Journal of Microbiology

Volume 55(3); March 2017

Reviews

REVIEW] Modulation of the host immune response by respiratory syncytial virus proteins: Megan E. Schmidt , Steven M. Varga; J. Microbiol. 2017;55(3):161-171. Published online February 28, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-017-7045-8

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31 Citations

Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe respiratory disease in both the very young and the elderly. Nearly all individuals become infected in early childhood, and reinfections with the virus are common throughout life. Despite its clinical impact, there remains no licensed RSV vaccine. RSV infection in the respiratory tract induces an inflammatory response by the host to facilitate efficient clearance of the virus. However, the host immune response also contributes to the respiratory disease observed following an RSV infection. RSV has evolved several mechanisms to evade the host immune response and promote virus replication through interactions between RSV proteins and immune components. In contrast, some RSV proteins also play critical roles in activating, rather than suppressing, host immunity. In this review, we discuss the interactions between individual RSV proteins and host factors that modulate the immune response and the implications of these interactions for the course of an RSV infection.

REVIEW] The role of laboratory diagnostics in emerging viral infections: the example of the Middle East respiratory syndrome epidemic: Jasper F. W. Chan , Siddharth Sridhar , Cyril C. Y. Yip , Susanna K. P. Lau , Patrick C. Y. Woo; J. Microbiol. 2017;55(3):172-182. Published online February 28, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-017-7026-y

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23 Citations

Abstract: Rapidly emerging infectious disease outbreaks place a great strain on laboratories to develop and implement sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for patient management and infection control in a timely manner. Furthermore, laboratories also play a role in real-time zoonotic, environmental, and epidemiological investigations to identify the ultimate source of the epidemic, facilitating measures to eventually control the outbreak. Each assay modality has unique pros and cons; therefore, incorporation of a battery of tests using traditional culture-based, molecular and serological diagnostics into diagnostic algorithms is often required. As such, laboratories face challenges in assay development, test evaluation, and subsequent quality assurance. In this review, we describe the different testing modalities available for the ongoing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) epidemic including cell culture, nucleic acid amplification, antigen detection, and antibody detection assays. Applications of such tests in both acute clinical and epidemiological investigation settings are highlighted. Using the MERS epidemic as an example, we illustrate the various challenges faced by laboratories in test development and implementation in the setting of a rapidly emerging infectious disease. Future directions in the diagnosis of MERS and other emerging infectious disease investigations are also highlighted.

REVIEW] Hemorrhagic fever of bunyavirus etiology: disease models and progress towards new therapies: Brian B. Gowen , Brady T. Hickerson; J. Microbiol. 2017;55(3):183-195. Published online February 28, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-017-7029-8

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18 Citations

Abstract: A growing number of bunyaviruses are known to cause viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), a severe febrile illness which can progress to hypovolemic shock and multi-organ failure and is characterized by hematologic abnormalities and vascular leak. At present, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral therapies to effectively prevent or treat VHF caused by pathogenic bunyaviruses. Advances in the modeling of bunyaviral infections have facilitated efforts towards the development of novel post-exposure prophylactic and therapeutic countermeasures, several of which may some day be approved for human use. Here, we review recent progress in animal models of severe bunyaviral infections essential to this mission, as well as promising antivirals and biologicals that are at various stages of the development process.

REVIEW] H5 influenza, a global update: Rhodri Harfoot , Richard J. Webby; J. Microbiol. 2017;55(3):196-203. Published online February 28, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-017-7062-7

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52 Citations

Abstract: H5 influenza viruses have caused much alarm globally due to their high pathogenic potential. As yet we have not seen sustained spread of the virus amongst humans despite a high prevalence of the virus in avian populations. Nevertheless, isolated human cases of infection have demonstrated high mortality and there are substantial efforts being taken to monitor the evolution of the virus and to undertake preparedness activities. Here we review and discuss the evolution of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 (H5N1) virus with emphasis on recent events.

REVIEW] Zika virus: An emerging flavivirus: Sang-Im Yun , Young-Min Lee; J. Microbiol. 2017;55(3):204-219. Published online February 28, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-017-7063-6

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80 Citations

Abstract: Zika virus (ZIKV) is a previously little-known flavivirus closely related to Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, dengue, and yellow fever viruses, all of which are primarily transmitted by blood-sucking mosquitoes. Since its discovery in Uganda in 1947, ZIKV has continued to expand its geographic range, from equatorial Africa and Asia to the Pacific Islands, then further afield to South and Central America and the Caribbean. Currently, ZIKV is actively circulating not only in much of Latin America and its neighbors but also in parts of the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. Although ZIKV infection generally causes only mild symptoms in some infected individuals, it is associated with a range of neuroimmunological disorders, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, meningoencephalitis, and myelitis. Recently, maternal ZIKV infection during pregnancy has been linked to neonatal malformations,
result
ing in various degrees of congenital abnormalities, microcephaly, and even abortion. Despite its emergence as an important public health problem, however, little is known about ZIKV biology, and neither vaccine nor drug is available to control ZIKV infection. This article provides a brief introduction to ZIKV with a major emphasis on its molecular virology, in order to help facilitate the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

REVIEW] Exploiting virus-like particles as innovative vaccines against emerging viral infections: Hotcherl Jeong , Baik Lin Seong; J. Microbiol. 2017;55(3):220-230. Published online February 28, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-017-7058-3

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61 Citations

Abstract: Emerging viruses pose a major threat to humans and livestock with global public health and economic burdens. Vaccination remains an effective tool to reduce this threat, and yet, the conventional cell culture often fails to produce sufficient vaccine dose. As an alternative to cell-culture based vaccine, virus-like particles (VLPs) are considered as a highpriority vaccine strategy against emerging viruses. VLPs represent highly ordered repetitive structures via macromolecular assemblies of viral proteins. The particulate nature allows efficient uptake into antigen presenting cells stimulating both innate and adaptive immune responses towards enhanced vaccine efficacy. Increasing research activity and translation opportunity necessitate the advances in the design of VLPs and new bioprocessing modalities for efficient and cost-effective production. Herein, we describe major achievements and challenges in this endeavor, with respect to designing strategies to harnessing the immunogenic potential, production platforms, downstream processes, and some exemplary
case
s in developing VLP-based vaccines.

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