IdAB / Instituto de Agrobiotecnología - Agrobioteknologiako Institutua

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Open Access
Characterization of ovine A3Z1 restriction properties against small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs)
(MDPI, 2017) Pablo Maiso, Lorena de; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Crespo Otano, Helena; Nistal Villán, Estanislao; Andrésdóttir, Valgerdur; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Reina Arias, Ramsés; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Intrinsic factors of the innate immune system include the apolipoprotein B editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) protein family. APOBEC3 inhibits replication of different virus families by cytosine deamination of viral DNA and a not fully characterized cytosine deamination-independent mechanism. Sheep are susceptible to small ruminant lentivirus (SRLVs) infection and contain three APOBEC3 genes encoding four proteins (A3Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z2-Z3) with yet not deeply described antiviral properties. Using sheep blood monocytes and in vitro-derived macrophages, we found that A3Z1 expression is associated with lower viral replication in this cellular type. A3Z1 transcripts may also contain spliced variants (A3Z1Tr) lacking the cytidine deaminase motif. A3Z1 exogenous expression in fully permissive fibroblast-like cells restricted SRLVs infection while A3Z1Tr allowed infection. A3Z1Tr was induced after SRLVs infection or stimulation of blood-derived macrophages with interferon gamma (IFN- ). Interaction between truncated isoform and native A3Z1 protein was detected as well as incorporation of both proteins into virions. A3Z1 and A3Z1Tr interacted with SRLVs Vif, but this interaction was not associated with degradative properties. Similar A3Z1 truncated isoforms were also present in human and monkey cells suggesting a conserved alternative splicing regulation in primates. A3Z1-mediated retroviral restriction could be constrained by different means, including gene expression and specific alternative splicing regulation, leading to truncated protein isoforms lacking a cytidine-deaminase motif.
Open Access
Detection of PrPSc in lung and mammary gland is favored by the presence of Visna/maedi virus lesions in naturally coinfected sheep
(EDP Sciences, 2010) Salazar, Eider; Monleón, Eva; Bolea, Rosa; Acín, Cristina; Pérez, Marta María; Álvarez, Neila; Leginagoikoa, Iratxe; Juste, Ramón; Minguijón, Esmeralda; Reina Arias, Ramsés; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Berriatua, Eduardo; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Badiola, Juan José; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Luján, Lluís; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
There are few reports on the pathogenesis of scrapie (Sc) and Visna/maedi virus (VMV) coinfections. The aim of this work was to study in vivo as well as post mortem both diseases in 91 sheep. Diagnosis of Sc and VMV infections allowed the distribution of animals into five groups according to the presence (+) or absence ( ) of infection by Sc and VMV: Sc /VMV , Sc /VMV+, Sc+/VMV and Sc+/ VMV+. The latter was divided into two subgroups, with and without VMV-induced lymphoid follicle hyperplasia (LFH), respectively. In both the lung and mammary gland, PrPSc deposits were found in the germinal center of hyperplasic lymphoid follicles in the subgroup of Sc+/VMV+ having VMV-induced LFH. This detection was always associated with (and likely preceded by) PrPSc observation in the corresponding lymph nodes. No PrPSc was found in other VMV-associated lesions. Animals suffering from scrapie had a statistically significantly lower mean age than the scrapie free animals at the time of death, with no apparent VMV influence. ARQ/ARQ genotype was the most abundant among the 91 ewes and the most frequent in scrapie-affected sheep. VMV infection does not seem to influence the scrapie risk group distribution among animals from the five groups established in this work. Altogether, these data indicate that certain VMVinduced lesions can favor PrPSc deposits in Sc non-target organs such as the lung and the mammary gland, making this coinfection an interesting field that warrants further research for a better comprehension of the pathogenesis of both diseases.
