Journal of Microbiology

Review

Epidemiology and spillover risk of SFTSV in animals across East Asia: Yun-Seon Shin, Jeong Yoon Lee, Jun-Gu Kang; J. Microbiol. 2026;64(10):e2608006. Published online October 31, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2608006

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Abstract PDF: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick‑borne zoonosis in East Asia, yet the contribution of animals to virus maintenance and spillover remains incompletely characterized. This review examines current evidence of SFTS virus (SFTSV) infection across domestic livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and captive species, focusing on host range, geographic distribution, diagnostics, and reports of viral RNA and virus isolation. Available data indicate that SFTSV exposure and infection occur across a broad range of animal hosts, supporting a multi-host ecological framework rather than a simple single-reservoir interpretation. Domestic ruminants frequently exhibit high seroprevalence and may function as sentinels of enzootic activity, while occasional virus isolation from cattle demonstrates that viable virus can be recovered from naturally infected livestock, although this does not establish reservoir or amplification competence. Companion animals are considered a potential interface for interspecies transmission, as some studies have documented severe clinical disease, high viral loads, and cat-associated human transmission events supported by varying levels of epidemiological and genomic evidence. Studies in wildlife further document exposure and natural infection across diverse taxa, although their specific roles in viral maintenance remain unresolved. Interpretation of these findings depends heavily on the diagnostic modality: serology primarily indicates prior exposure, RNA detection supports current or recent infection, and virus isolation demonstrates that viable virus was present in the sampled material. Integrating animal infection data within an ecological framework reveals major knowledge gaps related to reservoir competence, infectious shedding, phylogenetic connections among animal, tick, and human cases, and implications for prevention. The review underscores the need for One Health surveillance that incorporates clinical data from companion animals and applies evidence‑based interpretation to improve recognition of animal–human interfaces associated with potential spillover risk.

Article

Exploration of genes and identification of evolutionary evidence in adeno-associated viruses: Chanhee Lee, Jihong Min, Somin Lim, Anyeseu Park, Seokjin Kwak, Soyeon Hwang, Sooyeon Park, Yong-Suk Jang, Se-Yeoun Cha, Sung-Gook Cho, Jeong Yoon Lee; J. Microbiol. 2026;64(2):e2511016. Published online February 28, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2511016

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) commonly infects humans and non-human primates, generally inducing mild or even asymptomatic outcomes. AAVs have been shaped and diversified by evolutionary pressures, resulting in the identification of 13 serotypes thus far. Each serotype of AAV exhibits distinct tissue tropisms, targeting various organs, including the lung, central nervous system (CNS), liver, and skeletal muscle, thereby establishing AAVs as widely utilized vectors for therapeutic gene delivery. Bioinformatics analysis of specific viruses enables the inference of evolutionary patterns and offers valuable insights for predicting the emergence of novel viruses. While DNA sequence-based analysis has effectively facilitated the observation of mutation patterns accumulating within specific genes, it often provides limited insight into the actual impact of these mutations on proteins, the fundamental functional units. Utilizing proteotyping, an amino acid sequence-based comparative analysis, we identified hypervariable regions (HVR) within the AAV Cap gene and revealed concentrated evolutionary pressures in serotypes 4, 5, 11, and 12. Furthermore, we found that AAV-5 proteins exhibited considerable amino acid sequence divergence compared to those of other serotypes. Despite divergence, all AAV-5 proteins maintained a noticeable structural similarity to their counterparts in other serotypes. Our findings provide sequence-based insights into the evolutionary processes of AAV, facilitating the efficient identification of novel viruses.

Review

Adenoviral Vector System: A Comprehensive Overview of Constructions, Therapeutic Applications and Host Responses: Anyeseu Park, Jeong Yoon Lee; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(7):491-509. Published online July 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00159-4

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Abstract PDF

Adenoviral vectors are crucial for gene therapy and vaccine development, offering a platform for gene delivery into host cells. Since the discovery of adenoviruses, first-generation vectors with limited capacity have evolved to third-generation vectors flacking viral coding sequences, balancing safety and gene-carrying capacity. The applications of adenoviral vectors for gene therapy and anti-viral treatments have expanded through the use of in vitro ligation and homologous recombination, along with gene editing advancements such as CRISPR-Cas9. Current research aims to maintain the efficacy and safety of adenoviral vectors by addressing challenges such as pre-existing immunity against adenoviral vectors and developing new adenoviral vectors from rare adenovirus types and non-human species. In summary, adenoviral vectors have great potential in gene therapy and vaccine development. Through continuous research and technological advancements, these vectors are expected to lead to the development of safer and more effective treatments.

