scholarly journals Novel Ranking System for Identifying Efficacious Anti-Influenza Virus PB2 Inhibitors

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (10) ◽  
pp. 6007-6016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice W. Tsai ◽  
Colleen F. McNeil ◽  
Joshua R. Leeman ◽  
Hamilton B. Bennett ◽  
Kwame Nti-Addae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Antigenic Drift ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Virus Infections

ABSTRACTThrough antigenic drift and shifts, influenza virus infections continue to be an annual cause of morbidity in healthy populations and of death among elderly and at-risk patients. The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses such as H5N1 and H7N9 and the rapid spread of the swine-origin H1N1 influenza virus in 2009 demonstrate the continued need for effective therapeutic agents for influenza. While several neuraminidase inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of influenza virus infections, these have shown a limited window for treatment initiation, and resistant variants have been noted in the population. In addition, an older class of antiviral drugs for influenza, the adamantanes, are no longer recommended for treatment due to widespread resistance. There remains a need for new influenza therapeutic agents with improved efficacy as well as an expanded window for the initiation of treatment. Azaindole compounds targeting the influenza A virus PB2 protein and demonstrating excellentin vitroandin vivoproperties have been identified. To evaluate thein vivoefficacy of these PB2 inhibitors, we utilized a mouse influenza A virus infection model. In addition to traditional endpoints, i.e., death, morbidity, and body weight loss, we measured lung function using whole-body plethysmography, and we used these data to develop a composite efficacy score that takes compound exposure into account. This model allowed the rapid identification and ranking of molecules relative to each other and to oseltamivir. The ability to identify compounds with enhanced preclinical properties provides an opportunity to develop more-effective treatments for influenza in patients.

scholarly journals Influenza A Virus Vaccination: Immunity, Protection, and Recent Advances Toward A Universal Vaccine

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher E. Lopez ◽  
Kevin L. Legge
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Influenza Virus Infection ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Antigenic Drift ◽  
Influenza Vaccines ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Universal Vaccine

Influenza virus infections represent a serious public health threat and account for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide due to seasonal epidemics and periodic pandemics. Despite being an important countermeasure to combat influenza virus and being highly efficacious when matched to circulating influenza viruses, current preventative strategies of vaccination against influenza virus often provide incomplete protection due the continuous antigenic drift/shift of circulating strains of influenza virus. Prevention and control of influenza virus infection with vaccines is dependent on the host immune response induced by vaccination and the various vaccine platforms induce different components of the local and systemic immune response. This review focuses on the immune basis of current (inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV)) as well as novel vaccine platforms against influenza virus. Particular emphasis will be placed on how each platform induces cross-protection against heterologous influenza viruses, as well as how this immunity compares to and contrasts from the “gold standard” of immunity generated by natural influenza virus infection.

scholarly journals In Vitro System for Modeling Influenza A Virus Resistance under Drug Pressure

2010 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 3442-3450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley N. Brown ◽  
James J. McSharry ◽  
Qingmei Weng ◽  
Elizabeth M. Driebe ◽  
David M. Engelthaler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Virus Replication ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Mdck Cells ◽  
Influenza Virus Infection ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Drug Pressure

ABSTRACT One of the biggest challenges in the effort to treat and contain influenza A virus infections is the emergence of resistance during treatment. It is well documented that resistance to amantadine arises rapidly during the course of treatment due to mutations in the gene coding for the M2 protein. To address this problem, it is critical to develop experimental systems that can accurately model the selection of resistance under drug pressure as seen in humans. We used the hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM) system to examine the effect of amantadine on the replication of influenza virus, A/Albany/1/98 (H3N2), grown in MDCK cells. At 24 and 48 h postinfection, virus replication was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion. At 72 and 96 h postinfection, virus replication was no longer inhibited, suggesting the emergence of amantadine-resistant virus. Sequencing of the M2 gene revealed that mutations appeared at between 48 and 72 h of drug treatment and that the mutations were identical to those identified in the clinic for amantadine-resistant viruses (e.g., V27A, A30T, and S31N). Interestingly, we found that the type of mutation was strongly affected by the dose of the drug. The data suggest that the HFIM is a good model for influenza virus infection and resistance generation in humans. The HFIM has the advantage of being a highly controlled system where multiplicity parameters can be directly and accurately controlled and measured.

