2024 Vol.39(5)

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne virus responsible for the severe fever thrombocytopenia syndrome. Currently, no specific antiviral drugs have been approved for this disease. In this issue, Luo et al. investigated the inhibitory effects of vitamin D derivatives against SFTSV in cell lines and mouse models. The study further revealed synergistic effects of vitamin D derivatives combined with favipiravir (T-705) against SFTSV, as well as inhibitory effects on other viruses, including Dengue virus (DENV) and Ross River virus (RRV), thereby expanding the potential applications of vitamin D derivatives. The cover image illustrates that vitamin D derivatives (represented as the golden cudgel) can independently combat SFTSV and other viruses; however, in combination with T-705 (represented as Guanyin’s vase), viruses can be eradicated more rapidly and thoroughly (Kindly provided by Prof. Jingjing Yang, Prof. Ruiyuan Cao, and Prof. Wu Zhong). See page 802-811 for details.

Review

The unique immune evasion mechanisms of the mpox virus and their implication for developing new vaccines and immunotherapies

Dong Fang, Yan Liu, Dou Dou, Bin Su

2024, 39(5): 709 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.008

Received: 11 May 2024 Accepted: 20 August 2024
Abstract [PDF 1184 KB] ScienceDirect
Mpox is an infectious and contagious zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. Since 2022, MPXV has posed a significant threat to global public health. The emergence of thousands of cases across the Western Hemisphere prompted the World Health Organization to declare an emergency. The extensive coevolutionary history of poxviruses with humans has enabled these viruses to develop sophisticated mechanisms to counter the human immune system. Specifically, MPXV employs unique immune evasion strategies against a wide range of immunological elements, presenting a considerable challenge for treatment, especially following the discontinuation of routine smallpox vaccination among the general population. In this review, we start by discussing the entry of the mpox virus and the onset of early infection, followed by an introduction to the mechanisms by which the mpox virus can evade the innate and adaptive immune responses. Two caspase-1 inhibitory proteins and a PKR escape-related protein have been identified as phylogenomic hubs involved in modulating the immune environment during the MPXV infection. With respect to adaptive immunity, mpox viruses exhibit unique and exceptional T-cell inhibition capabilities, thereby comprehensively remodeling the host immune environment. The viral envelope also poses challenges for the neutralizing effects of antibodies and the complement system. The unique immune evasion mechanisms employed by MPXV make novel multi-epitope and nucleic acid-based vaccines highly promising research directions worth investigating. Finally, we briefly discuss the impact of MPXV infection on immunosuppressed patients and the current status of MPXV vaccine development. This review may provide valuable information for the development of new immunological treatments for mpox.
Research Articles

Circulation patterns and molecular characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus among hospitalized children in Tianjin, China, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2017-2022)

Mengzhu Hou, Guangping Liu, Chao Meng, Lili Dong, Yulian Fang, Lu Wang, Ning Wang, Chunquan Cai, Hanjie Wang

2024, 39(5): 719 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.07.004

Received: 25 October 2023 Accepted: 24 July 2024
Abstract [PDF 2600 KB] ScienceDirectESM
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main pathogen that causes hospitalization for acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs) in children. With the reopening of communities and schools, the resurgence of RSV in the COVID-19 post-pandemic era has become a major concern. To understand the circulation patterns and genotype variability of RSV in Tianjin before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 19,531 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from hospitalized children in Tianjin from July 2017 to June 2022 were evaluated. Direct immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used for screening RSV-positive samples and subtyping, respectively. Further analysis of mutations in the second hypervariable region (HVR2) of the G gene was performed through Sanger sequencing. Our results showed that 16.46% (3215/19,531) samples were RSV positive and a delayed increase in the RSV infection rates occurred in the winter season from December 2020 to February 2021, with the average RSV-positive rate of 35.77% (519/1451). The ON1, with H258Q and H266L substitutions, and the BA9, with T290I and T312I substitutions, are dominant strains that alternately circulate every 1-2 years in Tianjin, China, from July 2017 to June 2022. In addition, novel substitutions, such as N296Y, K221T, N230K, V251A in the BA9 genotype, and L226I in the ON1 genotype, emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of clinical characteristics indicated no significant differences between RSV-A and RSV-B groups. This study provides a theoretical basis for clinical prevention and treatment. However, further studies are needed to explore the regulatory mechanism of host immune responses to different lineages of ON1 and BA9 in the future.