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Article

In Silico Intensive Analysis for the E4 Gene Evolution of Human Adenovirus Species D: Chanhee Lee, Anyeseu Park, Jeong Yoon Lee; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(5):409-418. Published online April 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00132-1

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Abstract PDF

Adenovirus (Ad) is a ubiquitous pathogen capable of infecting a wide range of animals and humans. Human Adenovirus (HAdV) can cause severe infection, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. To date, over 110 types of HAdV have been classified into seven species from A to G, with the majority belonging to the human adenovirus species D (HAdV-D). In the HAdV-D, the most significant factor for the creation of new adenovirus types is homologous recombination between viral genes involved in determining the virus tropism or evading immune system of host cells. The E4 gene, consisting of seven Open Reading Frames (ORFs), plays a role in both the regulation of host cell metabolism and the replication of viral genes. Despite long-term studies, the function of each ORF remains unclear. Based on our updated information, ORF2, ORF3, and ORF4 have been identified as regions with relatively high mutations compared to other ORFs in the E4 gene, through the use of in silico comparative analysis. Additionally, we managed to visualize high mutation sections, previously undetectable at the DNA level, through a powerful amino acid sequence analysis tool known as proteotyping. Our research has revealed the involvement of the E4 gene in the evolution of human adenovirus, and has established accurate sequence information of the E4 gene, laying the groundwork for further research.

Citations

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A novel chimpanzee-derived adenovirus, a recombinant of Mastadenovirus exoticum and Mastadenovirus blackbeardi members, reveals lineage-specific recombination hotspots in simian adenoviruses
Ereth A. Robles-Chávez, Raúl E. López, Ramón A. González, Angélica Valle-Constantino, León P. Martínez Castilla, Adan Barbosa-López, Selene Maldonado-López, Julio C. Medina Ávila, Ma Isabel Salazar, Arturo Reyes-Sandoval, Jesús M. Torres-Flores
Virology.2026; 618: 110855. CrossRef
Commentary: E4orf1 as a key modulator in oncogenesis and of metabolism in Adenovirus infection
Masoud Nateqi, Vijay Hegde, Nikhil V. Dhurandhar
Frontiers in Virology.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Exploration of genes and identification of evolutionary evidence in adeno-associated viruses
Chanhee Lee, Jihong Min, Somin Lim, Anyeseu Park, Seokjin Kwak, Soyeon Hwang, Sooyeon Park, Yong-Suk Jang, Se-Yeoun Cha, Sung-Gook Cho, Jeong Yoon Lee
Journal of Microbiology.2026; 64(2): e2511016. CrossRef

Review

Genomic Evolution and Recombination Dynamics of Human Adenovirus D Species: Insights from Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis: Anyeseu Park, Chanhee Lee, Jeong Yoon Lee; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(5):393-407. Published online March 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00112-5

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Abstract PDF

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) can infect various epithelial mucosal cells, ultimately causing different symptoms in infected organ systems. With more than 110 types classified into seven species (A-G), HAdV-D species possess the highest number of viruses and are the fastest proliferating. The emergence of new adenovirus types and increased diversity are driven by homologous recombination (HR) between viral genes, primarily in structural elements such as the penton base, hexon and fiber proteins, and the E1 and E3 regions. A comprehensive analysis of the HAdV genome provides valuable insights into the evolution of human adenoviruses and identifies genes that display high variation across the entire genome to determine recombination patterns. Hypervariable regions within genetic sequences correlate with functional characteristics, thus allowing for adaptation to new environments and hosts. Proteotyping of newly emerging and already established adenoviruses allows for prediction of the characteristics of novel viruses. HAdV-D species evolved in a direction that increased diversity through gene recombination. Bioinformatics analysis across the genome, particularly in highly variable regions, allows for the verification or re-evaluation of recombination patterns in both newly introduced and pre-existing viruses, ultimately aiding in tracing various biological traits such as virus tropism and pathogenesis. Our research does not only assist in predicting the emergence of new adenoviruses but also offers critical guidance in regard to identifying potential regulatory factors of homologous recombination hotspots.