Open Access
Diagnosing infection with small ruminant lentiviruses of genotypes A and B by combining synthetic peptides in ELISA
(Elsevier, 2015) Sanjosé, Leticia; Crespo Otano, Helena; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Reina Arias, Ramsés; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
The major challenges in diagnosing small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infection include early detection and genotyping of strains of epidemiological interest. A longitudinal study was carried out in Rasa Aragonesa sheep experimentally infected with viral strains of genotypes A or B from Spanish neurological and arthritic SRLV outbreaks, respectively. Sera were tested with two commercial ELISAs, three based on specific peptides and a novel combined peptide ELISA. Three different PCR assays were used to further assess infection status. The kinetics of anti-viral antibody responses were variable, with early diagnosis dependent on the type of ELISA used. Peptide epitopes of SRLV genotypes A and B combined in the same ELISA well enhanced the overall detection rate, whereas single peptides were useful for genotyping the infecting strain (A vs. B). The results of the study suggest that a combined peptide ELISA can be used for serological diagnosis of SRLV infection, with single peptide ELISAs useful for subsequent serotyping.
Open Access
Expression analysis of lung miRNAs responding to ovine VM virus infection by RNA-seq
(BioMed Central, 2019) Bilbao Arribas, Martin; Abendaño, Naiara; Varela Martínez, Endika; Reina Arias, Ramsés; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Jugo, Begoña M.; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous, single-stranded, noncoding small RNA molecules of approximately 22 nucleotides in length. They regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally by silencing mRNA expression, thus orchestrating many physiological processes. The Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV) group includes the Visna Maedi Virus (VMV) and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAEV) viruses, which cause a disease in sheep and goats characterized by pneumonia, mastitis, arthritis and encephalitis. Their main target cells are from the monocyte/macrophage lineage. To date, there are no studies on the role of miRNAs in this viral disease. Results: Using RNA-seq technology and bioinformatics analysis, the expression levels of miRNAs during different clinical stages of infection were studied. A total of 212 miRNAs were identified, of which 46 were conserved sequences in other species but found for the first time in sheep, and 12 were completely novel. Differential expression analysis comparing the uninfected and seropositive groups showed changes in several miRNAs; however, no significant differences were detected between seropositive asymptomatic and diseased sheep. The robust increase in the expression level of oar-miR-21 is consistent with its increased expression in other viral diseases. Furthermore, the target prediction of the dysregulated miRNAs revealed that they control genes involved in proliferation-related signalling pathways, such as the PI3K-Akt, AMPK and ErbB pathways. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting miRNA profiling in sheep in response to SRLV infection. The known functions of oar-miR-21 as a regulator of inflammation and proliferation appear to be a possible cause of the lesions caused in the sheep's lungs. This miRNA could be an indicator for the severity of the lung lesions, or a putative target for therapeutic intervention.
Open Access
Extensive rearing hinders Maedi-Visna Virus (MVV) infection in sheep
(EDP Sciences, 2006) Leginagoikoa, Iratxe; Juste, Ramón; Barandika, Jesse; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Luján, Lluís; Badiola, Juan José; Berriatua, Eduardo; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
Maedi-Visna Virus (MVV) seroprevalence and its relationship with housing and mode of rearing of replacement ewe-lambs was investigated in 38 non-randomly selected sheep-flocks in Spain. They included extensive lamb-producing Manchega cross-bred flocks raised almost permanently at pasture, semi-intensive Latxa dairy flocks housed 2–8 months/year and intensively raised Assaf dairy flocks housed most time and at higher stocking density in less ventilated buildings than other flocks. Most flocks raised replacement lambs naturally with their dams until weaning and as a separate flock thereafter until lambing at one year of age. Seroprevalence (95% confidence intervals) was 77%, 25% and 5% (4–6) in intensive, semi-intensive and extensive flocks, respectively and the median (interquartile range) flock-seroprevalence was 82% (66–94) in intensive flocks, 31% (14–31) in semi-intensive flocks and 4% (0–7) in extensive flocks. Seroprevalence was lowest in one year-old sheep and increased to flock levels during the year after introduction into the adult flock in most intensive flocks and more gradually in other flocks. Adult flock seroprevalence was associated with housing time but this relationship was not evident within a particular rearing system, indicating that other unknown factors are critical in horizontal MVV-transmission. Low seroprevalence in extensive flocks further supports previous indications that lactogenic MVV-infection is relatively inefficient and horizontal transmission is necessary to ensure long-term maintenance of MVV and this could explain that MVV has not been reported from countries with mainly extensively reared sheep such as Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, it indicates that MVV-control in extensive and semi-intensive flocks can be simple and inexpensive.