A multi-center study on genetic variations in the fusion protein of respiratory syncytial virus from children with Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in China during 2017-2021

Yiliang Fu, Fei Li, Yun Zhu, Luci Huang, Qiuping Li, Hanwen Zhang, Lili Zhong, Hailin Zhang, Zheng-xiu Luo, Gen Lu, Jikui Deng, Lingfeng Cao, Ying Wu, Rong Jin, Lei Li, Lili Xu, Xiangpeng Chen, Zhengde Xie

2024, 39(5): 727 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.09.002

Received: 18 April 2024 Accepted: 09 September 2024
Abstract [PDF 4104 KB] ScienceDirect ESM
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in children under five years of age. Between 2017 and 2021, 396 complete sequences of the RSV F gene were obtained from 500 RSV-positive throat swabs collected from ten hospitals across nine provinces in China. In addition, 151 sequences from China were sourced from GenBank and GISAID, making a total of 549 RSV F gene sequences subjected to analysis. Phylogenetic and genetic diversity analyses revealed that the RSV F genes circulating in China from 2017 to 2021 have remained relatively conserved, although some amino acids (AAs) have undergone changes. AA mutations with frequencies ≥ 10% were identified at six sites and the p27 region: V384I (site I), N276S (site II), R213S (site Ø), and K124N (p27) for RSV A; F45L (site I), M152I/L172Q/S173 L/I185V/K191R (site V), and R202Q/I206M/Q209R (site Ø) for RSV B. Comparing mutational frequencies in RSV-F before and after 2020 revealed minor changes for RSV A, while the K191R, I206M, and Q209R frequencies increased by over 10% in RSV B. Notably, the nirsevimab-resistant mutation, S211N in RSV B, increased in frequency from 0% to 1.15%. Both representative strains aligned with the predicted RSV-F structures of their respective prototypes exhibited similar conformations, with low root-mean-square deviation values. These results could provide foundational data from China for the development of RSV mAbs and vaccines.

The spatiotemporal analysis of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in China since the termination of the dynamic zero-COVID policy

Jiaying Li, Jingqi Yang, Xiao Ding, Hangyu Zhou, Na Han, Aiping Wu

2024, 39(5): 737 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.09.003

Received: 02 March 2024 Accepted: 09 September 2024
Abstract [PDF 2762 KB] ScienceDirect ESM
China's dynamic zero-COVID policy has effectively curbed the spread of SARS-CoV-2, while inadvertently creating immunity gaps within its population. Subsequent surges in COVID-19 cases linked to various SARS-CoV-2 lineages post-policy termination necessitate a thorough investigation into the epidemiological landscape. This study addresses this issue by analyzing a comprehensive dataset of 39,456 high-quality genomes collected nationwide over an 11-month period since policy termination. Through lineage assignment, phylogenetic analysis, pandemic pattern comparison, phylodynamic reconstruction, and recombination detection, we found that China's post-epidemic period could be divided into three stages, along with dynamic changes in dominant lineages. Geographical clustering of similar lineages implies the importance of cross-border cooperation among neighboring regions. Compared to the USA, UK, and Japan, China exhibits unique trajectories of lineage epidemics, characterized by initial lagging followed by subsequent advancement, indicating the potential influence of diverse prevention and control policies on lineage epidemic patterns. Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Hubei emerge as pivotal nodes in the nationwide spread, marking a shift in the transmission center from east to central regions of China. Although China hasn't experienced significant variant emergence, the detection and validation of the novel recombination event, XCN lineage, underscore the ongoing virus evolution. Overall, this study systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus in China since the termination of the dynamic zero-COVID policy, offering valuable insights for regional surveillance and evidence-based public health policymaking.

