Table of Contents
Spotlight
Structure and Assembly
Structure and AssemblyStructure and Biochemical Characteristics of the Methyltransferase Domain of RNA Capping Enzyme from African Swine Fever VirusAfrican swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease in pigs that is caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). There have been no effective drugs or vaccines for protection against ASFV infection until now.
Structure and AssemblyOptimal Expression of the Envelope Glycoprotein of Orthobornaviruses Determines the Production of Mature Virus ParticlesMost viruses causing persistent infection produce few infectious particles from the infected cells. Borna disease virus 1, a member of the genus Orthobornavirus, is an RNA virus that persistently infects the nucleus and has been applied to vectors for long-term gene expression.
Genome Replication and Regulation of Viral Gene Expression
Genome Replication and Regulation of Viral Gene ExpressionSuberoyl Bis-Hydroxamic Acid Reactivates Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus through Histone Acetylation and Induces Apoptosis in Lymphoma CellsKaposi’s sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma cells are latently infected with Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), whereas KSHV replication is frequently observed in multicentric Castleman disease. Although KSHV replication can be induced by some chemical reagents (e.g., 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate), the mechanism of KSHV replication is not fully understood.
Genome Replication and Regulation of Viral Gene ExpressionThe Internal Ribosome Entry Site of Dengue Virus mRNA Is Active When Cap-Dependent Translation Initiation Is InhibitedDengue virus (DENV), the etiological agent of dengue, a febrile and hemorrhagic disease, infects millions of people per year in tropical and subtropical countries. When infecting cells, DENV induces stress conditions known to inhibit canonical protein synthesis.
Genome Replication and Regulation of Viral Gene Expression | SpotlightThe Global and Local Distribution of RNA Structure throughout the SARS-CoV-2 GenomeThe RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2 is among the largest and most complex viral genomes, yet its RNA structural features remain relatively unexplored. Since RNA elements guide function in most RNA viruses, and they represent potential drug targets, it is essential to chart the architectural features of SARS-CoV-2 and pinpoint regions that merit focused study.
Genome Replication and Regulation of Viral Gene ExpressionRegulation of VP30-Dependent Transcription by RNA Sequence and Structure in the Genomic Ebola Virus PromoterA detailed understanding of how the Ebola virus (EBOV) protein VP30 regulates activity of the viral polymerase complex is lacking. Here, we studied how RNA sequence, length, and structure at the transcription start site (TSS) in the 3′-leader promoter influence the impact of VP30 on viral polymerase activity.
Virus-Cell Interactions
Virus-Cell InteractionsClassical Swine Fever Virus Npro Antagonizes IRF3 To Prevent Interferon-Independent TLR3- and RIG-I-Mediated ApoptosisResponsible for severe hemorrhagic disease in domestic pigs and wild boar, classical swine fever is recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and European Union as a notifiable disease of economic importance. Persistent infection, immunotolerance, and early dissemination of the virus at local sites of infection have been linked to the antagonism of type I IFN induction by Npro.
Virus-Cell InteractionsThe Combination of gQ1 and gQ2 in Human Herpesvirus 6A and 6B Regulates the Viral Tetramer Function for Their Receptor RecognitionGlycoprotein Q2 (gQ2), an essential gene for virus propagation, forms a heterodimer with gQ1. The gQ1/gQ2 complex has a critical role in receptor recognition in the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 complex (a tetramer).
Virus-Cell InteractionsGenetic Determinants of Receptor-Binding Preference and Zoonotic Potential of H9N2 Avian Influenza VirusesAs of 2020, over 60 infections of humans by H9N2 influenza viruses have been recorded in countries where the virus is endemic. Avian-like cellular receptors are the primary target for these viruses.
