scholarly journals Nonsense-mediated decay controls the reactivation of the oncogenic herpesviruses EBV and KSHV

PLoS Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. e3001097
Author(s):  
Michiel van Gent ◽  
Adrian Reich ◽  
Sadanandan E. Velu ◽  
Michaela U. Gack
Keyword(s):  
Cell Types ◽  
Rna Degradation ◽  
Degradation Pathway ◽  
Nonsense Mediated Decay ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Biphasic Life Cycle ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Important Host ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Human Herpesviruses

The oncogenic human herpesviruses Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are the causative agents of multiple malignancies. A hallmark of herpesviruses is their biphasic life cycle consisting of latent and lytic infection. In this study, we identified that cellular nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), an evolutionarily conserved RNA degradation pathway, critically regulates the latent-to-lytic switch of EBV and KSHV infection. The NMD machinery suppresses EBV and KSHV Rta transactivator expression and promotes maintenance of viral latency by targeting the viral polycistronic transactivator transcripts for degradation through the recognition of features in their 3′ UTRs. Treatment with a small-molecule NMD inhibitor potently induced reactivation in a variety of EBV- and KSHV-infected cell types. In conclusion, our results identify NMD as an important host process that controls oncogenic herpesvirus reactivation, which may be targeted for the therapeutic induction of lytic reactivation and the eradication of tumor cells.

scholarly journals Modulation of Endosome Function, Vesicle Trafficking and Autophagy by Human Herpesviruses

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 542
Author(s):  
Eduardo I. Tognarelli ◽  
Antonia Reyes ◽  
Nicolás Corrales ◽  
Leandro J. Carreño ◽  
Susan M. Bueno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Antiviral Therapies ◽  
Host Determinants ◽  
Viral Particles ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Human Herpesviruses

Human herpesviruses are a ubiquitous family of viruses that infect individuals of all ages and are present at a high prevalence worldwide. Herpesviruses are responsible for a broad spectrum of diseases, ranging from skin and mucosal lesions to blindness and life-threatening encephalitis, and some of them, such as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), are known to be oncogenic. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that some herpesviruses may be associated with developing neurodegenerative diseases. These viruses can establish lifelong infections in the host and remain in a latent state with periodic reactivations. To achieve infection and yield new infectious viral particles, these viruses require and interact with molecular host determinants for supporting their replication and spread. Important sets of cellular factors involved in the lifecycle of herpesviruses are those participating in intracellular membrane trafficking pathways, as well as autophagic-based organelle recycling processes. These cellular processes are required by these viruses for cell entry and exit steps. Here, we review and discuss recent findings related to how herpesviruses exploit vesicular trafficking and autophagy components by using both host and viral gene products to promote the import and export of infectious viral particles from and to the extracellular environment. Understanding how herpesviruses modulate autophagy, endolysosomal and secretory pathways, as well as other prominent trafficking vesicles within the cell, could enable the engineering of novel antiviral therapies to treat these viruses and counteract their negative health effects.

scholarly journals Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Human Herpesviruses Are Back!

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 185
Author(s):  
Maria Eugenia Ariza
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Specific Proteins ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Human Herpesviruses

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) or Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID) is a chronic multisystem illness of unconfirmed etiology. There are currently no biomarkers and/or signatures available to assist in the diagnosis of the syndrome and while numerous mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain the pathology of ME/CFS, the triggers and/or drivers remain unknown. Initial studies suggested a potential role of the human herpesviruses especially Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the disease process but inconsistent and conflicting data led to the erroneous suggestion that these viruses had no role in the syndrome. New studies using more advanced approaches have now demonstrated that specific proteins encoded by EBV could contribute to the immune and neurological abnormalities exhibited by a subgroup of patients with ME/CFS. Elucidating the role of these herpesvirus proteins in ME/CFS may lead to the identification of specific biomarkers and the development of novel therapeutics.

scholarly journals Human Herpesvirus and the Immune Checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway: Disorders and Strategies for Survival

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 778
Author(s):  
Takayuki Murata
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Programmed Cell Death 1 ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Human Herpesviruses

The immune system has evolved as a complex and efficient means of coping with extrinsic materials, such as pathogens and toxins, as well as intrinsic abnormalities, such as cancers. Although rapid and timely activation of the immune system is obviously important, regulated downregulation of the system is almost as significant as activation to prevent runaway immunity, such as allergies and hypercytokinemia. Therefore, the immune checkpoint programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway is beneficial for the host. On the other hand, pathogens have evolved to evade host immunity by taking advantage of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. This review is focused on human herpesviruses, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), which cause various types of disorders, and their relationships with the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Understanding such relationships will be useful for developing preventative and therapeutic methods for disorders caused by herpesviruses.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Subclinical Infection in Patients with Acute Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farshad Abbasi ◽  
Gholam Abbas Kaydani ◽  
Zari Tahannezhad ◽  
Mohsen Nakhaie ◽  
Ali Amin Asnafi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Exact Etiology ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Acute Itp