scholarly journals Ethanol Extract of Caesalpinia decapetala Inhibits Influenza Virus Infection In Vitro and In Vivo

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Zhang ◽  
Jungang Chen ◽  
Chang Ke ◽  
Haiwei Zhang ◽  
Shoujun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Influenza Virus Infection ◽  
Virus Titer ◽  
Ethanol Extract ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Virus Infections

Influenza virus infections can lead to viral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe cases, causing significant morbidity and mortality and posing a great threat to human health. Because of the diversity of influenza virus strains and drug resistance to the current direct antiviral agents, there have been no effective drugs as yet to cure all patients infected by influenza viruses. Natural products from plants contain compounds with diverse structures that have the potential to interact with multiple host and virus factors. In this study, we identified the ethanol extract of Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston (EEC) as an inhibitor against the replication of a panel of influenza A and B viruses both on human pulmonary epithelial A549 and human monocytic U937 cells. The animal study revealed that EEC administration reduces the weight loss and improves the survival rate of mice infected with lethal influenza virus. Also, EEC treatment attenuated lung injury and reduced virus titer significantly. In conclusion, we showed that EEC has antiviral activity both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that the plant C. decapetala has the potential to be further developed as a resource of new anti-influenza drugs.

scholarly journals A single dose vaccination with an elastase-dependent H1N1 live attenuated swine influenza virus protects pigs from challenge with 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus

2014 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-23
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Mašić ◽  
Niziti Woldeab ◽  
Carissa Embury-Hyatt ◽  
Yan Zhou ◽  
Shawn Babiuk
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Swine Influenza Virus ◽  
Swine Influenza ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Intranasal Route

Abstract The 2009 outbreak of H1N1 influenza A viruses in humans underscored the importance of pigs in influenza A virus evolution and the emergence of novel viruses with pandemic potential. In addition, influenza A virus infections continued to cause production losses in the agricultural industry resulting in a significant drop of profit. The primary method to control influenza A virus infections in pigs is through vaccination. Previously we demonstrated that two doses of an elastase-dependent live attenuated swine influenza virus administered by either the intratracheal or intranasal route can provide a high degree of protection in pigs against challenge with both homologous and different heterologous swine influenza viruses. Here we report the protection efficacy of a single dose elastase-dependent live attenuated swine influenza virus administered by the intranasal route against challenge with homologous subtypic H1N1 2009 pandemic swine-like influenza virus. Protection was observed in the absence of neutralizing antibodies specific for H1N1 2009 in sera.

scholarly journals Induction of Virus-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes as a Basis for the Development of Broadly Protective Influenza Vaccines

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marine L. B. Hillaire ◽  
Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus ◽  
Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
Keyword(s):  
T Lymphocytes ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Antigenic Drift ◽  
Influenza Vaccines ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
Heterosubtypic Immunity

There is considerable interest in the development of broadly protective influenza vaccines because of the continuous emergence of antigenic drift variants of seasonal influenza viruses and the threat posed by the emergence of antigenically distinct pandemic influenza viruses. It has been recognized more than three decades ago that influenza A virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognize epitopes located in the relatively conserved proteins like the nucleoprotein and that they cross-react with various subtypes of influenza A viruses. This implies that these CD8+T lymphocytes may contribute to protective heterosubtypic immunity induced by antecedent influenza A virus infections. In the present paper, we review the evidence for the role of virus-specific CD8+T lymphocytes in protective immunity against influenza virus infections and discuss vaccination strategies that aim at the induction of cross-reactive virus-specific T-cell responses.

scholarly journals A Broad and Potent H1-Specific Human Monoclonal Antibody Produced in Plants Prevents Influenza Virus Infection and Transmission in Guinea Pigs

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-Gyu Park ◽  
Chengjin Ye ◽  
Michael S. Piepenbrink ◽  
Aitor Nogales ◽  
Haifeng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Human Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Influenza Virus Infection ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Antigenic Drift