Phylogenetic analyses and antigenic characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus PanAsia lineage circulating in China between 1999 and 2023

Xiangle Zhang, Weimin Ma, Baohong Liu, Chaochao Shen, Fan Yang, Yamin Yang, Lv Lv, Jinyan Wu, Yongjie Liu, Youjun Shang, Jianhong Guo, Zixiang Zhu, Xiangtao Liu, Haixue Zheng, Jijun He

2024, 39(5): 747 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.09.006

Received: 02 April 2024 Accepted: 12 September 2024
Abstract [PDF 1856 KB] ScienceDirect
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most important transboundary animal diseases caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), leading to significant economic losses worldwide. The first report of PanAsia lineage of FMDV in China was in 1999. Since 2011, 18 outbreaks attributed to PanAsia lineage viruses have been reported across 7 provinces or municipality in China. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these PanAsia strains were clustered into three distinct clades (clade 1, clade 2, and clade 3), with nucleotide homology ranging from 91.4% to 100%. The outbreaks of FMD caused by clade 1 strains occurred around 1999 when this lineage was prevalent globally. Clade 2 strains dominated from 2011 to 2013, while clade 3 strains were prevalent during 2018-2019, sharing only 93% homology with clade 2 strains and 91% with clade 1 strains. Tracing analysis showed that these outbreaks represented 3 distinct introductions of PanAsia viruses into China. Virus neutralization tests (VNT) have demonstrated that current commercial vaccines are effective to protect susceptible animals against these strains (r1 > 0.3). However, the growing demand for livestock has promoted animal movement and encouraged the exchange of products, services, and materials between countries, thereby heightening the risk of exotic strain incursions. Therefore, it is imperative to reinforce border controls and limit animal movements among various Asian countries continually to reduce the risk of new transboundary diseases, such as FMD incursion. Additionally, PanAsia-2 strains need to be taken seriously to prevent its incursions, and the relevant vaccines against PanAsia-2 strains need to be stockpiled in preparation for any possible incursion.

Identification of a novel caspase cleavage motif AEAD

Yujie Fang, Zhou Gong, Miaomiao You, Ke Peng

2024, 39(5): 755 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.001

Received: 14 March 2023 Accepted: 16 June 2023
Abstract [PDF 4436 KB] ScienceDirect
Infections of many viruses induce caspase activation to regulate multiple cellular pathways, including programmed cell death, immune signaling and etc. Characterizations of caspase cleavage sites and substrates are important for understanding the regulation mechanisms of caspase activation. Here, we identified and analyzed a novel caspase cleavage motif AEAD, and confirmed its caspase dependent cleavage activity in natural substrate, such as nitric oxide-associated protein 1 (NOA1). Fusing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) with the mitochondrial marker protein Tom20 through the AEAD motif peptide localized EGFP to the mitochondria. Upon the activation of caspase triggered by Sendai virus (SeV) or herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, EGFP diffusely localized to the cell due to the caspase-mediated cleavage, thus allowing visual detection of the virus-induced caspase activation. An AEAD peptide-derived inhibitor Z-AEAD-FMK were developed, which significantly inhibited the activities of caspases-1, -3, -6, -7, -8 and -9, exhibiting a broad caspase inhibition effect. The inhibitor further prevented caspases-mediated cleavage of downstream substrates, including BID, PARP1, LMNA, pro-IL-1β, pro-IL-18, GSDMD and GSDME, protecting cells from virus-induced apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death. Together, our findings provide a new perspective for the identification of novel caspase cleavage motifs and the development of new caspase inhibitors and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Antibacterial activity evaluation of a novel K3-specific phage against Acinetobacter baumannii and evidence for receptor-binding domain transfer across morphologies

Xiangkuan Zheng, Meihan Liu, Pei Li, Sixiang Xu, Long Chen, Guoxin Xu, Xiaoxiao Pang, Hong Du, Yishan zheng, Xiang Huo, Zhongming Tan, Juan Li, Zhirong Li, Wei Zhang

