Reviews in Medical Virology最新文献

We performed an update (last search: 24 July 2023) of a systematic review on relative efficacy/effectiveness (rVE) and safety of newer/enhanced seasonal influenza vaccines in comparison with standard influenza vaccine or in head-to-head comparison. Eligible studies investigated adults aged ≥ 18 years, analysed the MF59-adjuvanted or high-dose or cell-based or recombinant or mRNA-based influenza vaccine and reported rVE or safety in randomised controlled trials (RCT) or non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSI). Of 1561 new entries identified, 17 studies were included. Together with 42 studies identified in the previous primary review they added up to 59 studies, all comparing newer/enhanced with standard seasonal influenza vaccines. Relative VE against laboratory-confirmed influenza was -30% (95%CI: -146% to 31%) to 88% (51%-100%; 7 NRSI) for the MF59-adjuvanted vaccine (low certainty of evidence, CoE); 24.2% (9.7%-36.5%; 1 RCT) and -9% (-158% to 54%) to 19% (-27% to 48%; 1 NRSI) for the high-dose vaccine (moderate CoE); -5.8% (-36.1% to 17.7%) to 21.4% (-7.3% to 42.4%; 2 NRSI) for the cell-based vaccine (low CoE); 30% (10%-47%; 1 RCT) and 3% (-31% to 28%) to 19% (-27% to 48%; 1 NRSI) for the recombinant vaccine (moderate CoE), respectively. Relative VE against laboratory-confirmed influenza-related hospitalisation was 59.2% (14.6%-80.5%; 1 NRSI) for the MF59-adjuvanted (moderate CoE); 27% (-1 to 48%; 1 NRSI) for the high-dose (low CoE); 8.5% (-75.9% to 52.3%; 1 NRSI) for the cell-based (low CoE); -7.3% (-52.1% to 24.4%) to 16.3% (-8.7% to 35.5%; 1 RCT) for the recombinant vaccine. No increased risk of serious adverse events was detected for any vaccine (12 RCT, 7 NRSI; low CoE). While all have a favourable safety profile, evidence on rVE of newer/enhanced vaccines is still limited, warranting further studies.

Dengue, a widespread arthropod-borne viral disease, remains endemic in more than 100 nations, affecting over 40% of the world's population, with millions of cases reported annually, and has a major burden on global public health systems. The causative agent of this infection is the dengue virus which belongs to the Flaviviridae family of RNA viruses. The DENV infection leads to a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and even fatal in the cases of secondary infection. In the absence of promising antiviral therapies or vaccines to effectively combat the infection, understanding the interaction between the host and pathogen, along with the associated molecular mechanisms, is crucial. In this review, we focused on the specialised functions of various RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their roles at various stages of the viral life cycle. This review examines the intricate interplay between viral and host cellular factors. Notably, numerous host RBPs, including La, eIF2, PTBP1, YBX1, and other hnRNPs, interact with viral components, such as NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B and NS5, and most importantly, the viral UTRs (untranslated regions), to facilitate critical stages of the viral life cycle. We comprehensively compiled the specific roles of RBPs in the dengue virus life cycle, including viral entry, translation, transcription, and assembly, and further explored the therapeutic possibilities.

Studies with strong scientific evidence have demonstrated that comorbidities are associated with fatal outcomes in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. To aggregate the findings of these studies and assess the magnitude of the effect of different chronic diseases on COVID-19 mortality, we conducted a systematic review of reviews and meta-analysis. Six databases were searched to retrieve systematic reviews with meta-analysis published during the early years of the pandemic. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata v.12.0 software, and the risk ratio (RR) and odds ratio (OR), with a confidence interval of 95% (95% CI), were calculated. We selected 15 publications with 476 original articles and 2,135,888 patients. Our results indicated the following risk factors for COVID-19 mortality: diabetes mellitus (RR = 1.95; 95% CI:1.41-2.49); hypertension (RR = 1.88; 95% CI:1.51-2.26); cancer (RR = 1.84; 95% CI:1.24-2.43); cardiovascular (RR = 2.14; 95% CI:1.66-2.63), cerebrovascular (RR = 2.43; 95% CI:2.15-2.72), kidney (RR = 2.39; 95% CI:1.36-3.42), pulmonary (RR = 1.98; 95% CI:1.48-2.47) and liver diseases (OR = 1.56; 95% CI:1.18-1.94); obesity (OR = 1.15; 95% CI:1.04-1.26); smoking habits (OR = 1.18; 95% CI:1.13-1.22); and the male sex (OR = 1.69; 95% CI:1.65-1.73). Evidence has confirmed that underlying chronic conditions, which involve an imbalance in the immune response, significantly increase the risk of COVID-19 deaths.

