Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Viral Infection and Virology Methods

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2024 | Viewed by 3744

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Letizia Santinelli

E-Mail
Guest Editor

Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: viral infection; emerging infectious diseases; innate and adaptive immunity; inflammation and immune activation; microbiota

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since scientific notions are constantly changing, the research community must contribute to a better understanding of virus-caused infectious diseases, including resistant and acute viral infections, especially those representing public health challenges. In addition, this field is constantly evolving with the discovery of new methodologies and technologies, expanding beyond diagnostics into laboratory research, as well as defining the mechanisms of immune responses or related viral pathogenesis upon infection. This Special Issue will improve our knowledge of old and new viral infections at the molecular level, focusing on innovative methods and techniques to be applied in clinical settings. We welcome in vivo and ex vivo experimental studies, review articles, and clinical studies.

Dr. Letizia Santinelli
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

acute and chronic viral infection
molecular mechanism
new methodologies
emerging disease
innate and adaptive immunity

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 1241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accurate Multiplex qPCR Detection of Epstein–Barr Virus/Cytomegalovirus/BK Virus in Kidney Transplant Patients: Pilot Study

by Costin Damian, Ramona Gabriela Ursu, Adrian Constantin Covic, Aida Corina Bădescu, Simona Mihaela Hogaș, Elena Roxana Buzilă, Alexandru Duhaniuc and Luminița Smaranda Iancu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312698 (registering DOI) - 26 Nov 2024

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is a really important heath issue, and transplantation is an intervention that can greatly increase patient quality of life and survival. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the BK virus, CMV, and EBV in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs); to assess the prevalence of infections; and to test if our detection method would be feasible for use in follow-ups with KTRs. A total of 157 KTRs registered at the Clinical Hospital “Dr. C. I. Parhon”, Iași, Romania, were selected using specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. We tested the blood samples from each patient for BK, EBV, and CMV using a multiplex real-time PCR (qPCR) assay and the TaqMan PCR principle. The highest prevalence was detected for BKV (11/157, 7%), followed by CMV (9/157, 5.7%) and EBV (5/157, 3.2%). By simultaneously detecting three possible nephropathic viruses and oncogenes in KTRs using multiplex real-time PCR, we aimed to optimize their monitoring and follow-up. The prevalence of the tested nephropathogenic viruses—BKV, CMV, and EBV—was comparable to that analyzed in other studies. We demonstrate that the use of qPCR for viral detection in KTRs is a robust, cost-effective method for case monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infection and Virology Methods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 11151 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NS2B-D55E and NS2B-E65D Variations Are Responsible for Differences in NS2B-NS3 Protease Activities Between Japanese Encephalitis Virus Genotype I and III in Fluorogenic Peptide Model

by Abdul Wahaab, Yan Zhang, Ke Liu, Jason L. Rasgon, Lei Kang, Muddassar Hameed, Chenxi Li, Muhammad Naveed Anwar, Yanbing Zhang, Anam Shoaib, Beibei Li, Yafeng Qiu, Jianchao Wei and Zhiyong Ma

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12680; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312680 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 89

Abstract

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) NS2B-NS3 is a protein complex composed of NS3 proteases and an NS2B co-factor. The N-terminal protease domain (180 residues) of NS3 (NS3(pro)) interacts directly with a central 40-amino acid hydrophilic domain of NS2B (NS2B(H)) to form an active serine protease. In this study, the recombinant NS2B(H)-NS3(pro) proteases were prepared in E. coli and used to compare the enzymatic activity between genotype I (GI) and III (GIII) NS2B-NS3 proteases. The GI NS2B(H)-NS3(pro) was able to cleave the sites at the internal C, NS2A/NS2B, NS2B/NS3, and NS3/NS4A junctions that were identical to the sites proteolytically processed by GIII NS2B(H)-NS3(pro). Analysis of the enzymatic activity of recombinant NS2B(H)-NS3(pro) proteases using a model of fluorogenic peptide substrate revealed that the proteolytical processing activity of GIII NS2B(H)-NS3(pro) was significantly higher than that of GI NS2B(H)-NS3(pro). There were eight amino acid variations between GI and GIII NS2B(H)-NS3(pro), which may be responsible for the difference in enzymatic activities between GI and GIII proteases. Therefore, recombinant mutants were generated by exchanging the NS2B(H) and NS3(pro) domains between GI and GIII NS2B(H)-NS3(pro) and subjected to protease activity analysis. Substitution of NS2B(H) significantly altered the protease activities, as compared to the parental NS2B(H)-NS3(pro), suggesting that NS2B(H) played an essential role in the regulation of NS3(pro) protease activity. To further identify the amino acids responsible for the difference in protease activities, multiple substitution mutants including the individual and combined mutations at the variant residues 55 and 65 of NS2B(H) were generated and subjected to protease activity analysis. Replacement of NS2B-55 and NS2B-65 of GI to GIII significantly increased the enzymatic activity of GI NS2B(H)-NS3(pro) protease, whereas mutation of NS2B-55 and NS2B-65 of GIII to GI remarkably reduced the enzymatic activity of GIII NS2B(H)-NS3(pro) protease. Overall, these data demonstrated that NS2B-55 and NS2B-65 variations in the hydrophilic domain of NS2B co-contributed to the difference in NS2B(H)-NS3(pro) protease activities between GI and GIII. However, it will be crucial to explore these mutations in other in vivo and/or in vitro models. Collectively, these observations will be useful for understanding the replication of JEV GI and GIII viruses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infection and Virology Methods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 17673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ATPase Valosin-Containing Protein (VCP) Is Involved During the Replication and Egress of Sialodacryoadenitis Virus (SDAV) in Neurons

by Michalina Bartak, Weronika D. Krahel, Marcin Chodkowski, Hubert Grel, Jarosław Walczak, Adithya Pallepati, Michał Komorowski and Joanna Cymerys

