concerns, challenges, and recent updates

Ranjan K. Mohapatra, Ruchi Tiwari, Ashish K. Sarangi, Md. Rabiul Islam, Chiranjib Chakraborty, Kuldeep Dhama

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Review Virology

Characterization of the significant decline in humoral immune response six months post-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination: A systematic review

Kin Israel Notarte, Israel Guerrero-Arguero, Jacqueline Veronica Velasco, Abbygail Therese Ver, Maria Helena Santos de Oliveira, Jesus Alfonso Catahay, Md Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Adriel Pastrana, Grzegorz Juszczyk, Jordi B. Torrelles, Giuseppe Lippi, Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Brandon Michael Henry

Summary: This review examines the decline in efficacy of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 in preventing breakthrough infections due to diminishing humoral immunity over time. The study finds that the peak humoral response is reached 21-28 days after the second dose, after which antibody levels progressively decline at 4-6 months post-vaccination. Regardless of patient-related factors, antibody levels show a decline in both anti-receptor binding domain IgG and anti-spike IgG. The study highlights the need for more efficient vaccination strategies to combat waning immunity.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Article Microbiology

Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2

John P. Evans, Cong Zeng, Panke Qu, Julia Faraone, Yi-Min Zheng, Claire Carlin, Joseph S. Bednash, Tongqing Zhou, Gerard Lozanski, Rama Mallampalli, Linda J. Saif, Eugene M. Oltz, Peter J. Mohler, Kai Xu, Richard J. Gumina, Shan-Lu Liu

Summary: Recent reports show that SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant sub-lineages BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2 have raised concerns about their ability to escape vaccine-induced and infection-induced immunity. A study finds that all Omicron sub-lineages, especially BA.1 and BA.1.1, exhibit significant immune escape, but this can be largely overcome by mRNA vaccine booster doses. The findings highlight the importance of booster vaccine doses for protection against all Omicron variants and provide insights into the immunity from natural infection against Omicron sub-lineages.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2022)

Review Virology

Herpes zoster: A Review of Clinical Manifestations and Management

Anant Patil, Mohamad Goldust, Uwe Wollina

Summary: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is responsible for chickenpox/varicella and shingles/herpes zoster (HZ). HZ is more common in older adults and individuals with certain risk factors. The disease has various clinical manifestations and can lead to complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. Early intervention with antiviral medication is crucial. Vaccines are available for prevention, including one suitable for immunocompromised patients.

VIRUSES-BASEL (2022)

Review Virology

The global epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their mutational immune escape

Dandan Tian, YanHong Sun, JianMing Zhou, Qing Ye

Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, various variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged, showing increased infectivity and immune escape, posing new challenges to epidemic prevention and control.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Review Virology

Cardiac complications following mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review of case reports and case series

Asra Fazlollahi, Mahdi Zahmatyar, Maryam Noori, Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi, Mark J. M. Sullman, Reza Shekarriz-Foumani, Ali-Asghar Kolahi, Kuljit Singh, Saeid Safiri

Summary: The study reviewed cardiac complications associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, with myocarditis being the most commonly reported adverse event characterized by chest pain and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Further large-scale observational studies are recommended.

REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Letter Virology

Omicron (B.1.1.529 variant of SARS-CoV-2); an emerging threat: Current global scenario

Ranjan K. Mohapatra, Ashish K. Sarangi, Venkataramana Kandi, Mohammad Azam, Ruchi Tiwari, Kuldeep Dhama

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Review Virology

Autoimmune complications of COVID-19

Niloufar Yazdanpanah, Nima Rezaei

Summary: COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing a year after it started, with accumulating evidence showing late-onset autoimmune complications. Research suggests that COVID-19 may lead to autoimmune hemolytic anemia and other diseases, understanding the pathophysiology could help in developing appropriate treatments.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Article Microbiology

An expanded arsenal of immune systems that protect bacteria from phages

Adi Millman, Sarah Melamed, Azita Leavitt, Shany Doron, Aude Bernheim, Jens Hor, Jeremy Garb, Nathalie Bechon, Alexander Brandis, Anna Lopatina, Gal Ofir, Dina Hochhauser, Avigail Stokar-Avihail, Nitzan Tal, Saar Sharir, Maya Voichek, Zohar Erez, Jose Lorenzo M. Ferrer, Daniel Dar, Assaf Kacen, Gil Amitai, Rotem Sorek

Summary: This study reports the discovery of 21 bacterial defense systems against phages. These systems contain domains involved in eukaryotic antiviral immunity and are widely distributed in microbial genomes. These findings contribute to our understanding of the defense mechanisms bacteria use against phage infection.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2022)

Letter Virology

SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody responses after third CoronaVac or BNT162b2 vaccine following two-dose CoronaVac vaccine regimen

Ali Umit Keskin, Sibel Bolukcu, Pinar Ciragil, Aynur Eren Topkaya

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Article Microbiology

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron triggers cross-reactive neutralization and Fc effector functions in previously vaccinated, but not unvaccinated, individuals

Simone I. Richardson, Vimbai Sharon Madzorera, Holly Spencer, Nelia P. Manamela, Mieke A. van der Mescht, Bronwen E. Lambson, Brent Oosthuysen, Frances Ayres, Zanele Makhado, Thandeka Moyo-Gwete, Nonkululeko Mzindle, Thopisang Motlou, Amy Strydom, Adriano Mendes, Houriiyah Tegally, Zelda de Beer, Talita Roma de Villiers, Annie Bodenstein, Gretha van den Berg, Marietjie Venter, Tulio de Oliviera, Veronica Ueckermann, Theresa M. Rossouw, Michael T. Boswell, Penny L. Moore

Summary: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 can evade neutralizing antibodies generated by either vaccines or previous infection. However, it is unclear whether Omicron can trigger cross-reactive immune responses to other variants of concern (VOCs). A study found that unvaccinated individuals produced binding antibodies and functional antibodies at similar levels against Omicron and other VOCs, but the neutralizing activity against VOCs was significantly reduced compared to Omicron. On the other hand, vaccinated individuals who experienced breakthrough Omicron infection had enhanced cross-neutralization against VOCs, indicating a potential benefit of vaccination in protecting against circulating and emerging variants.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2022)

Article Microbiology

Human gut bacterial metabolism drives Th17 activation and colitis

Margaret Alexander, Qi Yan Ang, Renuka R. Nayak, Annamarie E. Bustion, Moriah Sandy, Bing Zhang, Vaibhav Upadhyay, Katherine S. Pollard, Susan Lynch, Peter J. Turnbaugh

Summary: The activation of Th17 cells by human gut bacteria Eggerthella lenta exacerbates inflammatory bowel disease. Variations in E. lenta strains and the Cgr2 enzyme contribute to Th17 cell activation. Blocking E. lenta-induced intestinal inflammation is crucial for preventing the development of autoimmune diseases.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2022)

Article Microbiology

Persistent B cell memory after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is functional during breakthrough infections

Sara Terreri, Eva Piano Mortari, Maria Rosaria Vinci, Cristina Russo, Claudia Alteri, Christian Albano, Francesca Colavita, Giulia Gramigna, Chiara Agrati, Giulia Linardos, Luana Coltella, Luna Colagrossi, Gloria Deriu, Marta Ciofi Degli Atti, Caterina Rizzo, Marco Scarsella, Rita Brugaletta, Vincenzo Camisa, Annapaola Santoro, Giuseppe Roscilli, Emiliano Pavoni, Alessia Muzi, Nicola Magnavita, Rossana Scutari, Alberto Villani, Massimiliano Raponi, Franco Locatelli, Carlo Federico Perno, Salvatore Zaffina, Rita Carsetti

Summary: This study investigated the long-term and functional B cell memory induced by the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers. While specific antibodies declined over time, memory B cells persisted and increased, and breakthrough infections did not show signs of waning immunity.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2022)

Article Microbiology

Phages and their satellites encode hotspots of antiviral systems

Francois Rousset, Florence Depardieu, Solange Miele, Julien Dowding, Anne-Laure Laval, Erica Lieberman, Daniel Garry, Eduardo P. C. Rocha, Aude Bernheim, David Bikard

Summary: Bacteria have various genetic systems to defend against viral infection, including those within prophages. Phage satellites pose additional pressures on phages by hijacking viral elements. This study found that E. coli P2-like phages and their P4-like satellites carry genetic hotspots with anti-phage systems. These hotspots participate in inter-viral competition and shape dynamics between the bacterial host, P2-like phages, and P4-like satellites. Importantly, the anti-phage activity of satellites can benefit the helper phage during competition, turning a parasitic relationship into a mutualistic one.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2022)

Article Virology

The K18-Human ACE2 Transgenic Mouse Model Recapitulates Non-severe and Severe COVID-19 in Response to an Infectious Dose of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Wenjuan Dong, Heather Mead, Lei Tian, Jun-Gyu Park, Juan Garcia, Sierra Jaramillo, Tasha Barr, Daniel S. Kollath, Vanessa K. Coyne, Nathan E. Stone, Ashley Jones, Jianying Zhang, Aimin Li, Li-Shu Wang, Martha Milanes-Yearsley, Jordi B. Torrelles, Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Paul S. Keim, Bridget Marie Barker, Michael A. Caligiuri, Jianhua Yu

Summary: The K18-hACE2 mouse model provides a comprehensive analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and shows that different viral doses lead to varying degrees of organ damage. This model accurately reproduces both severe and non-severe COVID-19 in humans, making it valuable for drug development.

JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY (2022)

Letter Virology

Mutational and phylogenetic analyses of the two lineages of the Omicron variant

Swagata Majumdar, Rakesh Sarkar

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)