Open Access
The extradomain a of fibronectin enhances the efficacy of lipopolysaccharide defective Salmonella bacterins as vaccines in mice
(BioMed Central, 2012) San Román Aberasturi, Beatriz; Lasa Uzcudun, Íñigo; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Lasarte, Juan José; Grilló Dolset, María Jesús; Garrido González, Victoria; Muñoz Álvaro, Pilar María; Arribillaga, Laura; García Martínez, Begoña; Andrés, Ximena de; Zabaleta Sanz de Acedo, Virginia; Mansilla, Cristina; Farrán Blanch, Inmaculada; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua: IIM10865.RI1-EP12; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
The Extradomain A from fibronectin (EDA) has an immunomodulatory role as fusion protein with viral and tumor antigens, but its effect when administered with bacteria has not been assessed. Here, we investigated the adjuvant effect of EDA in mice immunizations against Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis (Salmonella Enteritidis). Since lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major virulence factor and the LPS O-polysaccharide (O-PS) is the immunodominant antigen in serological diagnostic tests, Salmonella mutants lacking O-PS (rough mutants) represent an interesting approach for developing new vaccines and diagnostic tests to differentiate infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA tests). Here, antigenic preparations (hot-saline extracts and formalin-inactivated bacterins) from two Salmonella Enteritidis rough mutants, carrying either intact (SE Delta waaL) or deep-defective (SE Delta gal) LPS-Core, were used in combination with EDA. Biotinylated bacterins, in particular SE Delta waaL bacterin, decorated with EDAvidin (EDA and streptavidin fusion protein) improved the protection conferred by hot-saline or bacterins alone and prevented significantly the virulent infection at least to the levels of live attenuated rough mutants. These findings demonstrate the adjuvant effect of EDAvidin when administered with biotinylated bacterins from Salmonella Enteritidis lacking O-PS and the usefulness of BEDA-SE Delta waaL as non-live vaccine in the mouse model.
Open Access
Iberian red deer: paraphyletic nature at mtDNA but nuclear markers support its genetic identity
(Wiley, 2016) Carranza, Juan; Salinas, María; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Pérez González, Javier; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
Red deer populations in the Iberian glacial refugium were the main source for postglacial recolonization and subspecific radiation in north-western Europe. However, the phylogenetic history of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and its relationships with northern European populations remain uncertain. Here, we study DNA sequences at the mitochondrial control region along with STR markers for over 680 specimens from all the main red deer populations in Spain and other west European areas. Our results from mitochondrial and genomic DNA show contrasting patterns, likely related to the nature of these types of DNA markers and their specific processes of change over time. The results, taken together, bring support to two distinct, cryptic maternal lineages for Iberian red deer that predated the last glacial maximum and that have maintained geographically well differentiated until present. Haplotype relationships show that only one of them contributed to the northern postglacial recolonization. However, allele frequencies of nuclear markers evidenced one main differentiation between Iberian and northern European subspecies although also supported the structure of both matrilines within Iberia. Thus, our findings reveal a paraphyletic nature for Iberian red deer but also its genetic identity and differentiation with respect to northern subspecies. Finally, we suggest that maintaining the singularity of Iberian red deer requires preventing not only restocking practices with red deer specimens belonging to other European populations but also translocations between both Iberian lineages.
Open Access
Identification of the ovine mannose receptor and its possible role in Visna/Maedi virus infection
(BioMed Central, 2011) Crespo Otano, Helena; Reina Arias, Ramsés; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Ramírez Álvarez, Hugo; Andrés, Ximena de; Jauregui, Paula; Luján, Lluís; Martínez Pomares, Luisa; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Andrés Cara, Damián de; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
This study aims to characterize the mannose receptor (MR) gene in sheep and its role in ovine visna/maedi virus (VMV) infection. The deduced amino acid sequence of ovine MR was compatible with a transmembrane protein having a cysteine-rich ricin-type amino-terminal region, a fibronectin type II repeat, eight tandem C-type lectin carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRD), a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic carboxy-terminal tail. The ovine and bovine MR sequences were closer to each other compared to human or swine MR. Concanavalin A (ConA) inhibited VMV productive infection, which was restored by mannan totally in ovine skin fibroblasts (OSF) and partially in blood monocyte-derived macrophages (BMDM), suggesting the involvement of mannosylated residues of the VMV ENV protein in the process. ConA impaired also syncytium formation in OSF transfected with an ENV-encoding pN3-plasmid. MR transcripts were found in two common SRLV targets, BMDM and synovial membrane (GSM) cells, but not in OSF. Viral infection of BMDM and especially GSM cells was inhibited by mannan, strongly suggesting that in these cells the MR is an important route of infection involving VMV Env mannosylated residues. Thus, at least three patterns of viral entry into SRLV-target cells can be proposed, involving mainly MR in GSM cells (target in SRLV-induced arthritis), MR in addition to an alternative route in BMDM (target in SRLV infections), and an alternative route excluding MR in OSF (target in cell culture). Different routes of SRLV infection may thus coexist related to the involvement of MR differential expression.