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Adenovirus Genotypes Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Outbreak in Children, in Antioquia, Colombia, 2022–2023
María Angélica Maya, Celeny Ortiz, Francisco Averhoff, Ana Isabel Davila, Diego Bastidas, Michael G. Berg, Gavin A. Cloherty, Laura S. Perez-Restrepo, Karl Ciuoderis-Aponte, Jaime Usuga, Isabel Moreno, Juan P. Hernandez-Ortiz, Paulina A. Rebolledo, Jorge
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.2026; 45(2): 112. CrossRef
Exploration of genes and identification of evolutionary evidence in adeno-associated viruses
Chanhee Lee, Jihong Min, Somin Lim, Anyeseu Park, Seokjin Kwak, Soyeon Hwang, Sooyeon Park, Yong-Suk Jang, Se-Yeoun Cha, Sung-Gook Cho, Jeong Yoon Lee
Journal of Microbiology.2026; 64(2): e2511016. CrossRef
A novel chimpanzee-derived adenovirus, a recombinant of Mastadenovirus exoticum and Mastadenovirus blackbeardi members, reveals lineage-specific recombination hotspots in simian adenoviruses
Ereth A. Robles-Chávez, Raúl E. López, Ramón A. González, Angélica Valle-Constantino, León P. Martínez Castilla, Adan Barbosa-López, Selene Maldonado-López, Julio C. Medina Ávila, Ma Isabel Salazar, Arturo Reyes-Sandoval, Jesús M. Torres-Flores
Virology.2026; 618: 110855. CrossRef
Deciphering 6-mer Spectra Distribution Rules in Coronavirus Genomes: Application to Comparative Genomic Analysis
Zhenhua Yang, Hong Li, Xiaolong Li, Guojun Liu
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2026; 27(8): 3604. CrossRef
Genomic characterization of human adenoviruses through whole genome sequencing: Methods and public health implications
Ismaila Damilare Isiaka, Peace Osebhue Abhulimen, Eniola Ezekiel Onabanjo, Mark Akinola Ige, Luqman Adedamola Obidele, Peace Damilola Afolabi
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease.2026; 116(3): 117522. CrossRef
Relationship between adenovirus infection and intussusception via pathological evidence confirms
Lung-Huang Lin, Chi-Jung Huang, Cheng-Yu Lo, Yu-Hsien Lee, Yung-Chuan Chen
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Diagnostic Performance of a Silver-Amplified vs. a Non-Amplified Lateral Flow Kit for Adenoviral Conjunctivitis: A Multicenter Prospective Study
Tsuguto Fujimoto, Nozomu Hanaoka, Kenichiro Takahashi, Hisatoshi Kaneko, Masaaki Kobayashi, Hisashi Nakagawa, Hiroshi Hatano, Tomoko Tsukahara-Kawamura, Hironori Migita, Kentaro Nakamura, Kiyoharu Kuramoto, Eiichi Uchio
Viruses.2025; 17(11): 1442. CrossRef
In Silico Intensive Analysis for the E4 Gene Evolution of Human Adenovirus Species D
Chanhee Lee, Anyeseu Park, Jeong Yoon Lee
Journal of Microbiology.2024; 62(5): 409. CrossRef

Article

Methyltransferase of a cell culture-adapted hepatitis E inhibits the MDA5 receptor signaling pathway: Jinjong Myoung , Jeong Yoon Lee , Kang Sang Min; J. Microbiol. 2019;57(12):1126-1131. Published online November 22, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-019-9478-8

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Abstract PDF

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a causative agent of acute hepatitis and jaundice. The number of human infections is approximated to be over 20 million cases per year. The transmission is mainly via the fecal-oral route and contaminated water and food are considered to be a major source of infection. As a mouse model is not available, a recent development of a cell culture-adapted HEV strain (47832c) is considered as a very important tools for molecular analysis of HEV pathogenesis in cells. Previously, we demonstrated that HEV-encoded methyltransferase (MeT) encoded by the 47832c strain inhibits MDA5- and RIG-I-mediated activation of interferon β (IFN-β) promoter. Here, we report that MeT impairs the phosphorylation and activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 and the p65 subunit of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the MeT encoded by the 47832c, but not that of HEV clinical or field isolates (SAR-55, Mex-14, KC-1, and ZJ-1), displays the inhibitory effect. A deeper understanding of MeTmediated suppression of IFN-β expression would provide basis of the cell culture adaptation of HEV.