2024, 39(5): 767 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.002

Received: 09 April 2024 Accepted: 31 July 2024
Abstract [PDF 3399 KB] ScienceDirectESM
Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) poses a serious public health challenge due to its notorious antimicrobial resistance, particularly carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB). In this study, we isolated a virulent phage, named P1068, from medical wastewater capable of lysing CRAB, primarily targeting the K3 capsule type. Basic characterization showed that P1068 infected the A. baumannii ZWAb014 with an optimal MOI of 1, experienced a latent period of 10 ​min and maintained stability over a temperature range of 4-37 ​°C and pH range of 3-10. Phylogenetic and average nucleotide identity analyses indicate that P1068 can be classified as a novel species within the genus Obolenskvirus of the Caudoviricetes class as per the most recent virus classification released by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Additionally, according to classical morphological classification, P1068 is identified as a T4-like phage (Myoviridae). Interestingly, we found that the tail fiber protein (TFP) of P1068 shares 74% coverage and 88.99% identity with the TFP of a T7-like phage (Podoviridae), AbKT21phiIII (NC_048142.1). This finding suggests that the TFP gene of phages may undergo horizontal transfer across different genera and morphologies. In vitro antimicrobial assays showed that P1068 exhibited antimicrobial activity against A. baumannii in both biofilm and planktonic states. In mouse models of intraperitoneal infection, P1068 phage protected mice from A. baumannii infection and significantly reduced bacterial loads in various tissues such as the brain, blood, lung, spleen, and liver compared to controls. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that phage P1068 might be a potential candidate for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant and biofilm-forming A. baumannii infections, and expands the understanding of horizontal transfer of phage TFP genes.

Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals a profound immune cell response in human cytomegalovirus-infected humanized mice

An Wang, Xiao-Xu Zhu, Yuanyuan Bie, Bowen Zhang, Wenting Ji, Jing Lou, Muhan Huang, Xi Zhou, Yujie Ren

2024, 39(5): 782 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.006

Received: 29 April 2024 Accepted: 12 August 2024
Abstract [PDF 4317 KB] ScienceDirectESM
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common herpesvirus that persistently infects a large portion of the world's population. Despite the robust host immune response, HCMV is able to replicate, evade host defenses, and establish latency throughout the lifespan by developing multiple immunomodulatory strategies, making the studies on the interaction between HCMV infection and host response particularly important. HCMV has a strict host specificity that specifically infects humans. Therefore, most of the in vivo researches of HCMV rely on clinical samples. Fortunately, the establishment of humanized mouse models allows for convenient in-lab animal experiments involving HCMV infection. Single-cell RNA sequencing enables the study of the relationship between viral and host gene expressions at the single-cell level within host cells. In this study, we assessed the gene expression alterations of PBMCs at the single-cell level within HCMV-infected humanized mice, which sheds light onto the virus-host interactions in the context of HCMV infection of humanized mice and provides a valuable dataset for the related researches.

Virome-wide analysis of histone modification mimicry motifs carried by viral proteins

Yang Xiao, Shuofeng Yuan, Ye Qiu, Xing-Yi Ge

2024, 39(5): 793 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.09.004

Received: 16 April 2023 Accepted: 11 September 2024
Abstract [PDF 910 KB] ScienceDirect ESM
Histone mimicry (HM) refers to the presence of short linear motifs in viral proteins that mimic critical regions of host histone proteins. These motifs have the potential to interfere with host cell epigenome and counteract antiviral response. Recent research shows that HM is critical for the pathogenesis and transmissibility of influenza virus and coronavirus. However, the distribution, characteristics, and functions of HM in eukaryotic viruses remain obscure. Herein, we developed a bioinformatic pipeline, Histone Motif Scan (HiScan), to identify HM motifs in viral proteins and predict their functions in silico. By analyzing 592,643 viral proteins using HiScan, we found that putative HM motifs were widely distributed in most viral proteins. Among animal viruses, the ratio of HM motifs between DNA viruses and RNA viruses was approximately 1.9:1, and viruses with smaller genomes had a higher density of HM motifs. Notably, coronaviruses exhibited an uneven distribution of HM motifs, with betacoronaviruses (including most human pathogenic coronaviruses) harboring more HM motifs than other coronaviruses, primarily in the NSP3, S, and N proteins. In summary, our virome-wide screening of HM motifs using HiScan revealed extensive but uneven distribution of HM motifs in most viral proteins, with a preference in DNA viruses. Viral HM may play an important role in modulating viral pathogenicity and virus-host interactions, making it an attractive area of research in virology and antiviral medication.