Open Access
Immunization against small ruminant lentiviruses
(MDPI, 2013) Reina Arias, Ramsés; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua: IIQ14064.RI1
Multisystemic disease caused by Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV) in sheep and goats leads to production losses, to the detriment of animal health and welfare. This, together with the lack of treatments, has triggered interest in exploring different strategies of immunization to control the widely spread SRLV infection and, also, to provide a useful model for HIV vaccines. These strategies involve inactivated whole virus, subunit vaccines, DNA encoding viral proteins in the presence or absence of plasmids encoding immunological adjuvants and naturally or artificially attenuated viruses. In this review, we revisit, comprehensively, the immunization strategies against SRLV and analyze this double edged tool individually, as it may contribute to either controlling or enhancing virus replication and/or disease.
Open Access
Lack of relationship between Visna/maedi infection and scrapie resistance genetic markers
(Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 2014) Salazar, Eider; Berriatua, Eduardo; Pérez, Marta María; Marín, Belén; Acín, Cristina; Martín Burriel, Inmaculada; Reina Arias, Ramsés; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Badiola, Juan José; Luján, Lluís; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
The relationship between Visna/maedi virus (VMV) antibody status and scrapie genetic resistance of 10,611 Rasa Aragonesa sheep from 17 flocks in Aragón (Spain) was investigated. The fifteen most common PRNP gene haplotypes and genotypes were identified and the genotypes were classified into the corresponding scrapie risk groups (groups 1 to 5). ARQ (93.3%) and ARR (31.8%) were the most common haplotypes and ARQ/ARQ (56%) and ARR/ARQ (25.6%) were the most common genotypes. The frequencies of scrapie risk groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 3.3%, 27.3%, 63.5%, 1.2% and 4.8%, respectively. Overall Visna/maedi seroprevalence was 53% and flock seroprevalence ranged between 21-86%. A random effects logistic regression model indicated that sheep VMV serological status (outcome variable) was not associated with any particular scrapie risk group. Instead, VMV seropositivity progressively increased with age, was signif icantly greater in females compared to males and varied between flocks. The absence of a relationship between VMV infection and scrapie genotypes is important for VMV control and specifically for sheep participating in an ELISA-based Visna/maedi control program.
Open Access
Lentinula edodes β-glucan enriched diet induces pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophages in rabbit
(Taylor & Francis, 2017) Crespo Otano, Helena; Guillén, Hugo; Pablo Maiso, Lorena de; Gómez Arrebola, Carmen; Rodríguez, Gregorio; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Reina Arias, Ramsés; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
β-glucans exhibited in cell walls of several pathogens as bacteria or fungi are sensed by pathogen recognition receptors such as scavenger receptors present in antigen presenting cells, i.e., macrophages. β-glucans obtained from Shiitake mushrooms were chemically characterized. A β-glucan supplemented diet was assayed for 30 days in rabbits aiming to characterize the immune response elicited in blood-derived macrophages. M1 and M2 profiles of macrophage differentiation were confirmed in rabbits by in vitro stimulation with IFN-γ and IL-4 and marker quantification of each differentiation pathway. Blood derived macrophages from rabbits administered in vivo with the β-glucan supplemented diet showed higher IL-4, IFN-γ and RAGE together with lower IL-10 relative expression, indicative of an ongoing immune response. Differences in IL-1β, IL-13 and IL-4 expression were also found in rabbit sera by ELISA suggesting further stimulation of the adaptive response. Recent challenges in the rabbit industry include the search of diet supplements able to elicit an immune stimulation with particular interest in facing pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. β–glucans from fungi may contribute to maintain an immune steady state favouring protection and thus reducing antibiotic treatment.