Background: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) defined as a bleeding disorder in which the number and production of platelets reduced by the immune system; however, the destruction of peripheral blood platelets also occurs. Although its exact etiology and pathogenesis not already know, several studies have shown that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) known as possible causative agents of ITP. This investigation aims to evaluate the presence of CMV and EBV in two groups of case and control by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and Methods: We considered the presence of CMV and EBV in 48 acute ITP patients and 48 healthy people. Study participants were recruited from Ahvaz Shafa Hospital between 2017 and 2018 and the presence of two viruses was investigated by (PCR). Results: Out of 48 acute ITP patients, the CMV DNA was detected from the blood of 12 (25%) patients and the EBV DNA from the blood of 2 (4.2%) other patients. In addition, only one patient was (2.1%) co-infected with CMV and EBV. In contrast, in 48 healthy subjects, 3 (6.6%) had CMV and none of the control group was infected with EBV. Conclusion: Due to the presence of both EBV and CMV in the acute ITP patients in Ahvaz, they can be considered as factors in the progression of this disease. Therefore, consideration of the methods of elimination and treatment of these two viruses in these patients may be used as a treatment strategy in ITP patients in the future.  

scholarly journals Cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr Virus Associations with Neurological Diseases and the Need for Vaccine Development

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter A. C. Maple
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Mononucleosis ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Human Herpesviruses

Herpesviruses have been isolated from a wide range of hosts including humans—for which, nine species have been designated. The human herpesviruses are highly host adapted and possess the capacity for latency, allowing them to survive in the host for life, effectively hidden from the immune system. This ability of human herpesviruses to modulate the host immune response poses particular challenges for vaccine development but at the same time proves attractive for the application of human herpesvirus vaccines to certain spheres of medicine. In this review, congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and hearing loss will be described followed by a comment on the status of current vaccine development. Secondly, the association of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection with multiple sclerosis (MS) and how EBV vaccination may be of benefit will then be discussed. Prevention of congenital CMV by vaccination is an attractive proposition and several vaccines have been evaluated for potential use. Particularly challenging for the development of CMV vaccines are the needs to prevent primary infection, reinfection, and reactivation at the same time as overcoming the capacity of the virus to generate highly sophisticated immunomodulatory mechanisms. Cost and the practicalities of administering potential vaccines are also significant issues, particularly for low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of disease is greatest. An effective EBV vaccine that could prevent the 200,000 new EBV-associated malignancies which occur globally each year is not currently available. There is increasing interest in developing EBV vaccines to prevent MS and, in view of the association of infectious mononucleosis with MS, reducing childhood infectious mononucleosis is a potential intervention. Currently, there is no licensed EBV vaccine and, in order to progress the development of EBV vaccines for preventing MS, a greater understanding of the association of EBV with MS is required.

scholarly journals Determination of Epstein-Barr Virus–Infected Lymphocyte Cell Types in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells as a Valuable Diagnostic Tool in Hematological Diseases

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peiling Zhang ◽  
Chen Zeng ◽  
Jiali Cheng ◽  
Jing Zhou ◽  
Jia Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infected Cell ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr

Abstract Background High loads of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be indicative of a broad spectrum of diseases, ranging from asymptomatic infection to fatal cancers. Methods We retrospectively investigated the EBV-infected cell types in PBMCs among 291 patients. Based on EBV-infected cell types, the clinical features and prognoses of 93 patients with EBV-associated (EBV+) T/natural killer (NK)–cell lymphoproliferative diseases (LPDs) T/NK-LPDs) were investigated over a 5-year period. Results Although B-cell-type infection was found in immunocompromised patients and patients with asymptomatic high EBV carriage, infectious mononucleosis, EBV+ B-cell LPDs and B-cell lymphomas, T-cell, NK-cell or multiple-cell-type infection in immunocompetent hosts were highly suggestive of EBV+ T/NK-LPDs, EBV+ T/NK-cell lymphomas, and aggressive NK-cell leukemia. Patients with non–B-cell infection had a poorer prognosis than those with B-cell-type infection. In our cohort, 79.6% of patients with EBV+ T/NK-LPDs were >18 years old, and NK cells were identified as EBV-infected cell type in 54.8%. Nearly half of patients with EBV+ T/NK-LPDs had genetic defects associated with immunodeficiency. However, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and not genetic defects, was the only parameter correlated with poor prognosis of EBV+ T/NK-LPDs. Conclusions Determination of EBV-infected cell types among PBMCs is a valuable tool for the differential diagnosis of EBV+ hematological diseases. In this study, determination of Epstein-Barr virus-infected cell types in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 291 patients with high Epstein-Barr virus loads were retrospectively investigated, which indicate it is a valuable tool for Epstein-Barr virus-associated hematological diseases.

scholarly journals The BRRF1 Early Gene of Epstein-Barr Virus Encodes a Transcription Factor That Enhances Induction of Lytic Infection by BRLF1

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (10) ◽  
pp. 4983-4992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory K. Hong ◽  
Henri-Jacques Delecluse ◽  
Henri Gruffat ◽  
Thomas E. Morrison ◽  
Wen-Hai Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Early Gene ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Ebv Infection ◽  
Early Protein ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Latently Infected ◽  
Epstein Barr

