The role of syncytia during viral infections

Jessie, Benjamin; Dobrovolny, Hana M.

doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110749

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…We report the ability of B.1.640.1 to induce large syncytia in our culture systems. Syncytia are observed in histological studies of COVID-19 patients’ lungs however their role in pathogenesis is still debated and their presence during mild disease remains unclear (28, 29, 58). We found B.1.640.1 elevated LDH release and activation of caspase-3 beyond that of the other variants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High fusion and cytopathy of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.640.1

Bolland,

Michel,

Planas

et al. 2023

Preprint

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SARS-CoV-2 variants with undetermined properties have emerged intermittently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Some variants possess unique phenotypes and mutations which allow further characterization of viral evolution and spike functions. Around 1100 cases of the B.1.640.1 variant were reported in Africa and Europe between 2021 and 2022, before the expansion of Omicron. Here, we analyzed the biological properties of a B.1.640.1 isolate and its spike. Compared to the ancestral spike, B.1.640.1 carried 14 amino acid substitutions and deletions. B.1.640.1 escaped binding by some anti-NTD and -RBD monoclonal antibodies, and neutralization by sera from convalescent and vaccinated individuals. In cell lines, infection generated large syncytia and a high cytopathic effect. In primary airway cells, B.1.640.1 replicated less than Omicron BA.1 and triggered more syncytia and cell death than other variants. The B.1.640.1 spike was highly fusogenic when expressed alone. This was mediated by two poorly characterized and infrequent mutations located in the spike S2 domain, T859N and D936H. Altogether, our results highlight the cytopathy of a hyper-fusogenic SARS-CoV-2 variant, supplanted upon the emergence of Omicron BA.1.ImportanceOur results highlight the plasticity of SARS-CoV-2 spike to generate highly fusogenic and cytopathic strains with the causative mutations being uncharacterized in previous variants. We describe mechanisms regulating the formation of syncytia and the subsequent consequences in cell lines and a primary culture model, which are poorly understood.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High fusion and cytopathy of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.640.1

Bolland,

Michel,

Planas

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…One implication of syncytia formation is that the peak viral load occurs later than in other viral infections that do not induce syncytia [ 56 , 57 ]. Another difference is that this type of virus progression appears to be a viral evasion strategy, with a direct impact on the severity of infection [ 55 ].…”

Section: Virological Features Of Rsvmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This superstructure permits viral genetic material to be transported between cells without being released into the cellular space, resulting in a very efficient transmission system that also hides the virus from immune system action [55] (Figure 2). One implication of syncytia formation is that the peak viral load occurs later than in other viral infections that do not induce syncytia [56,57]. Another difference is that this type of virus progression appears to be a viral evasion strategy, with a direct impact on the severity of infection [55].…”

Section: Virological Features Of Rsvmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbiological and epidemiological features of respiratory syncytial virus

Sanz-Muñoz,

Sánchez-de Prada,

Castrodeza-Sanz

et al. 2024

Rev Esp Quimioter

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The properties of the main surface proteins and the viral cycle of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) make it an attractive pathogen from the perspective of microbiology. The virus gets its name from the manner it infects cells, which enables it to produce syncytia, which allow the virus’ genetic material to move across cells without having to release viral offspring to the cellular exterior, reducing immune system identification. This causes a disease with a high impact in both children and adults over 60, which has sparked the development of several preventive interventions based on vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for both age groups. The epidemiological characteristics of this virus, which circulates in epidemics throughout the coldest months of the year and exhibits a marked genetic and antigenic drift due to its high mutation capability, must be taken into consideration while using these preventive methods. The most important microbiological and epidemiological elements of RSV are covered in this study, along with how they have affected the creation of preventive medications and their use in the future.

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“…RSV infection usually begins with infected cells releasing new virions nearby healthy cells and then results in cell fusion mechanisms thus resulting in multinucleated cells called syncytia [89,90]. Thus, we have here also investigated the ability of Solution-3 to inhibit RSV propagation by breaking down the syncytia formation in infected cells [91][92][93].…”

Section: The Nutraceutical Formula Exerts Antiviral Function Against ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Modulation of innate immunity related genes resulting in prophylactic antimicrobial and antiviral properties

Ferrucci,

Miceli,

Pagliuca

et al. 2024

J Transl Med

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Background The innate immunity acts during the early phases of infection and its failure in response to a multilayer network of co-infections is cause of immune system dysregulation. Epidemiological SARS-CoV-2 infections data, show that Influenza Virus (FLU-A-B-C) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are co-habiting those respiratory traits. These viruses, especially in children (mostly affected by ‘multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children’ [MIS-C] and the winter pandemic FLU), in the aged population, and in ‘fragile’ patients are causing alteration in immune response. Then, bacterial and fungal pathogens are also co-habiting the upper respiratory traits (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans), thus contributing to morbidity in those COVID-19 affected patients. Methods Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry using the quadrupole orbital ion trap analyser (i.e., UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was adopted to measure the polyphenols content of a new nutraceutical formula (Solution-3). Viral infections with SARS-CoV-2 (EG.5), FLU-A and RSV-A viruses (as performed in BLS3 authorised laboratory) and real time RT-PCR (qPCR) assay were used to test the antiviral action of the nutraceutical formula. Dilution susceptibility tests have been used to estimate the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC, respectively) of Solution-3 on a variety of microorganisms belonging to Gram positive/ negative bacteria and fungi. Transcriptomic data analyses and functional genomics (i.e., RNAseq and data mining), coupled to qPCR and ELISA assays have been used to investigate the mechanisms of action of the nutraceutical formula on those processes involved in innate immune response. Results Here, we have tested the combination of natural products containing higher amounts of polyphenols (i.e., propolis, Verbascum thapsus L., and Thymus vulgaris L.), together with the inorganic long chain polyphosphates ‘polyPs’ with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal behaviours, against SARS-CoV-2, FLU-A, RSV-A, Gram positive/ negative bacteria and fungi (i.e., Candida albicans). These components synergistically exert an immunomodulatory action by enhancing those processes involved in innate immune response (e.g., cytokines: IFNγ, TNFα, IL-10, IL-6/12; chemokines: CXCL1; antimicrobial peptides: HBD-2, LL-37; complement system: C3). Conclusion The prophylactic antimicrobial success of this nutraceutical formula against SARS-CoV-2, FLU-A and RSV-A viruses, together with the common bacteria and fungi co-infections as present in human oral cavity, is expected to be valuable.

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The role of syncytia during viral infections

Cited by 9 publications

References 53 publications

High fusion and cytopathy of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.640.1

High fusion and cytopathy of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.640.1

Microbiological and epidemiological features of respiratory syncytial virus

Modulation of innate immunity related genes resulting in prophylactic antimicrobial and antiviral properties

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