Open Access
Maedi-visna virus infection of ovine mammary epithelial cells
(EDP Sciences, 2006) Bolea, Rosa; Monleón, Eva; Carrasco, Librado; Vargas, Antonia; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Badiola, Juan José; Luján, Lluís; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
The aim of this work was to perform a complete study of maedi-visna virus (MVV) infected mammary glands of naturally-infected sheep, and to determine if cells other than macrophages undergo a productive viral infection in this organ. Fifteen seropositive and two seronegative ewes were selected from MVV-infected flocks on the basis of clinical indurative mastitis and three sheep from an MVV-free flock. Within the mammary gland, MVV-positive cells were located by immunohistochemistry in the stroma and the epithelial alveolar barrier, most likely the ovine mammary epithelial cells (OMEC) of the acini. In situ hybridization confirmed these findings. Ultrastructural studies showed the presence of lentivirus-like particles budding off the cell surface in the alveolar barrier and also free in the acinar lumen. The presence of mammary histopathological lesions and MVV together with clear indications of productive infection (demonstration of a cytopathic effect in OMEC cultures and infection of co-cultures) were observed in the 15 seropositive and one of the seronegative sheep from the infected flock. These findings demonstrate that the OMEC were infected in vivo and probably underwent productive infection when studied ex-vivo. The OMEC of MVV-free sheep, which had subsequently been infected in vitro with MVV, also showed productive infection when challenged in vitro, confirming the replication of MVV in OMEC in vitro. The presence of MVV-infected OMEC in the mammary gland from infected animals, the productive infection in these OMEC and the release of lentiviral particles to the acinar lumen may have relevance in the pathogenesis and transmission of MVV infection.
Open Access
Mannose receptor may be involved in small ruminant lentivirus pathogenesis
(BioMed Central, 2012) Crespo Otano, Helena; Jauregui, Paula; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Sanjosé, Leticia; Polledo, Laura; García Marín, Juan F.; Luján, Lluís; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Reina Arias, Ramsés; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua: IIQ14064.RI1; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Thirty-one sheep naturally infected with small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) of known genotype (A or B), and clinically affected with neurological disease, pneumonia or arthritis were used to analyse mannose receptor (MR) expression (transcript levels) and proviral load in virus target tissues (lung, mammary gland, CNS and carpal joints). Control sheep were SRLV-seropositive asymptomatic (n = 3), seronegative (n = 3) or with chronic listeriosis, pseudotuberculosis or parasitic cysts (n = 1 in each case). MR expression and proviral load increased with the severity of lesions in most analyzed organs of the SRLV infected sheep and was detected in the affected tissue involved in the corresponding clinical disease (CNS, lung and carpal joint in neurological disease, pneumonia and arthritis animal groups, respectively). The increased MR expression appeared to be SRLV specific and may have a role in lentiviral pathogenesis.
Open Access
Molecular signature of aluminum hydroxide adjuvant in ovine PBMCs by integrated mRNA and microRNA transcriptome sequencing
(Frontiers Media, 2018) Varela Martínez, Endika; Abendaño, Naiara; Asín, Javier; Sistiaga Poveda, Maialen; Pérez, Marta María; Reina Arias, Ramsés; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Luján, Lluís; Jugo, Begoña M.; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
There have been few in vivo studies on the effect of aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and its influence on the immune response to vaccination. In this study, lambs received a parallel subcutaneous treatment with either commercial vaccines containing aluminum hydroxide or an equivalent dose of this compound only with the aim of identifying the activated molecular signature. Blood samples were taken from each animal at the beginning and at the end of the experiment and PBMCs isolated. Total RNA and miRNA libraries were prepared and sequenced. After alignment to the Oar3.1 reference genome and differential expression with 3 programs, gene enrichment modeling was performed. For miRNAs, miRBase and RNAcentral databases were used for detection and characterization. Three expression comparisons were made: vaccinated animals at the beginning and at the end of the treatment, adjuvanted animals at the same times, and animals of both treatments at the end of the experiment. After exposure to both treatments, a total of 2,473; 2,980 and 429 differentially expressed genes were identified in vaccinated animals, adjuvanted animals and animals at the end of both treatments, respectively. In both adjuvant and vaccine treated animals the NF-κB signaling pathway was enriched. On the other hand, it can be observed a downregulation of cytokines and cytokine receptors in the adjuvanted group compared to the vaccinated group at the final time, suggesting a milder induction of the immune response when the adjuvant is alone. As for the miRNA analysis, 95 miRNAs were detected: 64 previously annotated in Ovis aries, 11 annotated in Bos taurus and 20 newly described. Interestingly, 6 miRNAs were differentially expressed in adjuvant treated animals, and 3 and 1 in the other two comparisons. Lastly, an integrated miRNA-mRNA expression profile was developed, in which a miRNA-mediated regulation of genes related to DNA damage stimulus was observed. In brief, it seems that aluminum-containing adjuvants are not simple delivery vehicles for antigens, but also induce endogenous danger signals that can stimulate the immune system. Whether this contributes to long-lasting immune activation or to the overstimulation of the immune system remains to be elucidated.
