State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Switzerland

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "General Virology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2022) | Viewed by 11313

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Service of Immunology and Allergy, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
Interests: HIV persistence; immune exhaustion; HIV pathogenesis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2019, as well as the high prevalence of other viral infections, such as influenza, Zika, Ebola, HIV and viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) worldwide, underscore the need to advance our knowledge of immuno-virological parameters associated with viral infections and/or persistence to ultimately prevent and/or control viral infections.

Notably, many efforts have been devoted in Switzerland to advance the characterization of viruses, identify viral reservoirs and develop novel therapeutic approaches or diagnostic tools. Therefore, this Special Issue is to publish research studies conducted in Switzerland on the aforementioned aspects. We encourage researchers to submit both original manuscripts and reviews to this Special Issue entitled “State-of-the-Art virology research in Switzerland.”

Dr. Matthieu Perreau
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. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). 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

  • HIV
  • HAV
  • HBV
  • HCV
  • HDV
  • HEV
  • SARS-Cov-2
  • Zika virus
  • Ebola virus
  • EBV
  • CMV

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1811 KiB  
Article
CXCL12 and CXCL13 Cytokine Serum Levels Are Associated with the Magnitude and the Quality of SARS-CoV-2 Humoral Responses
by Alessandra Noto, Victor Joo, Antonio Mancarella, Madeleine Suffiotti, Celine Pellaton, Craig Fenwick, Matthieu Perreau and Giuseppe Pantaleo
Viruses 2022, 14(12), 2665; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14122665 - 28 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1971
Abstract
A better understanding of the immunological markers associated with long-lasting immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection is of paramount importance. In the present study, we characterized SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral responses in hospitalized (ICU and non-ICU) and non-hospitalized individuals at six months post-onset of symptoms (POS) [...] Read more.
A better understanding of the immunological markers associated with long-lasting immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection is of paramount importance. In the present study, we characterized SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral responses in hospitalized (ICU and non-ICU) and non-hospitalized individuals at six months post-onset of symptoms (POS) (N = 95). We showed that the proportion of individuals with detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG or neutralizing (NAb) responses and the titers of antibodies were significantly reduced in non-hospitalized individuals, compared to ICU- or non-ICU-hospitalized individuals at 6 months POS. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cells persist at 6 months POS in both ICU and non-ICU patients and were enriched in cells harboring an activated and/or exhausted phenotype. The frequency/phenotype of SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cells and the magnitude of IgG or NAb responses at 6 months POS correlated with the serum immune signature detected at patient admission. In particular, the serum levels of CXCL13, IL-1RA, and G-CSF directly correlated with the frequency of Spike-specific B cells and the magnitude of Spike-specific IgG or NAb, while the serum levels of CXCL12 showed an antagonizing effect. Our results indicate that the balance between CXCL12 and CXCL13 is an early marker associated with the magnitude and the quality of the SARS-CoV-2 humoral memory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Switzerland)
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Review