In the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, high case fatality was noted. The case fatality during this was associated with the cytokine storm (CS) or cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). Sometimes, virus infections are due to the excessive secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to cytokine storms, which might be directed to ARDS, multi-organ failure, and death. However, it was noted that several miRNAs are involved in regulating cytokines during SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses such as IFNs, ILs, GM-CSF, TNF, etc. The article spotlighted several miRNAs involved in regulating cytokines associated with the cytokine storm caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses (influenza virus, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, dengue virus). Targeting those miRNAs might help in the discovery of novel therapeutics, considering CS or CSS associated with different virus infections.

In 2024, a novel recombinant of the Oropouche virus emerged as a potential threat. This virus has caused a significant outbreak in Brazil and Cuba, with imported cases subsequently reported in the USA and Europe. This review summarises the existing knowledge on the Oropouche virus, and discusses potential risk mitigation strategies for the transfusion community.

SARS-CoV-2 is an oral pathogen that infects and replicates in mucosal and salivary epithelial cells, contributing to oral post-acute sequelae COVID-19 (PASC) and other oral and non-oral pathologies. While pre-existing inflammatory oral diseases provides a conducive environment for the virus, acute infection and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 can also results in oral microbiome dysbiosis that further worsens poor oral mucosal health. Indeed, oral PASC includes periodontal diseases, dysgeusia, xerostomia, pharyngitis, oral keratoses, and pulpitis suggesting significant bacterial contributions to SARS-CoV-2 and oral tissue tropism. Dysbiotic microbiome-induced inflammation can promote viral entry via angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor-2 (ACE2), serine transmembrane TMPRSS2 and possibly other non-canonical pathways. Additionally, metabolites derived from a dysbiotic microbiome can alter the physiological and biochemical pathways related to the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. This may promote a pro-inflammatory microenvironment, leading to immune exhaustion, loss of tolerance, and susceptibility to a variety of oral pathogens, causing acute and later chronic inflammation. Microbial release of mimics of host metallopeptidases related to furin, ADAM17 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17), and glycoprotein metabolites can further aid viral attachment to T cell immunoglobulin-like (TIMs), enhancing viral entry while simultaneously depressing oral mucosal immune resistance and clearance. Membrane reorganization characterised by neuroproteins, such as neuropilins, also functionally assists with SARS-CoV-2 entry and extends the pathogenesis of PASC from the oral cavity to the brain, gut, or other non-oral tissues. Thus, poor oral health, characterised by disrupted oral microbiomes can promote viral tropism, weaken antiviral resistance, and heightens susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This immune dysfunction also increases the risk of additional viral infections, exacerbating oral conditions like periodontal and endodontic diseases. These persistent oral health issues can contribute to systemic inflammation, creating bidirectional effects between oral and non-oral tissues, potentially leading to Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a virus transmitted by arthropods that exhibits considerable pathogenicity, resulting in a significant health and economic impact worldwide. A rise in congenital anomalies has been noted in kids born to mothers who have infections during pregnancy, alongside a rise in neurological symptoms in adults. In this study, we reassessed the data on brain abnormalities in maternal infection with ZIKV during pregnancy through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A thorough search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase databases to extract pertinent published data up to November, 2024. In this meta-analysis, 14 studies with 912 individuals were incorporated. Subgroup analyses, depending on the maternal age, gestational age at detection of brain abnormalities, the time of ZIKV diagnosis, type of sample and birth weight at delivery, were performed. Critical appraisal was completed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tools. In this analysis, we identified 14 studies that reported brain abnormalities in newborn infants with ZIKV-infected pregnant women, of which 58% studies were from Brazil. The overall birth defect with brain abnormalities was found to be (1.94 [95% CI: 1.3-2.7], P = 0.00). Of the most common brain abnormalities, microcephaly (OR: 2.7 [95% CI 1.5-4.7], P = 0.00), ventriculomegaly (OR: 1.7 [95% CI 0.91-3.3], P = 0.09) and corpus callosal anomaly (OR: 1.8 [95% CI 1.02-3.3], P = 0.04) had highest the risk in children with ZIKV-infected pregnant women. No publication bias was found when applying the Begg's rank correlation and Egger's linear regression tests (P = 1 and P = 0.44, respectively). subgroups of maternal age ≥ 30 years and gestational week of ZIKV diagnosis ≥ 25 weeks are important in zika-associated birth defects. This systematic review and meta-analysis evidenced a high risk of brain defects in ZIKV-infected pregnant women. Maternal age and gestational week of ZIKV diagnosis may modify this risk.