Antiviral activity of vitamin D derivatives against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in vitro and in vivo

Chongda Luo, Xintong Yan, Shaokang Yang, Sichen Ren, Yan Luo, Jiazheng Li, Ping Wang, Yunfeng Shao, Wei Li, Song Li, Jingjing Yang, Ruiyuan Cao, Wu Zhong

2024, 39(5): 802 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.007

Received: 19 April 2024 Accepted: 15 August 2024
Abstract [PDF 2957 KB] ScienceDirectESM
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a tick-borne virus that causes the severe fever thrombocytopenia syndrome, which manifests as fever and haemorrhage, accompanied by severe neurological complications. To date, no specific antiviral drugs have been approved for this indication. Herein, we investigated whether vitamin D derivatives inhibit SFTSV both in vitro and in vivo. An in vitro study demonstrated that vitamin D derivatives significantly suppressed viral RNA replication, plaque formation, and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, in vivo studies revealed that doxercalciferol and alfacalcidol were associated with increased survival and reduced viral RNA load in the blood. Time-of-addition assay suggested that vitamin D derivatives primarily acted during the post-entry phase of SFTSV infection. However, cytopathic effect protective activity was not observed in RIG-I immunodeficient cell line Huh7.5, and the administration of vitamin D derivatives did not improve the survival rates or reduce the blood viral loads in adult A129 mice. Further transcriptome exploration into the antiviral mechanism revealed that alfacalcidol stimulates host innate immunity to exert antiviral effects. To expand the application of vitamin D derivatives, in vitro and in vivo drug combination assays were performed, which highlighted the synergistic effects of vitamin D derivatives and T-705 on SFTSV. The combination of alfacalcidol and T-705 significantly enhanced the therapeutic effects in mice. This study highlights the potential of vitamin D derivatives against SFTSV and suggests that they may have synergistic effects with other compounds used in the treatment of SFTSV infection.

Rational design of a DNA-launched live attenuated vaccine against human enterovirus 71

Rong-Rong Zhang, Meng-Jiao He, Chao Zhou, Yan-Peng Xu, Wei Tang, Tian-Shu Cao, Zheng-Jian Wang, Mei Wu, Tao Ming, Yi-Jiao Huang, Meng-Xu Sun, Hui Zhao, Yong-Qiang Deng, Xiao-Feng Li, Bin Wang, Qing Ye, Cheng-Feng Qin

2024, 39(5): 812 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.09.008

Abstract [PDF 2110 KB] ScienceDirect
Human Enterovirus 71 (EV71) has emerged as one of the predominant causative agents of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) with global impact. Despite the inactivated vaccine being licensed, other vaccine candidates based on advanced technology platforms are under development. In this report, we rationally designed and constructed two DNA-launched live attenuated vaccine candidates (pDL-EV71) under the control of specific promoters. In vitro and in vivo transfection with pDL-EV71 driven by the CMV promoter successfully yielded fully infectious EV71. More importantly, the administration of pDL-EV71 did not cause clinical symptoms following intracranial or intramuscular inoculation in neonatal and IFNα/βR-/- mice, demonstrating its safety profile. Moreover, a single-dose or two-dose immunization with pDL-EV71 elicited robust neutralizing antibodies against EV71 as well as an antigen-specific cellular response in mice. A single-dose immunization with 10 ​μg of pDL-EV71 conferred complete protection against lethal EV71 infection in neonates born to immunized maternal mice. Overall, our present results demonstrate that pDL-EV71 is a safe and effective vaccine candidate against EV71 for further development.