Virus-Cell InteractionsMembrane-Associated and Secreted Forms of the Rhesus Macaque Rhadinovirus-Encoded CD200 Homologue and Cellular CD200 Demonstrate Differential Effects on Rhesus Macaque CD200 Receptor Signaling and Regulation of Myeloid Cell ActivationViral CD200 homologues are encoded by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and the closely related rhesus macaque rhadinovirus (RRV). Though RRV viral CD200 (vCD200) has been examined, questions still exist in regard to the ability of this molecule to induce signaling via rhesus macaque CD200 receptor (CD200R) as well as the potential function of a secreted form of vCD200.
Virus-Cell InteractionsSpecific Interaction of Novel Friunavirus Phages Encoding Tailspike Depolymerases with Corresponding Acinetobacter baumannii Capsular TypesAcinetobacter baumannii, a nonfermentative, Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium, is one of the most significant nosocomial pathogens. The pathogenicity of A. baumannii is based on the cooperative action of many factors, one of them being the production of capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) that surround...
Virus-Cell InteractionsDirect Evidence for Infection of Varroa destructor Mites with the Bee-Pathogenic Deformed Wing Virus Variant B, but Not Variant A, via Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization AnalysisDeformed wing virus (DWV) is a bee-pathogenic, originally rather benign, single- and positive-stranded RNA virus. Only the vectorial transmission of this virus to honey bees by the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor leads to fatal or symptomatic infections of individuals, usually followed by collapse of the entire colony.
Virus-Cell Interactions | SpotlightNovel Function of African Swine Fever Virus pE66L in Inhibition of Host Translation by the PKR/eIF2α PathwayAfrican swine fever virus (ASFV) is a member of the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus superfamily that predominantly replicates in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The ASFV double-stranded DNA genome varies in length from approximately 170 to 193 kbp depending on the isolate and contains between 150 and 167 open reading frames (ORFs), of which half the encoded proteins have not been explored.
Virus-Cell InteractionsEscape of HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein from Restriction of Infection by IFITM3Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is a cellular factor that reduces HIV-1 infectivity by an incompletely understood mechanism. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) in determining viral susceptibility to IFITM3.
Virus-Cell InteractionsType I Interferon Acts as a Major Barrier to the Establishment of Persistent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus InfectionsMembers of the Birnaviridae family, including infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), exhibit a dual behavior, causing acute infections that are often followed by the establishment of lifelong persistent asymptomatic infections. Indeed, persistently infected specimens might act as efficient virus reservoirs, potentially contributing to virus dissemination.
Virus-Cell InteractionsRole of the DNA Binding Activity of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 VP22 in Evading AIM2-Dependent Inflammasome Activation Induced by the VirusVP22, a major component of the HSV-1 virion tegument, is conserved in alphaherpesviruses and has structural similarity to ORF52, a component of the virion tegument that is well conserved in gammaherpesviruses. Although the potential DNA binding activity of VP22 was discovered decades ago, its significance in the HSV-1 life cycle is poorly understood.
Virus-Cell Interactions | SpotlightEffect of the Use of Galectin-9 and Blockade of the TIM-3 Receptor in the Latent Cellular Reservoir of HIV-1HIV-1 infection is a health problem of enormous importance that still causes significant mortality. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has demonstrated efficacy in the control of HIV-1 replication, decreasing the morbidity and mortality of the infection, but it cannot eradicate the virus.
Virus-Cell InteractionsModeling Aβ42 Accumulation in Response to Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection: Two Dimensional or Three Dimensional?The pathogen hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) proposes that brain HSV-1 infection is an initial source of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide-containing amyloid plaque development. Aβ accumulation was reported in HSV-1-infected 2D neuronal cultures and neural stem cell cultures as well as in HSV-1-infected 3D neuronal culture models.
Virus-Cell InteractionsSpike Glycoprotein and Host Cell Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 Entry and Cytopathic EffectsThe development of an effective and durable SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is essential for combating the growing COVID-19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein is the main target of neutralizing antibodies elicited during virus infection or following vaccination.