Although seasonal influenza vaccines block most predominant influenza types and subtypes, humans still remain vulnerable to waves of seasonal and new potential pandemic influenza viruses for which no immunity may exist because of viral antigenic drift and/or shift. Previously, we described a human monoclonal antibody (hMAb), KPF1, which was produced in human embryonic kidney 293T cells (KPF1-HEK) with broad and potent neutralizing activity against H1N1 influenza A viruses (IAV) in vitro, and prophylactic and therapeutic activities in vivo. In this study, we produced hMAb KPF1 in tobacco plants (KPF1-Antx) and demonstrated how the plant-produced KPF1-Antx hMAb possesses similar biological activity compared with the mammalian-produced KPF1-HEK hMAb. KPF1-Antx hMAb showed broad binding to recombinant HA proteins and H1N1 IAV, including A/California/04/2009 (pH1N1) in vitro, which was comparable to that observed with KPF1-HEK hMAb. Importantly, prophylactic administration of KPF1-Antx hMAb to guinea pigs prevented pH1N1 infection and transmission in both prophylactic and therapeutic experiments, substantiating its clinical potential to prevent and treat H1N1 infections. Collectively, this study demonstrated, for the first time, a plant-produced influenza hMAb with in vitro and in vivo activity against influenza virus. Because of the many advantages of plant-produced hMAbs, such as rapid batch production, low cost, and the absence of mammalian cell products, they represent an alternative strategy for the production of immunotherapeutics for the treatment of influenza viral infections, including emerging seasonal and/or pandemic strains.

scholarly journals Next generation methodology for updating HA vaccines against emerging human seasonal influenza A(H3N2) viruses

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Allen ◽  
Ted M. Ross
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Influenza Hemagglutinin ◽  
H3n2 Influenza

AbstractWhile vaccines remain the best tool for preventing influenza virus infections, they have demonstrated low to moderate effectiveness in recent years. Seasonal influenza vaccines typically consist of wild-type influenza A and B viruses that are limited in their ability to elicit protective immune responses against co-circulating influenza virus variant strains. Improved influenza virus vaccines need to elicit protective immune responses against multiple influenza virus drift variants within each season. Broadly reactive vaccine candidates potentially provide a solution to this problem, but their efficacy may begin to wane as influenza viruses naturally mutate through processes that mediates drift. Thus, it is necessary to develop a method that commercial vaccine manufacturers can use to update broadly reactive vaccine antigens to better protect against future and currently circulating viral variants. Building upon the COBRA technology, nine next-generation H3N2 influenza hemagglutinin (HA) vaccines were designed using a next generation algorithm and design methodology. These next-generation broadly reactive COBRA H3 HA vaccines were superior to wild-type HA vaccines at eliciting antibodies with high HAI activity against a panel of historical and co-circulating H3N2 influenza viruses isolated over the last 15 years, as well as the ability to neutralize future emerging H3N2 isolates.

scholarly journals Thapsigargin Is a Broad-Spectrum Inhibitor of Major Human Respiratory Viruses: Coronavirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza A Virus

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 234
Author(s):  
Sarah Al-Beltagi ◽  
Cristian Alexandru Preda ◽  
Leah V. Goulding ◽  
Joe James ◽  
Juan Pu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Virus Challenge ◽  
2009 H1n1 ◽  
Syncytial Virus

The long-term control strategy of SARS-CoV-2 and other major respiratory viruses needs to include antivirals to treat acute infections, in addition to the judicious use of effective vaccines. Whilst COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out for mass vaccination, the modest number of antivirals in use or development for any disease bears testament to the challenges of antiviral development. We recently showed that non-cytotoxic levels of thapsigargin (TG), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ ATPase pump, induces a potent host innate immune antiviral response that blocks influenza A virus replication. Here we show that TG is also highly effective in blocking the replication of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common cold coronavirus OC43, SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus in immortalized or primary human cells. TG’s antiviral performance was significantly better than remdesivir and ribavirin in their respective inhibition of OC43 and RSV. Notably, TG was just as inhibitory to coronaviruses (OC43 and SARS-CoV-2) and influenza viruses (USSR H1N1 and pdm 2009 H1N1) in separate infections as in co-infections. Post-infection oral gavage of acid-stable TG protected mice against a lethal influenza virus challenge. Together with its ability to inhibit the different viruses before or during active infection, and with an antiviral duration of at least 48 h post-TG exposure, we propose that TG (or its derivatives) is a promising broad-spectrum inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2, OC43, RSV and influenza virus.

scholarly journals Functional Analysis of PA Binding by Influenza A Virus PB1: Effects on Polymerase Activity and Viral Infectivity

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (17) ◽  
pp. 8127-8136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel R. Perez ◽  
Ruben O. Donis
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Viral Replication ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Virus Growth ◽  
Transcription And Replication

ABSTRACT Influenza A virus expresses three viral polymerase (P) subunits—PB1, PB2, and PA—all of which are essential for RNA and viral replication. The functions of P proteins in transcription and replication have been partially elucidated, yet some of these functions seem to be dependent on the formation of a heterotrimer for optimal viral RNA transcription and replication. Although it is conceivable that heterotrimer subunit interactions may allow a more efficient catalysis, direct evidence of their essentiality for viral replication is lacking. Biochemical studies addressing the molecular anatomy of the P complexes have revealed direct interactions between PB1 and PB2 as well as between PB1 and PA. Previous studies have shown that the N-terminal 48 amino acids of PB1, termed domain α, contain the residues required for binding PA. We report here the refined mapping of the amino acid sequences within this small region of PB1 that are indispensable for binding PA by deletion mutagenesis of PB1 in a two-hybrid assay. Subsequently, we used site-directed mutagenesis to identify the critical amino acid residues of PB1 for interaction with PA in vivo. The first 12 amino acids of PB1 were found to constitute the core of the interaction interface, thus narrowing the previous boundaries of domain α. The role of the minimal PB1 domain α in influenza virus gene expression and genome replication was subsequently analyzed by evaluating the activity of a set of PB1 mutants in a model reporter minigenome system. A strong correlation was observed between a functional PA binding site on PB1 and P activity. Influenza viruses bearing mutant PB1 genes were recovered using a plasmid-based influenza virus reverse genetics system. Interestingly, mutations that rendered PB1 unable to bind PA were either nonviable or severely growth impaired. These data are consistent with an essential role for the N terminus of PB1 in binding PA, P activity, and virus growth.

scholarly journals A Host-Restricted Self-Attenuated Influenza Virus Provides Broad Pan-Influenza A Protection in a Mouse Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minjin Kim ◽  
Yucheol Cheong ◽  
Jinhee Lee ◽  
Jongkwan Lim ◽  
Sanguine Byun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Protective Efficacy ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Cross Protection ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Group 1

Influenza virus infections can cause a broad range of symptoms, form mild respiratory problems to severe and fatal complications. While influenza virus poses a global health threat, the frequent antigenic change often significantly compromises the protective efficacy of seasonal vaccines, further increasing the vulnerability to viral infection. Therefore, it is in great need to employ strategies for the development of universal influenza vaccines (UIVs) which can elicit broad protection against diverse influenza viruses. Using a mouse infection model, we examined the breadth of protection of the caspase-triggered live attenuated influenza vaccine (ctLAIV), which was self-attenuated by the host caspase-dependent cleavage of internal viral proteins. A single vaccination in mice induced a broad reactive antibody response against four different influenza viruses, H1 and rH5 (HA group 1) and H3 and rH7 subtypes (HA group 2). Notably, despite the lack of detectable neutralizing antibodies, the vaccination provided heterosubtypic protection against the lethal challenge with the viruses. Sterile protection was confirmed by the complete absence of viral titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates after the challenge. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activities of non-neutralizing antibodies contributed to cross-protection. The cross-protection remained robust even after in vivo depletion of T cells or NK cells, reflecting the strength and breadth of the antibody-dependent effector function. The robust mucosal secretion of sIgA reflects an additional level of cross-protection. Our data show that the host-restricted designer vaccine serves an option for developing a UIV, providing pan-influenza A protection against both group 1 and 2 influenza viruses. The present results of potency and breadth of protection from wild type and reassortant viruses addressed in the mouse model by single immunization merits further confirmation and validation, preferably in clinically relevant ferret models with wild type challenges.

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