Single-Stranded Oligonucleotide-Mediated Inhibition of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in young children. Currently, there is no RSV vaccine or universally accessible antiviral treatment available. Addressing the urgent need for new antiviral agents, we have investigated the capacity of a non-coding single-stranded oligonucleotide (ssON) to inhibit RSV infection. By utilizing a GFP-expressing RSV, we demonstrate that the ssON significantly reduced the proportion of RSV infected A549 cells (lung epithelial cells). Furthermore, we show that ssON’s antiviral activity was length dependent and that both RNA and DNA of this class of oligonucleotides have antiviral activity. We reveal that ssON inhibited RSV infection by competing with the virus for binding to the cellular receptor nucleolin in vitro. Additionally, using a recombinant RSV that expresses luciferase we show that ssON effectively blocked RSV infection in mice. Treatment with ssON in vivo resulted in the upregulation of RSV-induced interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) such as Stat1, Stat2, Cxcl10, and Ccl2. This study highlights the possibility of using oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents against RSV infection. We demonstrate that the mechanism of action of ssON is the inhibition of viral entry in vitro, likely through the binding of the receptor, nucleolin and that ssON treatment against RSV infection in vivo additionally results in the upregulation of ISGs.

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Evaluation of the Safety and Immune Efficacy of Recombinant Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strain Long Live Attenuated Vaccine Candidates

Virologica Sinica ◽

10.1007/s12250-021-00345-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Li-Nan Wang ◽

Xiang-Lei Peng ◽

Min Xu ◽

Yuan-Bo Zheng ◽

Yue-Ying Jiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Gene Deletion ◽

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Temperature Sensitive ◽

T7 Promoter ◽

Vaccine Candidates ◽

Rsv Infection ◽

Syncytial Virus

AbstractHuman respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI), and no vaccine against LRTI has proven to be safe and effective in infants. Our study assessed attenuated recombinant RSVs as vaccine candidates to prevent RSV infection in mice. The constructed recombinant plasmids harbored (5′ to 3′) a T7 promoter, hammerhead ribozyme, RSV Long strain antigenomic cDNA with cold-passaged (cp) mutations or cp combined with temperature-sensitive attenuated mutations from the A2 strain (A2cpts) or further combined with SH gene deletion (A2cptsΔSH), HDV ribozyme (δ), and a T7 terminator. These vectors were subsequently co-transfected with four helper plasmids encoding N, P, L, and M2-1 viral proteins into BHK/T7-9 cells, and the recovered viruses were then passaged in Vero cells. The rescued recombinant RSVs (rRSVs) were named rRSV-Long/A2cp, rRSV-Long/A2cpts, and rRSV-Long/A2cptsΔSH, respectively, and stably passaged in vitro, without reversion to wild type (wt) at sites containing introduced mutations or deletion. Although rRSV-Long/A2cpts and rRSV-Long/A2cptsΔSH displayed temperature-sensitive (ts) phenotype in vitro and in vivo, all rRSVs were significantly attenuated in vivo. Furthermore, BALB/c mice immunized with rRSVs produced Th1-biased immune response, resisted wtRSV infection, and were free from enhanced respiratory disease. We showed that the combination of ΔSH with attenuation (att) mutations of cpts contributed to improving att phenotype, efficacy, and gene stability of rRSV. By successfully introducing att mutations and SH gene deletion into the RSV Long parent and producing three rRSV strains, we have laid an important foundation for the development of RSV live attenuated vaccines.

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Inhibitory Effect of Sargassum fusiforme and Its Components on Replication of Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Vitro and In Vivo

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13040548 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 548

Author(s):

Kiramage Chathuranga ◽

Asela Weerawardhana ◽

Niranjan Dodantenna ◽

Lakmal Ranathunga ◽

Won-Kyung Cho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Antiviral Agent ◽

Active Components ◽

Sargassum Fusiforme ◽

Antiviral Effects ◽

Improve Life Expectancy ◽

Rsv Infection ◽

Syncytial Virus

Sargassum fusiforme, a plant used as a medicine and food, is regarded as a marine vegetable and health supplement to improve life expectancy. Here, we demonstrate that S. fusiforme extract (SFE) has antiviral effects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in vitro and in vivo mouse model. Treatment of HEp2 cells with a non-cytotoxic concentration of SFE significantly reduced RSV replication, RSV-induced cell death, RSV gene transcription, RSV protein synthesis, and syncytium formation. Moreover, oral inoculation of SFE significantly improved RSV clearance from the lungs of BALB/c mice. Interestingly, the phenolic compounds eicosane, docosane, and tetracosane were identified as active components of SFE. Treatment with a non-cytotoxic concentration of these three components elicited similar antiviral effects against RSV infection as SFE in vitro. Together, these results suggest that SFE and its potential components are a promising natural antiviral agent candidate against RSV infection.

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Loss of versican and production of hyaluronan in lung epithelial cells are associated with airway inflammation during RSV infection

Journal of Biological Chemistry ◽

10.1074/jbc.ra120.016196 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. jbc.RA120.016196

Author(s):

Gerald G. Kellar ◽

Kaitlyn A. Barrow ◽

Lucille M. Rich ◽

Jason S. Debley ◽

Thomas N. Wight ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Airway Inflammation ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Lung Epithelial Cells ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Critical Feature ◽

Human Lung Fibroblast ◽

Rsv Infection ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Tract Infections

Airway inflammation is a critical feature of lower respiratory tract infections caused by viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A growing body of literature has demonstrated the importance of extracellular matrix (ECM) changes such as the accumulation of hyaluronan (HA) and versican in the subepithelial space in promoting airway inflammation; however, whether these factors contribute to airway inflammation during RSV infection remains unknown. To test the hypothesis that RSV infection promotes inflammation via altered HA and versican production, we studied an ex vivo human bronchial epithelial cell (BEC)/human lung fibroblast (HLF) co-culture model. RSV infection of BEC/HLF co-cultures led to decreased hyaluronidase expression by HLFs, increased accumulation of HA, and enhanced adhesion of U937 cells as would be expected with increased HA. HLF production of versican was not altered following RSV infection; however, BEC production of versican was significantly downregulated following RSV infection. In vivo studies with epithelial-specific versican-deficient mice [SPC-Cre(+) Vcan-/-] demonstrated that RSV infection led to increased HA accumulation compared to control mice which also coincided with decreased hyaluronidase expression in the lung. SPC-Cre(+) Vcan-/- mice demonstrated enhanced recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and increased neutrophils in the lung compared to SPC-Cre(-) RSV-infected littermates. Taken together, these data demonstrate that altered ECM accumulation of HA occurs following RSV infection and may contribute to airway inflammation. Additionally, loss of epithelial expression of versican promotes airway inflammation during RSV infection further demonstrating that versican’s role in inflammatory regulation is complex and dependent on the microenvironment.

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Targeting the Respiratory Syncytial Virus N0-P Complex with Constrained α-Helical Peptides in Cells and Mice

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.00717-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 64 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Marie Galloux ◽

Nadège Gsponer ◽

Vanessa Gaillard ◽

Brice Fenner ◽

Thibaut Larcher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Small Molecules ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

Rsv Infection ◽

Macrocyclic Peptides ◽

Escape Mutants ◽

Severe Respiratory Infection ◽

Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of severe respiratory infection in young children worldwide, and no therapies have been approved for the treatment of RSV infection. Data from recent clinical trials of fusion or L polymerase inhibitors for the treatment of RSV-infected patients revealed the emergence of escape mutants, highlighting the need for the discovery of inhibitors with novel mechanisms of action. Here we describe stapled peptides derived from the N terminus of the phosphoprotein (P) that act as replication inhibitors. We demonstrate that these peptides inhibit RSV replication in vitro and in vivo by preventing the formation of the N0-P complex. The present strategy provides a novel means of targeting RSV replication with constrained macrocyclic peptides or small molecules and is broadly applicable to other viruses of the Mononegavirales order.

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Antiviral Activity of Lovastatin against Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Vivo and In Vitro

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.45.4.1231-1237.2001 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 1231-1237 ◽

Cited By ~ 73

Author(s):

T. L. Gower ◽

B. S. Graham

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Antiviral Activity ◽

Syncytial Virus

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56 NMSO3, a potent inhibitor of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in vitro and in vivo

Antiviral Research ◽

10.1016/s0166-3542(00)90387-5 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. A52

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Potent Inhibitor ◽

Rsv Infection ◽

Syncytial Virus

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RSV attenuates epithelial cell restitution by inhibiting actin cytoskeleton-dependent cell migration

AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajplung.00118.2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Debra T Linfield ◽

Nannan Gao ◽

Andjela Raduka ◽

Terri J Harford ◽

Giovanni Piedimonte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Migration ◽

Epithelial Cell ◽

Wound Repair ◽

Focal Adhesions ◽

Fiber Formation ◽

Rsv Infection ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Tract Infections

The airway epithelium's ability to repair itself after injury, known as epithelial restitution, is an essential mechanism enabling the respiratory tract's normal functions. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections worldwide. We sought to determine whether RSV delays the airway epithelium wound repair process both in vitro and in vivo. We found that RSV infection attenuated epithelial cell migration, a step in wound repair, promoted stress fiber formation, and mediated assembly of large focal adhesions (FA). Inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK), a master regulator of actin function, reversed these effects. There was increased RhoA and phospho-myosin light chain (pMLC2) following RSV infection. In vivo, mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with naphthalene to induce lung injury, followed by RSV infection. RSV infection delayed re-epithelialization. There were increased concentrations of pMLC2 in day 7 naphthalene plus RSV animals which normalized by day 14. This study suggests a key mechanism by which RSV infection delays wound healing.

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Long Noncoding RNA NRAV Promotes Respiratory Syncytial Virus Replication by Targeting the MicroRNA miR-509-3p/Rab5c Axis To Regulate Vesicle Transportation

Journal of Virology ◽

10.1128/jvi.00113-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 94 (10) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jian Li ◽

Miao Li ◽

Xiuli Wang ◽

Mengfei Sun ◽

Cuiqing Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Long Noncoding Rna ◽

Noncoding Rna ◽

Respiratory Virus ◽

Antiviral Response ◽

Negative Regulator ◽

Rsv Infection ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Tract Infections

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped RNA virus which is responsible for approximately 80% of lower respiratory tract infections in children. Current lines of evidence have supported the functional involvement of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in many viral infectious diseases. However, the overall biological effect and clinical role of lncRNAs in RSV infection remain unclear. In this study, lncRNAs related to respiratory virus infection were obtained from the lncRNA database, and we collected 144 clinical sputum specimens to identify lncRNAs related to RSV infection. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) detection indicated that the expression of lncRNA negative regulator of antiviral response (NRAV) in RSV-positive patients was significantly lower than that in uninfected patients, but lncRNA psoriasis-associated non-protein coding RNA induced by stress (PRINS), nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), and Nettoie Salmonella pas Theiler’s (NeST) showed no difference in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, overexpression of NRAV promoted RSV proliferation in A549 and BEAS-2B cells, and vice versa, indicating that the downregulation of NRAV was part of the host antiviral defense. RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed that NRAV was mainly located in the cytoplasm. Through RNA sequencing, we found that Rab5c, which is a vesicle transporting protein, showed the same change trend as NRAV. Subsequent investigation revealed that NRAV was able to favor RSV production indirectly by sponging microRNA miR-509-3p so as to release Rab5c and facilitate vesicle transportation. The study provides a new insight into virus-host interaction through noncoding RNA, which may contribute to exploring potential antivirus targets for respiratory virus. IMPORTANCE The mechanism of interaction between RSV and host noncoding RNAs is not fully understood. In this study, we found that the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) negative regulator of antiviral response (NRAV) was reduced in RSV-infected patients, and overexpression of NRAV facilitated RSV production in vitro, suggesting that the reduction of NRAV in RSV infection was part of the host antiviral response. We also found that NRAV competed with vesicle protein Rab5c for microRNA miR509-3p in cytoplasm to promote RSV vesicle transport and accelerate RSV proliferation, thereby improving our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of RSV infection.

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