Open Access
Ovine TRIM5α can restrict visna/maedi virus
(American Society for Microbiology, 2012) Jauregui, Paula; Crespo Otano, Helena; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Luján, Lluís; Contreras, A.; Rosati, Sergio; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Towers, G. J.; Reina Arias, Ramsés; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua, IIQ14064.RI1
The restrictive properties of tripartite motif-containing 5 alpha (TRIM5α) from small ruminant species have not been explored. Here, we identify highly similar TRIM5α sequences in sheep and goats. Cells transduced with ovine TRIM5α effectively restricted the lentivirus visna/maedi virus DNA synthesis. Proteasome inhibition in cells transduced with ovine TRIM5α restored restricted viral DNA synthesis, suggesting a conserved mechanism of restriction. Identification of TRIM5α active molecular species may open new prophylactic strategies against lentiviral infections.
Open Access
Post-entry blockade of small ruminant lentiviruses by wild ruminants
(BioMed Central, 2016) Sanjosé, Leticia; Crespo Otano, Helena; Blatti-Cardinaux, Laure; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Martínez Carrasco, Carlos; Berriatua, Eduardo; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Bertoni, Giuseppe; Reina Arias, Ramsés; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua: IIQ010449.RI1; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua: IIQ14064.RI1; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infection causes losses in the small ruminant industry due to reduced animal production and increased replacement rates. Infection of wild ruminants in close contact with infected domestic animals has been proposed to play a role in SRLV epidemiology, but studies are limited and mostly involve hybrids between wild and domestic animals. In this study, SRLV seropositive red deer, roe deer and mouflon were detected through modified ELISA tests, but virus was not successfully amplified using a set of different PCRs. Apparent restriction of SRLV infection in cervids was not related to the presence of neutralizing antibodies. In vitro cultured skin fibroblastic cells from red deer and fallow deer were permissive to the SRLV entry and integration, but produced low quantities of virus. SRLV got rapidly adapted in vitro to blood-derived macrophages and skin fibroblastic cells from red deer but not from fallow deer. Thus, although direct detection of virus was not successfully achieved in vivo, these findings show the potential susceptibility of wild ruminants to SRLV infection in the case of red deer and, on the other hand, an in vivo SRLV restriction in fallow deer. Altogether these results may highlight the importance of surveilling and controlling SRLV infection in domestic as well as in wild ruminants sharing pasture areas, and may provide new natural tools to control SRLV spread in sheep and goats.
Open Access
Small ruminant lentiviruses: genetic variability, tropism and diagnosis
(MDPI, 2013) Ramírez Álvarez, Hugo; Reina Arias, Ramsés; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Martínez, Humberto A.; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) cause a multisystemic chronic disease affecting animal production and welfare. SRLV infections are spread across the world with the exception of Iceland. Success in controlling SRLV spread depends largely on the use of appropriate diagnostic tools, but the existence of a high genetic/antigenic variability among these viruses, the fluctuant levels of antibody against them and the low viral loads found in infected individuals hamper the diagnostic efficacy. SRLV have a marked in vivo tropism towards the monocyte/macrophage lineage and attempts have been made to identify the genome regions involved in tropism, with two main candidates, the LTR and env gene, since LTR contains primer binding sites for viral replication and the env-encoded protein (SU ENV), which mediates the binding of the virus to the host’s cell and has hypervariable regions to escape the humoral immune response. Once inside the host cell, innate immunity may interfere with SRLV replication, but the virus develops counteraction mechanisms to escape, multiply and survive, creating a quasi-species and undergoing compartmentalization events. So far, the mechanisms of organ tropism involved in the development of different disease forms (neurological, arthritic, pulmonary and mammary) are unknown, but different alternatives are proposed. This is an overview of the current state of knowledge on SRLV genetic variability and its implications in tropism as well as in the development of alternative diagnostic assays.