ABSTRACT The switch from the latent to the lytic form of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is mediated by expression of the viral immediate-early (IE) proteins, BZLF1 (Z) and BRLF1 (R). An EBV early protein, BRRF1 (Na), is encoded by the opposite strand of the BRLF1 intron, but the function of this nuclear protein in the viral life cycle is unknown. Here we demonstrate that Na enhances the R-mediated induction of lytic EBV infection in 293 cells latently infected with a recombinant EBV (R-KO) defective for the expression of both R and Na. Na also enhances R-induced lytic infections in a gastric carcinoma line (AGS) carrying the R-KO virus, although it has no effect in a Burkitt lymphoma line (BL-30) stably infected with the same mutant virus. We show that Na is a transcription factor that increases the ability of R to activate Z expression from the R-KO viral genome in 293 cells and that Na by itself activates the Z promoter (Zp) in EBV-negative cells. Na activation of Zp requires a CRE motif (ZII), and a consensus CRE motif is sufficient to transfer Na responsiveness to the heterologous E1b promoter. Furthermore, we show that Na enhances the transactivator function of a Gal4-c-Jun fusion protein but does not increase the transactivator function of other transcription factors (including ATF-1, ATF-2, and CREB) known to bind CRE motifs. Na expression in cells results in increased levels of a hyperphosphorylated form of c-Jun, suggesting a mechanism by which Na activates c-Jun. Our results indicate that Na is a transcription factor that activates the EBV Zp IE promoter through its effects on c-Jun and suggest that Na cooperates with BRLF1 to induce the lytic form of EBV infection in certain cell types.

scholarly journals A potent and protective human neutralizing antibody targeting a novel vulnerable site of Epstein-Barr virus

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian-Ying Zhu ◽  
Sisi Shan ◽  
Jinfang Yu ◽  
Si-Ying Peng ◽  
Cong Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Infected Individual ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Crystal Structure Analysis ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Ebv Infection ◽  
Epstein Barr

AbstractEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a range of epithelial and B cell malignancies as well as autoimmune disorders, for which there are still no specific treatments or effective vaccines. Here, we isolate EBV gH/gL-specific antibodies from an EBV-infected individual. One antibody, 1D8, efficiently neutralizes EBV infection of two major target cell types, B cells and epithelial cells. In humanized mice, 1D8 provides protection against a high-dose EBV challenge by substantially reducing viral loads and associated tumor burden. Crystal structure analysis reveals that 1D8 binds to a key vulnerable interface between the D-I/D-II domains of the viral gH/gL protein, especially the D-II of the gH, thereby interfering with the gH/gL-mediated membrane fusion and binding to target cells. Overall, we identify a potent and protective neutralizing antibody capable of reducing the EBV load. The novel vulnerable site represents an attractive target that is potentially important for antibody and vaccine intervention against EBV infection.

scholarly journals Viruses in chronic progressive neurologic disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C Leibovitch ◽  
Steven Jacobson
Keyword(s):  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Human Herpesvirus ◽  
Antiviral Agent ◽  
Neurologic Disease ◽  
Human Herpesvirus 6 ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Neuroinflammatory Disease ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Human Herpesviruses

Viruses have long been implicated as triggers of disease onset and progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) and similar neuroinflammatory disorders. Decades of epidemiological, molecular, and pathologic studies have most strongly linked the human herpesviruses Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) with MS. However, these viruses are ubiquitous in the general population and typically acquired decades before disease presentation, complicating the study of how they might contribute to disease. As experimental animal models may help elucidate mechanisms that have linked viruses with MS, we have been studying HHV-6 infections in a small nonhuman primate. We recently demonstrated that the subsequent induction of an MS-like experimental neuroinflammatory disease results in significantly accelerated disease in HHV-6 inoculated marmosets compared to controls. Ultimately, disease intervention in the form of clinical trials with an antiviral agent is the best way to concretely demonstrate a role for HHV-6 or any other virus in MS.

scholarly journals Oncogenic Properties of the EBV ZEBRA Protein

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1479
Author(s):  
Diego Germini ◽  
Fatimata Bintou Sall ◽  
Anna Shmakova ◽  
Joëlle Wiels ◽  
Svetlana Dokudovskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Immune Escape ◽  
Immune Surveillance ◽  
Host Proteins ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Functional Features ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Human Herpesviruses ◽  
Transcriptional Transactivator

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is one of the most common human herpesviruses. After primary infection, it can persist in the host throughout their lifetime in a latent form, from which it can reactivate following specific stimuli. EBV reactivation is triggered by transcriptional transactivator proteins ZEBRA (also known as Z, EB-1, Zta or BZLF1) and RTA (also known as BRLF1). Here we discuss the structural and functional features of ZEBRA, its role in oncogenesis and its possible implication as a prognostic or diagnostic marker. Modulation of host gene expression by ZEBRA can deregulate the immune surveillance, allow the immune escape, and favor tumor progression. It also interacts with host proteins, thereby modifying their functions. ZEBRA is released into the bloodstream by infected cells and can potentially penetrate any cell through its cell-penetrating domain; therefore, it can also change the fate of non-infected cells. The features of ZEBRA described in this review outline its importance in EBV-related malignancies.

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