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111633 - 29 Oct 2024

Viewed by 633

Abstract

Sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV) has been identified as the etiological agent responsible for the respiratory system and salivary gland infections in rats. The existing literature on SDAV infections is insufficient to address the topic adequately, particularly in relation to the central nervous system. In order to ascertain how SDAV gains access to neuronal cells and subsequently exits, our attention was focused on the small molecule valosin-containing protein (VCP), which is an ATPase. VCP is acknowledged for its function in the ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of proteins, including those of viral origin. To ascertain the potential influence of VCP on SDAV replication and egress, high-content screening was employed to determine the viral titer and protein content. Western blot analysis was employed to ascertain the relative expression of VCP. Real-time imaging of SDAV-infected cells and confocal imaging for qualitative morphological analysis were conducted. The Eeyarestatin I (EerI) inhibitor was employed to disrupt VCP involvement in the endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation pathway (ERAD) in both pre- and post-incubation systems, with concentrations of 5 μM/mL and 25 μM/mL, respectively. We demonstrated for the first time that SDAV productively replicates in cultured primary neurons. VCP expression is markedly elevated during SDAV infection. The application of 5 μM/mL EerI in the post-treatment system yielded a statistically significant inhibition of the SDAV yield. It is likely that this modulates the efficacy of virion assembly by arresting viral proteins in the submembrane area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infection and Virology Methods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of an Immunoassay Based on the MVA-T7pol-Expression System for Rapid Identification of Immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 Antigens: A Proof-of-Concept Study

by Satendra Kumar, Liangliang Nan, Georgia Kalodimou, Sylvia Jany, Astrid Freudenstein, Christine Brandmüller, Katharina Müller, Philipp Girl, Rosina Ehmann, Wolfgang Guggemos, Michael Seilmaier, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Asisa Volz, Gerd Sutter, Robert Fux and Alina Tscherne

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 10898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252010898 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 752

Abstract

The emergence of hitherto unknown viral pathogens presents a great challenge for researchers to develop effective therapeutics and vaccines within a short time to avoid an uncontrolled global spread, as seen during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, rapid and simple methods to identify immunogenic antigens as potential therapeutical targets are urgently needed for a better pandemic preparedness. To address this problem, we chose the well-characterized Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA)-T7pol expression system to establish a workflow to identify immunogens when a new pathogen emerges, generate candidate vaccines, and test their immunogenicity in an animal model. By using this system, we detected severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleoprotein (N)-, and spike (S)-specific antibodies in COVID-19 patient sera, which is in line with the current literature and our observations from previous immunogenicity studies. Furthermore, we detected antibodies directed against the SARS-CoV-2-membrane (M) and -ORF3a proteins in COVID-19 patient sera and aimed to generate recombinant MVA candidate vaccines expressing either the M or ORF3a protein. When testing our candidate vaccines in a prime-boost immunization regimen in humanized HLA-A2.1-/HLA-DR1-transgenic H-2 class I-/class II-knockout mice, we were able to demonstrate M- and ORF3a-specific cellular and humoral immune responses. Hence, the established workflow using the MVA-T7pol expression system represents a rapid and efficient tool to identify potential immunogenic antigens and provides a basis for future development of candidate vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infection and Virology Methods)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 2181 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cytokine Storm in COVID-19: Exploring IL-6 Signaling and Cytokine-Microbiome Interactions as Emerging Therapeutic Approaches

by Tudorita Gabriela Paranga, Ivona Mitu, Mariana Pavel-Tanasa, Manuel Florin Rosu, Ionela-Larisa Miftode, Daniela Constantinescu, Maria Obreja, Claudia Elena Plesca and Egidia Miftode

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111411 - 24 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1729

Abstract

IL-6 remains a key molecule of the cytokine storms characterizing COVID-19, exerting both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Emerging research underscores the significance of IL-6 trans-signaling over classical signaling pathways, which has shifted the focus of therapeutic strategies. Additionally, the synergistic action of TNF-α and IFN-γ has been found to induce inflammatory cell death through PANoptosis, further amplifying the severity of cytokine storms. Long COVID-19 patients, as well as those with cytokine storms triggered by other conditions, exhibit distinct laboratory profiles, indicating the need for targeted approaches to diagnosis and management. Growing evidence also highlights the gut microbiota’s crucial role in modulating the immune response during COVID-19 by affecting cytokine production, adding further complexity to the disease’s immunological landscape. Targeted intervention strategies should focus on specific cytokine cutoffs, though accurate cytokine quantification remains a clinical challenge. Current treatment strategies are increasingly focused on inhibiting IL-6 trans-signaling, which offers promise for more precise therapeutic approaches to manage hyperinflammatory responses in COVID-19. In light of recent discoveries, this review summarizes key research findings on cytokine storms, particularly their role in COVID-19 and other inflammatory conditions. It explores emerging therapeutic strategies targeting cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, while also addressing open questions, such as the need for better biomarkers to detect and manage cytokine storms. Additionally, the review highlights ongoing challenges in developing targeted treatments that mitigate hyperinflammation without compromising immune function, emphasizing the importance of continued research in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infection and Virology Methods)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Viral Infection and Virology Methods

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI