Bats harbor many viruses asymptomatically, including several notorious for causing extreme virulence in humans. To identify differences between antiviral mechanisms in humans and bats, we sequenced, assembled, and analyzed the genome of Rousettus aegyptiacus, a natural reservoir of Marburg virus and the only known reservoir for any filovirus. We found an expanded and diversified KLRC/KLRD family of natural killer cell receptors, MHC class I genes, and type I interferons, which dramatically differ from their functional counterparts in other mammals. Such concerted evolution of key components of bat immunity is strongly suggestive of novel modes of antiviral defense. An evaluation of the theoretical function of these genes suggests that an inhibitory immune state may exist in bats. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that tolerance of viral infection, rather than enhanced potency of antiviral defenses, may be a key mechanism by which bats asymptomatically host viruses that are pathogenic in humans.

Bats host a number of viruses that cause severe disease in humans without experiencing overt symptoms of disease themselves. While the mechanisms underlying this ability to avoid sickness are not known, deep sequencing studies of bat genomes have uncovered genetic adaptations that may have functional importance in the antiviral response of these animals. Egyptian rousette bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) are the natural reservoir hosts of Marburg virus (MARV). In contrast to humans, these bats do not become sick when infected with MARV. A striking difference to the human genome is that Egyptian rousettes have an expanded repertoire of IFNW genes. To probe the biological implications of this expansion, we synthesized IFN-ω4 and IFN-ω9 proteins and tested their antiviral activity in Egyptian rousette cells. Both IFN-ω4 and IFN-ω9 showed antiviral activity against RNA viruses, including MARV, with IFN-ω9 being more efficient than IFN-ω4. Using RNA-Seq, we examined the transcriptional response induced by each protein. Although the sets of genes induced by the two IFNs were largely overlapping, IFN-ω9 induced a more rapid and intense response than did IFN-ω4. About 13% of genes induced by IFN-ω treatment are not found in the Interferome or other ISG databases, indicating that they may be uniquely IFN-responsive in this bat.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after high dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) in patients with AL amyloidosis. However, its incidence, predictors and outcomes are not well known. Methods This observational study included 223 patients with AL amyloidosis who underwent HDM/SCT. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine to ≥ 1.5 times the baseline occurring within the first 30 days of HDM/SCT. Results The median age was 58 years (range: 30-77). Kidney and cardiac involvement were present in 86.1% and 56.8%, respectively. The median eGFR was 83.5 mL/min/1.73m2 (range: 9-213) and proteinuria was 2,899 mg/24 h (range: 0-19,966). AKI occurred in 29.1% of patients. Dialysis was initiated in 15 patients (6.7%) and of these 12 (80%) were able to discontinue dialysis. Most of the episodes of AKI occurred within the first 2 weeks. With a median follow-up of 4.5 years (range: 0.1-16.5), AKI was associated with increased overall mortality, HR 4.53 (95%CI [2-10.23]). The 10-year overall survival (OS) was 87.1% without AKI, versus 56.9% with AKI. AKI was also associated with an increased risk for end stage kidney disease (ESKD), HR 4.6 (95%CI [1.44-14.38]). The risk of developing ESKD at 10-year was 18.9% with AKI, versus 8.1% without AKI. Several risk factors were found and using multivariate logistic regression, a prediction model was developed which included 3 readily available variables: eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m2, IVSd>12mm, and albumin<3 g/dL. This model was able to predict AKI development with an AUC of 0.8. Conclusions AKI is common in the post-HDM/SCT period and it leads to increased risk for ESKD and death. Our prediction model is an easily deployable tool in clinical settings as part of the discussion with patients who are being prepared for HDM/SCT.

Small-vessel vasculitis has a broad differential with similar clinical presentation and laboratory abnormalities, including petechial rashes, neurologic symptoms, glomerulonephritis, and abnormal inflammatory markers. Biopsy-based diagnosis is critical as the treatment varies by etiology. We report a case of a 41-year-old man with diagnosed cryoglobulinemia and hepatitis C presenting with a petechial rash, altered mental status, and acute kidney injury and ultimately found to have proteinase 3 (PR3)antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitis secondary to infective endocarditis. Skin biopsy was consistent with resolving, but nonspecific vasculitis and MRI showed foci of hemosiderin deposition concerning vasculitic lesions. Blood cultures grew Enterococcus faecalis, and he was treated with IV antibiotics. Kidney biopsy showed pauci-immune necrotizing focal segmental glomerulonephritis (GN) and diffuse acute tubular necrosis (ATN). After blood cultures cleared, he was initially treated with mycophenolate for worsening renal function. When the patient stopped antibiotics unexpectedly, his kidney function worsened and improved only after immunosuppression was stopped and antibiotics were restarted. This case highlights the importance of renal biopsy in patients with multiple potential etiologies of GN. The case resolution also reinforces that patients with infective endocarditis causing ANCA-associated GN should be treated with antibiotics in addition to, and possibly instead of, immunosuppression.