scholarly journals Establishment of Tree Shrew Animal Model for Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (HHV-8) Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daoqun Li ◽  
Zulqarnain Baloch ◽  
Yang Zhao ◽  
Lei Bai ◽  
Xing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Kaposi's Sarcoma ◽  
Tree Shrew ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Kaposi’S Sarcoma ◽  
Primary Cells ◽  
Small Animal Model ◽  
Tree Shrews

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the most common cause of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and other malignant growths in humans. However, the lack of a KSHV-infected small animal model has hampered understanding of the mechanisms of KSHV infection, virus replication, pathogenesis, and persistence. This study was designed to explore the susceptibility of tree shrews as a possible KSHV-infected small animal model. A recombinant GFP (latent)/RFP (lytic)-positive rKSHV.219 strain was used to infect primary cells cultured from different tissues of tree shrews as an in vitro model and adult tree shrews as an in vivo model. KSHV latent nuclear antigen (LANA) and DNA were successfully detected in primary cells of tree shrews. Among them, tree shrew kidney epithelial cells (TSKEC) were the most susceptible cells to KSHV infection compared to other cells. KSHV genomic DNA, mRNA, and KSHV-specific proteins were readily detected in the TSKEC cultured up to 32 dpi. Moreover, KSHV DNA and mRNA transcription were also readily detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and various tissues of tree shrews infected with KSHV. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed lymphocyte infiltration, lymphoid tissue focal aggregation, alveolar wall thickening, hepatocyte edema, hepatic necrosis in the spleen, lung, and liver of KSHV-infected animals. Additionally, immune-histochemical (IHC) staining showed that LANA or ORF62-positive cells were present in the spleen, lung, liver, and kidney of KSHV-infected tree shrews. Here, we have successfully established in vitro and in vivo KSHV latent infection in tree shrews. This small animal model is not only useful for studying the pathogenesis of KSHV in vivo but can also be a useful model to study transmission routes of viral infection and a useful platform to characterize the novel therapeutics against KSHV.

scholarly journals uPA+/+-SCID Mouse with Humanized Liver as a Model for In Vivo Metabolism of Exogenous Steroids: Methandienone as a Case Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 1783-1793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leen Lootens ◽  
Philip Meuleman ◽  
Oscar J Pozo ◽  
Peter Van Eenoo ◽  
Geert Leroux-Roels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Scid Mouse ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Steroid Metabolism ◽  
Control Analysis ◽  
Chimeric Mouse ◽  
Small Animal Model ◽  
Suitable Alternative

Abstract Background: Adequate detection of designer steroids in the urine of athletes is still a challenge in doping control analysis and requires knowledge of steroid metabolism. In this study we investigated whether uPA+/+-SCID mice carrying functional primary human hepatocytes in their liver would provide a suitable alternative small animal model for the investigation of human steroid metabolism in vivo. Methods: A quantitative method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the urinary detection of 7 known methandienone metabolites. Application of this method to urine samples from humanized mice after methandienone administration allowed for comparison with data from in vivo human samples and with reported methandienone data from in vitro hepatocyte cultures. Results: The LC-MS/MS method validation in mouse and human urine indicated good linearity, precision, and recovery. Using this method we quantified 6 of 7 known human methandienone metabolites in the urine of chimeric mice, whereas in control nonchimeric mice we detected only 2 metabolites. These results correlated very well with methandienone metabolism in humans. In addition, we detected 4 isomers of methandienone metabolites in both human and chimeric mouse urine. One of these isomers has never been reported before. Conclusions: The results of this proof-of-concept study indicate that the human liver–uPA+/+-SCID mouse appears to be a suitable small animal model for the investigation of human-type metabolism of anabolic steroids and possibly also for other types of drugs and medications. .

scholarly journals Recapitulating Zika Virus Infection in Vagina of Tree Shrew (Tupaia belangeri)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zulqarnain Baloch ◽  
Zhili Shen ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Yue Feng ◽  
Daoqun Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Tree Shrew ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Small Animal Model ◽  
Tree Shrews ◽  
Female Tree

Sexual transmission of Zika Virus (ZIKV) elevates the risk of its dissemination in the female reproductive tract and causes a serious threat to the fetus. However, the available animal models are not appropriate to investigate sexual transmission, dynamics of ZIKV infection, replication, and shedding. The use of tree shrew as a small animal model of ZIKV vaginal infection was assessed in this study. A total of 23 sexually mature female tree shrews were infected with ZIKV GZ01 via the intravaginal route. There was no significant difference in change of body weight, and the temperature between ZIKV infected and control animals. Viral RNA loads were detected in blood, saliva, urine, and vaginal douching. ZIKV RNA was readily detected in vaginal lavage of 22 animals (95.65%, 22/23) at 1 dpi, and viral load ranged from 104.46 to 107.35 copies/ml, and the peak of viral load appeared at 1 dpi. The expression of key inflammatory genes, such as IL6, 8, CCL5, TNF-a, and CXCL9, was increased in the spleen of ZIKV infected animals. In the current study, female tree shrews have been successfully infected with ZIKV through the vaginal route for the first time. Interestingly, at first, ZIKV replicates at the local site of infection and then spreads throughout the host body to develop a robust systemic infection and mounted a protective immune response. This small animal model is not only valuable for exploring ZIKV sexual transmission and may also help to explain the cause of debilitating manifestations of the fetus in vivo.

scholarly journals Rat-to-Chinese tree shrew heart transplantation is a novel small animal model to study non-Gal-mediated discordant xenograft humoral rejection

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 468-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
WeiLi Chen ◽  
Yuan Wu ◽  
Akira Shimizu ◽  
YinLong Lian ◽  
Masayuki Tasaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Heart Transplantation ◽  
Tree Shrew ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Humoral Rejection ◽  
Small Animal Model

scholarly journals Early Events in Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Infection of Target Cells

2009 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 2188-2199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bala Chandran
Keyword(s):  
Kaposi's Sarcoma ◽  
Kaposi’S Sarcoma ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Mode Of Entry ◽  
Successful Infection ◽  
Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus ◽  
Kaposi’S Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus ◽  
Cell Signaling Pathways

ABSTRACT Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the most recently identified member of the herpesvirus family, infects a variety of target cells in vitro and in vivo. This minireview surveys current information on the early events of KSHV infection, including virus-receptor interactions, involved envelope glycoproteins, mode of entry, intracellular trafficking, and initial viral and host gene expression programs. We describe data supporting the hypothesis that KSHV manipulates preexisting host cell signaling pathways to allow successful infection. The various signaling events triggered by infection, and their potential roles in the different stages of infection and disease pathogenesis, are summarized.

Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Type I Interferons in Models of Kaposi'S Sarcoma

1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Marchisone ◽  
R. Benelli ◽  
A. Albini ◽  
L. Santi ◽  
D. M. Noonan
Keyword(s):  
Kaposi's Sarcoma ◽  
Kaposi’S Sarcoma ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Type I Interferons ◽  
Endothelial Cell Migration ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type I Ifns ◽  
Hiv 1

Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) is a pathology which occurs with increased frequency and in a particularly aggressive form in AIDS patients. The HIV-1 Tat protein appears to be an important co-factor in the induction of the extensive neo-vascularization associated with AIDS-KS. Tat acts as a chemoattractant for endothelial cells in vitro, inducing both chemotactic and invasive responses. Several clinical trials have been performed testing the effectiveness of diverse biological agents in therapy of KS, among these the type I interferons. Type I IFNs have diverse biological functions besides their anti-viral activity, including anti-angiogenic properties. We have shown that IFNα and IFNβ are potent inhibitors of both primary and immortalized endothelial cell migration and morphogenesis in vitro as well as neo-angiogenesis induced by HIV-1 Tat in vivo. The inhibitory effect of IFN class I on HIV-Tat associated angiogenesis further supports its use as a therapy for epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma. The use of recombinant IFNs at the levels required to obtain a therapeutic effect are associated with side effects and toxicity, therefore we are now developing a gene therapy approach for constant and local delivery type I IFNs.

scholarly journals CAK-independent Activation of CDK6 by a Viral Cyclin

2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3987-3999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Kaldis ◽  
Päivi M. Ojala ◽  
Lily Tong ◽  
Tomi P. Mäkelä ◽  
Mark J. Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Kaposi's Sarcoma ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Kaposi’S Sarcoma ◽  
Binding Assays ◽  
Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Kaposi’S Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus

In normal cells, activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) requires binding to a cyclin and phosphorylation by the cdk-activating kinase (CAK). The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus encodes a protein with similarity to D-type cyclins. This KSHV-cyclin activates CDK6, alters its substrate specificity, and renders CDK6 insensitive to inhibition by the cdk inhibitor p16INK4a. Here we investigate the regulation of the CDK6/KSHV-cyclin kinase with the use of purified proteins and a cell-based assay. We find that KSHV-cyclin can activate CDK6 independent of phosphorylation by CAK in vitro. In addition, CAK phosphorylation decreased the p16INK4asensitivity of CDK6/KSHV-cyclin complexes. In cells, expression of CDK6 or to a lesser degree of a nonphosphorylatable CDK6T177Atogether with KSHV-cyclin induced apoptosis, indicating that CDK6 activation by KSHV-cyclin can proceed in the absence of phosphorylation by CAK in vivo. Coexpression of p16 partially protected cells from cell death. p16 and KSHV-cyclin can form a ternary complex with CDK6 that can be detected by binding assays as well as by conformational changes in CDK6. The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus has adopted a clever strategy to render cell cycle progression independent of mitogenic signals, cdk inhibition, or phosphorylation by CAK.

