scholarly journals Role of microRNAs in antiviral responses to dengue infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Rui Wong ◽  
Noraini Abd-Aziz ◽  
Sarah Affendi ◽  
Chit Laa Poh

AbstractDengue virus (DENV) is the etiological agent of dengue fever. Severe dengue could be fatal and there is currently no effective antiviral agent or vaccine. The only licensed vaccine, Dengvaxia, has low efficacy against serotypes 1 and 2. Cellular miRNAs are post-transcriptional regulators that could play a role in direct regulation of viral genes. Host miRNA expressions could either promote or repress viral replications. Induction of some cellular miRNAs could help the virus to evade the host immune response by suppressing the IFN-α/β signaling pathway while others could upregulate IFN-α/β production and inhibit the viral infection. Understanding miRNA expressions and functions during dengue infections would provide insights into the development of miRNA-based therapeutics which could be strategized to act either as miRNA antagonists or miRNA mimics. The known mechanisms of how miRNAs impact DENV replication are diverse. They could suppress DENV multiplication by directly binding to the viral genome, resulting in translational repression. Other miRNA actions include modulation of host factors. In addition, miRNAs that could modulate immunopathogenesis are discussed. Major hurdles lie in the development of chemical modifications and delivery systems for in vivo delivery. Nevertheless, advancement in miRNA formulations and delivery systems hold great promise for the therapeutic potential of miRNA-based therapy, as supported by Miravirsen for treatment of Hepatitis C infection which has successfully completed phase II clinical trial.

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsin Khan ◽  
Suresh K Verma ◽  
Alexander R Mackie ◽  
Erin Vaughan ◽  
Srikanth Garikipati ◽  
...  

Rationale: Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hold great promise for cardiac regeneration but are susceptible to ethical concerns, lack of autologous donors and teratoma formation. Recently, it has been observed that beneficial effects of stem cells are mediated by exosomes secreted out under various physiological conditions. ESCs have the ability to produce exosomes however their effect in the context of the heart is unknown. Objective: Determine the effect of ESC derived exosomes for cardiac repair and modulation of CPCs functions in the heart following myocardial infarction. Methods and Results: Exosomes were isolated from murine ESCs (mES Ex) or embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) by ultracentrifugation and verified by Flotillin-1 immunoblot analysis. Induction of pluripotent markers, survival and in vitro tube formation was enhanced in target cells receiving ESC exosomes indicating therapeutic potential of mES Ex. mES Ex administration resulted in enhanced neovascularization, cardiomyocyte survival and reduced fibrosis post infarction consistent with resurgence of cardiac proliferative response. Importantly, mES Ex mediated considerable enhancement of cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) survival, proliferation and cardiac commitment concurrent with increased c-kit+ CPCs in vivo 4 weeks after mES Ex transfer. miRNA Array analysis of ESC and MEF exosomes revealed significantly high expression of miR290-295 cluster in the ESC exosomes compared to MEF exosomes. The underlying beneficial effect of mES Ex was tied to delivery of ESC miR-294 to the heart and in particular CPCs thereby promoting CPC survival and proliferation as analyzed by FACS based cell death analysis and CyQuant assay respectively. Interestingly, enhanced G1/S transition was observed in CPCs treated with miR-294 in conjunction with significant reduction of G1 phase. Conclusion: In conclusion, mES Ex provide a novel cell free system for cardiac regeneration with the ability to modulate both cardiomyocyte and CPC based repair programs in the heart thereby avoiding the risk of teratoma formation associated with ESCs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (52) ◽  
pp. E12363-E12369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Zanini ◽  
Makeda L. Robinson ◽  
Derek Croote ◽  
Malaya Kumar Sahoo ◽  
Ana Maria Sanz ◽  
...  

Dengue virus (DENV) infection can result in severe complications. However, the understanding of the molecular correlates of severity is limited, partly due to difficulties in defining the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) that contain DENV RNA in vivo. Accordingly, there are currently no biomarkers predictive of progression to severe dengue (SD). Bulk transcriptomics data are difficult to interpret because blood consists of multiple cell types that may react differently to infection. Here, we applied virus-inclusive single-cell RNA-seq approach (viscRNA-Seq) to profile transcriptomes of thousands of single PBMCs derived early in the course of disease from six dengue patients and four healthy controls and to characterize distinct leukocyte subtypes that harbor viral RNA (vRNA). Multiple IFN response genes, particularly MX2 in naive B cells and CD163 in CD14+ CD16+ monocytes, were up-regulated in a cell-specific manner before progression to SD. The majority of vRNA-containing cells in the blood of two patients who progressed to SD were naive IgM B cells expressing the CD69 and CXCR4 receptors and various antiviral genes, followed by monocytes. Bystander, non-vRNA–containing B cells also demonstrated immune activation, and IgG1 plasmablasts from two patients exhibited clonal expansions. Lastly, assembly of the DENV genome sequence revealed diversity at unexpected sites. This study presents a multifaceted molecular elucidation of natural dengue infection in humans with implications for any tissue and viral infection and proposes candidate biomarkers for prediction of SD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Xuan Liu ◽  
Ziying Yang ◽  
Qingyou Meng ◽  
Yueqiu Chen ◽  
Lianbo Shao ◽  
...  