Citations

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Host receptor networking and molecular mechanisms of innate immune evasion in hepatitis E virus pathogenesis
Ali Zohaib, Maham Yamin, Muhammad Usama Butt, Xing-Yi Ge, Safia S. Aljedani, Rwaa Hussin Abdulal
Frontiers in Microbiology.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Viral Hepatitis: Host Immune Interaction, Pathogenesis and New Therapeutic Strategies
Angela Quirino, Nadia Marascio, Francesco Branda, Alessandra Ciccozzi, Chiara Romano, Chiara Locci, Ilenia Azzena, Noemi Pascale, Grazia Pavia, Giovanni Matera, Marco Casu, Daria Sanna, Marta Giovanetti, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Pierfrancesco Alaimo di Loro,
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Hepatitis E virus: from innate sensing to adaptive immune responses
Yannick Brüggemann, Mara Klöhn, Heiner Wedemeyer, Eike Steinmann
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Structural aspects of hepatitis E virus
Florencia Cancela, Ofelia Noceti, Juan Arbiza, Santiago Mirazo
Archives of Virology.2022; 167(12): 2457. CrossRef
Host Innate Immunity Against Hepatitis Viruses and Viral Immune Evasion
Chonghui Xu, Jizheng Chen, Xinwen Chen
Frontiers in Microbiology.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
A Promising Vaccination Strategy against COVID-19 on the Horizon: Heterologous Immunization
Sameer-ul-Salam Mattoo, Jinjong Myoung
Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.2021; 31(12): 1601. CrossRef
Hepatitis E Virus: How It Escapes Host Innate Immunity
Sébastien Lhomme, Marion Migueres, Florence Abravanel, Olivier Marion, Nassim Kamar, Jacques Izopet
Vaccines.2020; 8(3): 422. CrossRef
Chikungunya Virus nsP2 Impairs MDA5/RIG-I-Mediated Induction of NF-κB Promoter Activation: A Potential Target for Virus-Specific Therapeutics
Sojung Bae, Jeong Yoon Lee, Jinjong Myoung
Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.2020; 30(12): 1801. CrossRef
Zika Virus-Encoded NS2A and NS4A Strongly Downregulate NF-κB Promoter Activity
Jeong Yoon Lee, Thi Thuy Ngan Nguyen, Jinjong Myoung
Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.2020; 30(11): 1651. CrossRef

Article

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus-encoded ORF8b strongly antagonizes IFN-β promoter activation: its implication for vaccine design: Jeong Yoon Lee , Sojung Bae , Jinjong Myoung; J. Microbiol. 2019;57(9):803-811. Published online August 27, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-019-9272-7

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Abstract PDF

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a causative agent of severe-to-fatal pneumonia especially in patients with pre-existing conditions, such as smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MERS-CoV transmission continues to be reported in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula since its discovery in 2012. However, it has rarely been epidemic outside the area except one large outbreak in South Korea in May 2015. The genome of the epidemic MERS-CoV isolated from a Korean patient revealed its homology to previously reported strains. MERS-CoV encodes 5 accessory proteins and generally, they do not participate in the genome transcription and replication but rather are involved in viral evasion of the host innate immune responses. Here we report that ORF8b, an accessory protein of MERSCoV, strongly inhibits both MDA5- and RIG-I-mediated activation of interferon beta promoter activity while downstream signaling molecules were left largely unaffected. Of note, MDA5 protein levels were significantly down-regulated by ORF8b and co-expression of ORF4a and ORF4b. These novel findings will facilitate elucidation of mechanisms of virus-encoded evasion strategies, thus helping design rationale antiviral countermeasures against deadly MERS-CoV infection.

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