As Nipah virus (NiV) infection is characterised by a possible pandemic risk, being currently limited to a small but deadly belt, the attention of other countries is essential. It has often been pointed out that NiV is an under-researched virus with a high-risk potential. This study aimed to show the global research history and status quo based on analyses of various chronological and geographical parameters, including socioeconomic characteristics and research funding. For this purpose, advanced analysis methods and visualisation techniques were applied, such as density equalisation mapping and cluster analysis. The correlation between the number of articles on NiV and the economic strength or intensity of financing per country is significant. However, the comparatively low scientific commitment of countries that are usually among the major players in global scientific publications and the declining scientific interest in NiV research combined with the prevailing knowledge gaps in NiV infectiology in conjunction with the risk of NiV spreading to other areas is extremely threatening. Research on previous viruses such as Corona and mpox shows an equally short-term interest, which has led to an insufficiently prepared situation in the run-up to outbreaks, making it hard to find quick and effective solutions. As often said, the NiV infection belt is small but deadly, but global travel and trade increase the risk of spreading. The scientific community worldwide must be prepared for the possible spread of infections that pose a pandemic risk.

Alphaviruses are re-emerging vector-born pathogens that cause arthralgia or encephalitic diseases on a global scale. While a vaccine against chikungunya virus was recently approved, no vaccines currently exist for other alphaviruses, nor are there antiviral drugs for the treatment of alphavirus infections. Alphaviruses have positive-strand RNA genomes, and their RNA replication is coordinated by activities of the multifunctional nonstructural protein 2 (nsP2), a helicase-protease and a subunit of viral RNA replicase. We provide a comprehensive overview of nsP2 functions and inhibitors of its activities for their potential as effective antivirals. Furthermore, analysis of nsP2 activities suggests that it could be targeted to develop advanced live attenuated vaccines and strategies for controlling alphavirus transmission by mosquito vectors.

Arboviruses currently are regarded as a major worldwide public health concern. The clinical outcomes associated with this group of viruses may vary from asymptomatic infections to severe forms of haemorrhagic fever characterised by bleeding disorders. Similar to other systemic viral infections, arboviruses can either directly or indirectly affect different parts of the body, such as the urogenital system. The human urogenital system anatomically consists of two major subdivisions: (i) the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, which plays a significant role in osmoregulation, control of blood volume, pressure, and PH, absorption/excretion of different ions, and toxin metabolism, and (ii) the genital system, composed of the prostate, uterus, testes, ovaries, penis, and vagina, which are responsible for reproductive functions. Arboviruses can impair normal urogenital system functions by direct viral pathogen activity, systemic forms of inflammation, haemorrhagic events and related dysfunctions, and the nephrotoxic side effects of specific medications employed for treatment leading to various urogenital disorders. The present review provides an overview of the potential capacity of two main arboviruses, known as Zika and dengue viruses, to affect the urogenital system. Moreover, it addresses Zika virus as a potential therapeutic oncolytic virus for urogenital cancers.