A peptide talk between JC virus and the human host: from silent infection to autoimmunity

Abstract

Analysis of JC virus (JCV) polyprotein for peptide sharing with the human proteome reveals that the virus has hundreds of pentapeptide sequences in common with the human proteins. The datum is interesting in light of the fundamental role exerted by short amino acid sequences in protein-protein interactions and, consequently, in biochemical reactions and immune recognition. Searching for new approaches to understand the JCV infection scenarios, from the immunoevasion phenomenon underlying the viral asymptomatic stay in the human host to the (re)activation phase and associated pathogenic sequelae, the present study describes the diffuse pentapeptide communication network between JCV and the human host.

The Guillain–Barrè peptide signatures: from Zika virus to Campylobacter, and beyond

“…In fact, the magnitude of such a peptide sharing leads to predict a high extent of cross-reactive immune responses following infections in the human host. [66][67][68][69][70][71][72] Here, we focus on the issue of multiple cross-reactivity and analyze the molecular connections between infectious pathogens related to GBS. We report on the presence of minimal immune determinants in the human host and repeatedly shared among infectious agents so different as the flaviviruses ZIKV, DENV, WNV, and YFV and the bacteria M. pneumoniae and C. jejuni.…”

Evidence for a vast peptide overlap between West Nile virus and human proteomes

“…Finally, the present study might contribute to open a line of research addressing the still unanswered question or viral escape from immunosurveillance . As already advocated it is likely that the high level of peptide sharing between microbial organisms and the human host induces an immunotolerant status that obstacles immune reaction against infectious agents. In conclusion, the findings presented here may be of help for a more thorough dissection of the virus‐host relationships.…”

Peptide profiling of the route from Mahoney to Sabin, and return

“…Indeed, viral capacities and properties may be allocated in viral fragments , so that analyzing peptide commonalities between viral and host proteins may clarify inhibition/stimulation processes, and interference in biochemical reactions and immunological phenomena in the host . In this regard, the scientific literature on poliovirus (PV) already reports numerous examples.…”

“…The finding highlights the polio pore‐forming activity as a salient characteristic of virus–host interactions and, in addition, indicate that viroporin lytic domains might lead to develop bioactive peptides, and/or serve as targets of antiviral compounds . Moreover, it is well‐known that peptide sharing may cause cross‐reactivity phenomena , as demonstrated, for example, by neutralization of PV type 1 by anti‐streptococcal mAb 49.8.9 , so that a precise mapping of microbial versus host peptide overlap may help define precise non‐cross‐reactive vaccines . Amino acid (aa) changes differentiate lytic and persistent vaccine‐derived PV strains .…”