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown great promise in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine; however, the regenerative capacity of senescent MSCs is greatly reduced, thus exhibiting limited therapy potential. Previous studies uncovered that microRNA-206 (miR-206) could largely regulate cell functions, including cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis, but whether miR-206 is involved in the senescent process of MSCs remains unknown. In this study, we mainly elucidated the effects of miR-206 on MSC senescence and the underlying mechanism. We discovered that miR-206 was upregulated in the senescent MSCs induced by H2O2, and abrogation of miR-206 could alleviate this tendency. Besides, we determined that by targeting Alpl, miR-206 could ameliorate the impaired migration and paracrine function in MSCs reduced by H2O2. In vivo study, we revealed that inhibition of miR-206 in senescent MSCs could effectively protect their potential for myocardial infarction treatment in a rat MI model. In summary, we examined that inhibition of miR-206 in MSCs can alleviate H2O2-induced senescence and dysfunction, thus protecting its therapeutic potential.


ASN NEURO ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 175909141987142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Rey ◽  
Alice Balsari ◽  
Toniella Giallongo ◽  
Sara Ottolenghi ◽  
Anna M. Di Giulio ◽  
...  

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a cytokine mainly induced in hypoxia conditions. Its major production site is the kidney. EPO primarily acts on the erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. More and more studies are highlighting its secondary functions, with a crucial focus on its role in the central nervous system. Here, EPO may interact with up to four distinct isoforms of its receptor (erythropoietin receptor [EPOR]), activating different signaling cascades with roles in neuroprotection and neurogenesis. Indeed, the EPO/EPOR axis has been widely studied in the neurodegenerative diseases field. Its potential therapeutic effects have been evaluated in multiple disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury, as well as brain ischemia, hypoxia, and hyperoxia. EPO is showing great promise by counteracting secondary neuroinflammatory processes, reactive oxygen species imbalance, and cell death in these diseases. Multiple studies have been performed both in vitro and in vivo, characterizing the mechanisms through which EPO exerts its neurotrophic action. In some cases, clinical trials involving EPO have been performed, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Together, all these works indicate the potential beneficial effects of EPO.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Mohammed Bhia ◽  
Mahzad Motallebi ◽  
Banafshe Abadi ◽  
Atefeh Zarepour ◽  
Miguel Pereira-Silva ◽  
...  

Naringenin (NRG) is a polyphenolic phytochemical belonging to the class of flavanones and is widely distributed in citrus fruits and some other fruits such as bergamot, tomatoes, cocoa, and cherries. NRG presents several interesting pharmacological properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the therapeutic potential of NRG is hampered due to its hydrophobic nature, which leads to poor bioavailability. Here, we review a wide range of nanocarriers that have been used as delivery systems for NRG, including polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), nanosuspensions, and nanoemulsions. These nanomedicine formulations of NRG have been applied as a potential treatment for several diseases, using a wide range of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models and different routes of administration. From this review, it can be concluded that NRG is a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, liver diseases, ocular disorders, inflammatory diseases, skin diseases, and diabetes when formulated in the appropriate nanocarriers.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenichi Tamama ◽  
Haruhisa Kawasaki ◽  
Alan Wells

Adult bone marrow multipotential stromal cells (MSCs) hold great promise in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. However, due to their low numbers upon harvesting, MSCs need to be expanded in vitro without biasing future differentiation for optimal utility. In this concept paper, we focus on the potential use of epidermal growth factor (EGF), prototypal growth factor for enhancing the harvesting and/or differentiation of MSCs. Soluble EGF was shown to augment MSC proliferation while preserving early progenitors within MSC population, and thus did not induce differentiation. However, tethered form of EGF was shown to promote osteogenic differentiation. Soluble EGF was also shown to increase paracrine secretions including VEGF and HGF from MSC. Thus, soluble EGF can be used not only to expand MSC in vitro, but also to enhance paracrine secretion through drug-releasing MSC-encapsulated scaffolds in vivo. Tethered EGF can also be utilized to direct MSC towards osteogenic lineage both in vitro and in vivo.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 278
Author(s):  
Ilaria Andreana ◽  
Mathieu Repellin ◽  
Flavia Carton ◽  
David Kryza ◽  
Stéphanie Briançon ◽  
...  

Muscular Dystrophies (MDs) are a group of rare inherited genetic muscular pathologies encompassing a variety of clinical phenotypes, gene mutations and mechanisms of disease. MDs undergo progressive skeletal muscle degeneration causing severe health problems that lead to poor life quality, disability and premature death. There are no available therapies to counteract the causes of these diseases and conventional treatments are administered only to mitigate symptoms. Recent understanding on the pathogenetic mechanisms allowed the development of novel therapeutic strategies based on gene therapy, genome editing CRISPR/Cas9 and drug repurposing approaches. Despite the therapeutic potential of these treatments, once the actives are administered, their instability, susceptibility to degradation and toxicity limit their applications. In this frame, the design of delivery strategies based on nanomedicines holds great promise for MD treatments. This review focuses on nanomedicine approaches able to encapsulate therapeutic agents such as small chemical molecules and oligonucleotides to target the most common MDs such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the Myotonic Dystrophies. The challenge related to in vitro and in vivo testing of nanosystems in appropriate animal models is also addressed. Finally, the most promising nanomedicine-based strategies are highlighted and a critical view in future developments of nanomedicine for neuromuscular diseases is provided.


Author(s):  
Bethany Claridge ◽  
Jonathan Lozano ◽  
Qi Hui Poh ◽  
David W. Greening

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) hold great promise as therapeutic modalities due to their endogenous characteristics, however, further bioengineering refinement is required to address clinical and commercial limitations. Clinical applications of EV-based therapeutics are being trialed in immunomodulation, tissue regeneration and recovery, and as delivery vectors for combination therapies. Native/biological EVs possess diverse endogenous properties that offer stability and facilitate crossing of biological barriers for delivery of molecular cargo to cells, acting as a form of intercellular communication to regulate function and phenotype. Moreover, EVs are important components of paracrine signaling in stem/progenitor cell-based therapies, are employed as standalone therapies, and can be used as a drug delivery system. Despite remarkable utility of native/biological EVs, they can be improved using bio/engineering approaches to further therapeutic potential. EVs can be engineered to harbor specific pharmaceutical content, enhance their stability, and modify surface epitopes for improved tropism and targeting to cells and tissues in vivo. Limitations currently challenging the full realization of their therapeutic utility include scalability and standardization of generation, molecular characterization for design and regulation, therapeutic potency assessment, and targeted delivery. The fields’ utilization of advanced technologies (imaging, quantitative analyses, multi-omics, labeling/live-cell reporters), and utility of biocompatible natural sources for producing EVs (plants, bacteria, milk) will play an important role in overcoming these limitations. Advancements in EV engineering methodologies and design will facilitate the development of EV-based therapeutics, revolutionizing the current pharmaceutical landscape.


Author(s):  
EL- Assal I. A. ◽  
Retnowati .

Objective of the present investigation was enthused by the possibility to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of hydrophilic drug acyclovir. Also study vitro and vivo drug delivery. Methods: Drug loaded SLNs (ACV-SLNs) were prepared by high pressure homogenization of aqueous surfactant solutions containing the drug-loaded lipids in the melted or in the solid state with formula optimization study (Different lipid concentration, drug loaded, homogenization / stirring speed and compritol 888ATO: drug ratio). ACV - SLN incorporated in cream base. The pH was evaluated and rheological study. Drug release was evaluated and compared with simple cream- drug, ACV – SLN with compritol 888ATO and marketed cream. The potential of SLN as the carrier for dermal delivery was studied. Results: Particle size analysis of SLNs prove small, smooth, spherical shape particle ranged from 150 to 200 nm for unloaded and from 330 to 444 nm for ACV loaded particles. The EE% for optimal formula is 72% with suitable pH for skin application. Rheological behavior is shear thinning and thixotropic. Release study proved controlled drug release for SLNs especially in formula containing compritol88 ATO. Stability study emphasized an insignificant change in SLNs properties over 6 month. In-vivo study showed significantly higher accumulation of ACV in stratum corneum, dermal layer, and receptor compartment compared with blank skin. Conclusion: AVC-loaded SLNs might be beneficial in controlling drug release, stable and improving dermal delivery of antiviral agent(s).


Author(s):  
Anamika Saxena Saxena ◽  
Santosh Kitawat ◽  
Kalpesh Gaur ◽  
Virendra Singh

The main goal of any drug delivery system is to achieve desired concentration of the drug in blood or tissue, which is therapeutically effective and nontoxic for a prolonged period. Various attempts have been made to develop gastroretentive delivery systems such as high density system, swelling, floating system. The recent developments of FDDS including the physiological and formulation variables affecting gastric retention, approaches to design single-unit and multiple-unit floating systems, and their classification and formulation aspects are covered in detail. Gastric emptying is a complex process and makes in vivo performance of the drug delivery systems uncertain. In order to avoid this variability, efforts have been made to increase the retention time of the drug-delivery systems for more than 12 hours. The floating or hydrodynamically controlled drug delivery systems are useful in such application. Background of the research: Diltiazem HCL (DTZ), has short biological half life of 3-4 h, requires rather high frequency of administration. Due to repeated administration there may be chances of patient incompliance and toxicity problems. Objective: The objective of study was to develop sustained release alginate beads of DTZ for reduction in dosing frequency, high bioavailability and better patient compliance. Methodology: Five formulations prepared by using different drug to polymer ratios, were evaluated for relevant parameters and compared. Alginate beads were prepared by ionotropic external gelation technique using CaCl2 as cross linking agent. Prepared beads were evaluated for % yield, entrapment efficiency, swelling index in 0.1N HCL, drug release study and SEM analysis. In order to improve %EE and drug release, LMP and sunflower oil were used as copolymers along with sodium alginate.


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