A novel vesicular stomatitis virus armed with IL-2 mimic for oncolytic therapy

Manman Wu, Yiwei Wang, Chuanjian Wu, Huang Huang, Xinyuan Zhou, Jun Wang, Sidong Xiong, Chunsheng Dong

2024, 39(5): 821 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.09.007

Received: 16 February 2024 Accepted: 11 September 2024
Abstract [PDF 2107 KB] ScienceDirectESM
Oncolytic virus (OV) is increasingly being recognized as a novel vector in cancer immunotherapy. Increasing evidence suggests that OV has the ability to change the immune status of tumor microenvironment, so called transformation of ‘cold’ tumors into ‘hot’ tumors. The improved anti-tumor immunity can be induced by OV and further enhanced through the combination of various immunomodulators. The Neo-2/15 is a newly de novo synthesized cytokine that functions as both IL-2 and IL-15. However, it specifically lacks the binding site of IL-2 receptor α subunit (CD25), therefore unable to induce the Treg proliferation. In present study, a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the Neo-2/15 (VSVM51R-Neo-2/15) was generated. Intratumoral delivery of VSVM51R-Neo-2/15 efficiently inhibited tumor growth in mice without causing the IL-2-related toxicity previously observed in clinic. Moreover, treatment with VSVM51R-Neo-2/15 increased the number of activated CD8+ T cells but not Treg cells in tumors. More tumor-bearing mice were survival with VSVM51R-Neo-2/15 treatment, and the surviving mice displayed enhanced protection against tumor cell rechallenge due to the induced anti-tumor immunity. In addition, combination therapy of OV and anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors further enhanced the anti-tumor immune response. These findings suggest that our novel VSVM51R-Neo-2/15 can effectively inhibit the tumor growth and enhance the sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing promising attempts for further clinical trials.
Letters

A bivalent Delta/BA.5 mRNA vaccine elicits broad immune responses against various lineages of SARS-CoV-2 including JN.1

Kangyin Li, Qi Liu, Yan Wu, Bihao Wu, Shaohong Chen, Xinghai Zhang, Xiaoying Jia, Rui Gong, Yucai Peng, Huajun Zhang, Sandra Chiu

2024, 39(5): 833 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.003

Received: 25 October 2023 Accepted: 06 August 2024
Abstract [PDF 829 KB] ScienceDirectESM
Highlights
1. A bivalent Delta/BA.5 mRNA vaccine provides protection against BA.5 in K18-ACE2 mice.
2. The vaccine protects hamsters from both Delta and BA.5 infections.
3. The animal immune sera neutralizes various lineages of variants including JN.1.

Trivalent SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle vaccines exhibit broad-spectrum neutralization and protection against XBB.1 and BA.2.86 variants

Lu Zhang, Siyu Tian, Jun Dai, Yuanyuan Li, Yu Zhou, Yan Li, Jiao Xu, Shuyun Liu, Zhiwei Lin, Zhaoyong Zhang, Jiantao Chen, Peilan Wei, Jingxian Zhao, Jing Jin, Yanqun Wang, Jincun Zhao

2024, 39(5): 836 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.005

Received: 30 March 2024 Accepted: 13 August 2024
Abstract [PDF 1188 KB] ScienceDirectESM
Highlights
1. RBDs of the WT, BQ.1.1 and XBB.1 variants were genetically fused and displayed on the VLP to create RBDV14 ​M.
2. RBDV14 ​M can induce superior antibody responses against the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants XBB.1, EG.5 and BA.2.86.
3. RBDV14 ​M is one of the few existing next-generation vaccine candidates that utilize virus-like particle platform.

Rapid diagnosis of a fox's death case using nanopore sequencing reveals the infection with an Artic-like rabies virus

Yuhang Liu, Zhiqiang Liu, Jian Li, Xiaomin Yan, Weidi Xu, Le Yi, Changchun Tu, Biao He

2024, 39(5): 840 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.010

Received: 25 May 2024 Accepted: 23 August 2024
Abstract [PDF 556 KB] ScienceDirectESM
Highlights
1. We detected a rabies virus (RABV) in a fox's death case within 6 h upon sample receipt using nanopore direct sequencing.
2. The virus belongs to AL2 sub-lineage, suggesting a high risk of fox-related AL2 RABV on the northeastern border of China.
3. Nanopore sequencing showed less sensitivity and accuracy, though it helped us rapidly identify the cause of death.
Meeting Report

The 2024 National Symposium on Insect Virology held in Qingdao

Jiali Si, Xi Wang, Manli Wang, Zhihong Hu

2024, 39(5): 843 doi: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.011

Abstract [PDF 1359 KB] ScienceDirect