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12 pages, 1118 KiB  
Review
Expanding the Hepatitis E Virus Toolbox: Selectable Replicons and Recombinant Reporter Genomes
by Noémie Oechslin, Maliki Ankavay, Darius Moradpour and Jérôme Gouttenoire
Viruses 2023, 15(4), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15040869 - 28 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has received relatively little attention for decades although it is now considered as one of the most frequent causes of acute hepatitis worldwide. Our knowledge of this enterically-transmitted, positive-strand RNA virus and its life cycle remains scarce but research [...] Read more.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has received relatively little attention for decades although it is now considered as one of the most frequent causes of acute hepatitis worldwide. Our knowledge of this enterically-transmitted, positive-strand RNA virus and its life cycle remains scarce but research on HEV has gained momentum more recently. Indeed, advances in the molecular virology of hepatitis E, including the establishment of subgenomic replicons and infectious molecular clones, now allow study of the entire viral life cycle and to explore host factors required for productive infection. Here, we provide an overview on currently available systems, with an emphasis on selectable replicons and recombinant reporter genomes. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges in developing new systems which should enable to further investigate this widely distributed and important pathogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Switzerland)
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18 pages, 1099 KiB  
Review
Co-Infection of the Epstein–Barr Virus and the Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
by Michelle Böni, Lisa Rieble and Christian Münz
Viruses 2022, 14(12), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14122709 - 02 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2283
Abstract
The two human tumor viruses, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), have been mostly studied in isolation. Recent studies suggest that co-infection with both viruses as observed in one of their associated malignancies, namely primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), might also be [...] Read more.
The two human tumor viruses, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), have been mostly studied in isolation. Recent studies suggest that co-infection with both viruses as observed in one of their associated malignancies, namely primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), might also be required for KSHV persistence. In this review, we discuss how EBV and KSHV might support each other for persistence and lymphomagenesis. Moreover, we summarize what is known about their innate and adaptive immune control which both seem to be required to ensure asymptomatic persistent co-infection with these two human tumor viruses. A better understanding of this immune control might allow us to prepare for vaccination against EBV and KSHV in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Switzerland)
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12 pages, 350 KiB  
Review
Advances in Molecular Genetics Enabling Studies of Highly Pathogenic RNA Viruses
by Christian Mittelholzer and Thomas Klimkait
Viruses 2022, 14(12), 2682; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14122682 - 30 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1561
Abstract
Experimental work with viruses that are highly pathogenic for humans and animals requires specialized Biosafety Level 3 or 4 facilities. Such pathogens include some spectacular but also rather seldomly studied examples such as Ebola virus (requiring BSL-4), more wide-spread and commonly studied viruses [...] Read more.
Experimental work with viruses that are highly pathogenic for humans and animals requires specialized Biosafety Level 3 or 4 facilities. Such pathogens include some spectacular but also rather seldomly studied examples such as Ebola virus (requiring BSL-4), more wide-spread and commonly studied viruses such as HIV, and the most recent example, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. A common characteristic of these virus examples is that their genomes consist of single-stranded RNA, which requires the conversion of their genomes into a DNA copy for easy manipulation; this can be performed to study the viral life cycle in detail, develop novel therapies and vaccines, and monitor the disease course over time for chronic virus infections. We summarize the recent advances in such new genetic applications for RNA viruses in Switzerland over the last 25 years, from the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic to the most recent developments in research on the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. We highlight game-changing collaborative efforts between clinical and molecular disciplines in HIV research on the path to optimal clinical disease management. Moreover, we summarize how the modern technical evolution enabled the molecular studies of emerging RNA viruses, confirming that Switzerland is at the forefront of SARS-CoV-2 research and potentially other newly emerging viruses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Switzerland)
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13 pages, 2009 KiB  
Review
Host Molecule Incorporation into HIV Virions, Potential Influences in HIV Pathogenesis
by Olivia Munoz, Riddhima Banga and Matthieu Perreau
Viruses 2022, 14(11), 2523; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14112523 - 14 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1699
Abstract
During the last phase of HIV viral production, nascent HIV virions acquire a fraction of the cellular lipid membrane to create the external lipid envelope, a process by which cellular proteins present on the surface of the infected cell can be incorporated along [...] Read more.
During the last phase of HIV viral production, nascent HIV virions acquire a fraction of the cellular lipid membrane to create the external lipid envelope, a process by which cellular proteins present on the surface of the infected cell can be incorporated along with Env trimers. Interestingly, several studies indicated that these incorporated host molecules could conserve their biological activity and consequently contribute to HIV pathogenesis either by enhancing the infectivity of HIV virions, their tissue tropism or by affecting immune cell functions. The following review will describe the main approaches used to characterize membrane bound host molecule incorporation into HIV virions, the proposed mechanisms involved, and the role of a non-exhaustive list of incorporated molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Switzerland)
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10 pages, 6085 KiB  
Review
Studying Hepatitis Virus-Host Interactions in Patient Liver Biopsies
by Aleksei Suslov, Markus H. Heim and Stefan Wieland
Viruses 2022, 14(11), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14112490 - 10 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1553
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a major contributor to human suffering and the associated socioeconomic burden worldwide. A better understanding of human pathogen-host interactions is a prerequisite for the development of treatment strategies aimed at combatting human pathogen-induced diseases. Model systems that faithfully recapitulate the [...] Read more.
Infectious diseases are a major contributor to human suffering and the associated socioeconomic burden worldwide. A better understanding of human pathogen-host interactions is a prerequisite for the development of treatment strategies aimed at combatting human pathogen-induced diseases. Model systems that faithfully recapitulate the pathogen-host interactions in humans are critical to gain meaningful insight. Unfortunately, such model systems are not yet available for a number of pathogens. The strict tropism of the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses for the human liver has made it difficult to study their virus-host interactions during the natural history of these infections. In this case, surplus liver biopsy tissue donated by patients provides an opportunity to obtain a snapshot of the phenomenological and molecular aspects of the human liver of chronically HCV or HBV-infected patients. In this review, we will briefly summarize our own efforts over the years to advance our knowledge of the virus-host interactions during the natural history of chronic HCV and HBV infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Switzerland)
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