scholarly journals Development and Characterization of a Guinea Pig-Adapted Sudan Virus

2015 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 392-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Wong ◽  
Shihua He ◽  
Haiyan Wei ◽  
Andrea Kroeker ◽  
Jonathan Audet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Lethal Dose ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Disease Outbreak ◽  
Small Animal Model ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Infections with Sudan virus (SUDV), a member of the genus Ebolavirus , result in a severe hemorrhagic fever with a fatal outcome in over 50% of human cases. The paucity of prophylactics and therapeutics against SUDV is attributed to the lack of a small-animal model to screen promising compounds. By repeatedly passaging SUDV within the livers and spleens of guinea pigs in vivo , a guinea pig-adapted SUDV variant (SUDV-GA) uniformly lethal to these animals, with a 50% lethal dose (LD 50 ) of 5.3 × 10 −2 50% tissue culture infective doses (TCID 50 ), was developed. Animals infected with SUDV-GA developed high viremia and died between 9 and 14 days postinfection. Several hallmarks of SUDV infection, including lymphadenopathy, increased liver enzyme activities, and coagulation abnormalities, were observed. Virological analyses and gross pathology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry findings indicate that SUDV-GA replicates in the livers and spleens of infected animals similarly to SUDV infections in nonhuman primates. These developments will accelerate the development of specific medical countermeasures in preparation for a future disease outbreak due to SUDV. IMPORTANCE A disease outbreak due to Ebola virus (EBOV), suspected to have emerged during December 2013 in Guinea, with over 11,000 dead and 28,000 infected, is finally winding down. Experimental EBOV vaccines and treatments were administered to patients under compassionate circumstances with promising results, and availability of an approved countermeasure appears to be close. However, the same range of experimental candidates against a potential disease outbreak caused by other members of the genus Ebolavirus , such as Sudan virus (SUDV), is not readily available. One bottleneck contributing to this situation is the lack of a small-animal model to screen promising drugs in an efficient and economical manner. To address this, we have generated a SUDV variant (SUDV-GA) that is uniformly lethal to guinea pigs. Animals infected with SUDV-GA develop disease similar to that of SUDV-infected humans and monkeys. We believe that this model will significantly accelerate the development of life-saving measures against SUDV infections.

scholarly journals Nanotechnology Frontiers in γ-Herpesviruses Treatments

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11407
Author(s):  
Marisa Granato
Keyword(s):  
Kaposi's Sarcoma ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Primary Effusion Lymphoma ◽  
Kaposi’S Sarcoma ◽  
Castleman Disease ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Associated Diseases

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma associated-herpesvirus (KSHV) are γ-herpesviruses that belong to the Herpesviridae family. EBV infections are linked to the onset and progression of several diseases, such as Burkitt lymphoma (BL), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and lymphoproliferative malignancies arising in post-transplanted patients (PTDLs). KSHV, an etiologic agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), displays primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman disease (MCD). Many therapeutics, such as bortezomib, CHOP cocktail medications, and natural compounds (e.g., quercetin or curcumin), are administrated to patients affected by γ-herpesvirus infections. These drugs induce apoptosis and autophagy, inhibiting the proliferative and cell cycle progression in these malignancies. In the last decade, many studies conducted by scientists and clinicians have indicated that nanotechnology and nanomedicine could improve the outcome of several treatments in γ-herpesvirus-associated diseases. Some drugs are entrapped in nanoparticles (NPs) expressed on the surface area of polyethylene glycol (PEG). These NPs move to specific tissues and exert their properties, releasing therapeutics in the cell target. To treat EBV- and KSHV-associated diseases, many studies have been performed in vivo and in vitro using virus-like particles (VPLs) engineered to maximize antigen and epitope presentations during immune response. NPs are designed to improve therapeutic delivery, avoiding dissolving the drugs in toxic solvents. They reduce the dose-limiting toxicity and reach specific tissue areas. Several attempts are ongoing to synthesize and produce EBV vaccines using nanosystems.

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