Cellular Response to Infection
Cellular Response to Infection | SpotlightHuman Cytomegalovirus Induces the Expression of the AMPKa2 Subunit To Drive Glycolytic Activation and Support Productive Viral InfectionViruses are obligate parasites that depend on the host cell to provide the energy and molecular building blocks to mass produce infectious viral progeny. The processes that govern viral modulation of cellular resources have emerged as critical for successful infection.
Vaccines and Antiviral Agents
Vaccines and Antiviral AgentsMatrix Protein 2 Extracellular Domain-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies Are an Effective and Potentially Universal Treatment for Influenza ADespite a seasonal vaccine and multiple therapeutic treatments, influenza A remains a significant threat to human health. The biggest obstacle in producing a vaccine or treatment for influenza A is their universality or efficacy against not only seasonal variances in the influenza virus but also all human, avian, and swine serotypes and, therefore, potential pandemic strains.
Vaccines and Antiviral AgentsIdentification of Two Critical Neutralizing Epitopes in the Receptor Binding Domain of Hepatitis B Virus preS1The HBV preS1 amino acid 2 to 47 region (preS1/2–47) is essential for virus binding to sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide. Several MAbs targeting preS1/2–47 have been reported to neutralize HBV infection; however, which region in preS1/2–47 contains the critical neutralizing epitope(s) for HBV infection is unclear.
Vaccines and Antiviral AgentsIdentification of HLA-A*02:01-Restricted Candidate Epitopes Derived from the Nonstructural Polyprotein 1a of SARS-CoV-2 That May Be Natural Targets of CD8+ T Cell Recognition In VivoFor the development of vaccines based on SARS-CoV-2-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), we attempted to identify HLA-A*02:01-restricted CTL epitopes derived from the nonstructural polyprotein 1a of SARS-CoV-2. Out of 82 peptides predicted by bioinformatics, 54 peptides showed good binding affinities to HLA-A*02:01.
Vaccines and Antiviral Agents | SpotlightZika Virus Is Transmitted in Neural Progenitor Cells via Cell-to-Cell Spread, and Infection Is Inhibited by the Autophagy Inducer TrehaloseZika virus causes birth defects and can lead to neurological disease in adults. While infection rates are currently low, Zika virus (ZIKV) remains a public health concern with no treatment or vaccine available.
Pathogenesis and Immunity
Pathogenesis and ImmunityExpression of HIV-1 Intron-Containing RNA in Microglia Induces Inflammatory ResponsesAlthough peripheral viremia can be effectively suppressed with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, a significant portion of HIV+ individuals still suffer from neurocognitive disorders. Despite suppressive therapy, HIV persists in various tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS), leading to chronic inflammation, the chief driver of neurocognitive disorders.
Pathogenesis and ImmunityStabilizing the HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein State 2A ConformationStabilization of HIV-1 Env state 2A has been shown to sensitize infected cells to ADCC. State 2A can be stabilized by a “cocktail” composed of CD4mc, anti-CoRBS, and anti-cluster A Abs.
Pathogenesis and ImmunityChronic Morphine Administration Differentially Modulates Viral Reservoirs in a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac251-Infected Rhesus Macaque ModelIdentification and clearance of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoirs is a major challenge in achieving a cure for HIV. This is further complicated by comorbidities that may alter the size of the reservoirs.
Pathogenesis and ImmunityMutations in PB1, NP, HA, and NA Contribute to Increased Virus Fitness of H5N2 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Clade 2.3.4.4 in ChickensH5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage continue to circulate widely, affecting both poultry and wild birds. These viruses continue to change and reassort, which affects their fitness for different avian hosts.
Pathogenesis and ImmunityNeutralizing Activity of Broadly Neutralizing Anti-HIV-1 Antibodies against Primary African IsolatesHIV remains a major public health problem worldwide, and new therapies and preventive strategies are necessary for controlling the epidemic. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have been developed in the past decade to fill this gap.
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