Open Access
Small ruminant macrophage polarization may play a pivotal role on lentiviral infection
(BioMed Central, 2013) Crespo Otano, Helena; Bertolotti, Luigi; Juganaru, Magda; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Andrés Cara, Damián de; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Rosati, Sergio; Reina Arias, Ramsés; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua: IIQ14064.RI1; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) infect the monocyte/macrophage lineage inducing a long-lasting infection affecting body condition, production and welfare of sheep and goats all over the world. Macrophages play a pivotal role on the host's innate and adaptative immune responses against parasites by becoming differentially activated. Macrophage heterogeneity can tentatively be classified into classically differentiated macrophages (M1) through stimulation with IFN-gamma displaying an inflammatory profile, or can be alternatively differentiated by stimulation with IL-4/IL-13 into M2 macrophages with homeostatic functions. Since infection by SRLV can modulate macrophage functions we explored here whether ovine and caprine macrophages can be segregated into M1 and M2 populations and whether this differential polarization represents differential susceptibility to SRLV infection. We found that like in human and mouse systems, ovine and caprine macrophages can be differentiated with particular stimuli into M1/M2 subpopulations displaying specific markers. In addition, small ruminant macrophages are plastic since M1 differentiated macrophages can express M2 markers when the stimulus changes from IFN-gamma to IL-4. SRLV replication was restricted in M1 macrophages and increased in M2 differentiated macrophages respectively according to viral production. Identification of the infection pathways in macrophage populations may provide new targets for eliciting appropriate immune responses against SRLV infection.
Open Access
Study of compartmentalization in the visna clinical form of small ruminant lentivirus infection in sheep
(BioMed Central, 2012) Ramírez Álvarez, Hugo; Reina Arias, Ramsés; Bertolotti, Luigi; Cenoz García, Amaia; Hernández, Mirna Margarita; San Román Aberasturi, Beatriz; Glaría Ezquer, Idoia; Andrés, Ximena de; Crespo Otano, Helena; Jauregui, Paula; Benavides, Julio; Polledo, Laura; Pérez, Valentín; García Marín, Juan F.; Rosati, Sergio; Amorena Zabalza, Beatriz; Andrés Cara, Damián de; IdAB. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología / Agrobioteknologiako Institutua; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua: IIQ010449.RI1; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua: IIQ14064.RI1; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Background: A central nervous system (CNS) disease outbreak caused by small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) has triggered interest in Spain due to the rapid onset of clinical signs and relevant production losses. In a previous study on this outbreak, the role of LTR in tropism was unclear and env encoded sequences, likely involved in tropism, were not investigated. This study aimed to analyze heterogeneity of SRLV Env regions - TM amino terminal and SU V4, C4 and V5 segments - in order to assess virus compartmentalization in CNS. Results: Eight Visna (neurologically) affected sheep of the outbreak were used. Of the 350 clones obtained after PCR amplification, 142 corresponded to CNS samples (spinal cord and choroid plexus) and the remaining to mammary gland, blood cells, bronchoalveolar lavage cells and/or lung. The diversity of the env sequences from CNS was 11.1-16.1% between animals and 0.35-11.6% within each animal, except in one animal presenting two sequence types (30% diversity) in the CNS (one grouping with those of the outbreak), indicative of CNS virus sequence heterogeneity. Outbreak sequences were of genotype A, clustering per animal and compartmentalizing in the animal tissues. No CNS specific signature patterns were found. Conclusions: Bayesian approach inferences suggested that proviruses from broncoalveolar lavage cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells represented the common ancestors (infecting viruses) in the animal and that neuroinvasion in the outbreak involved microevolution after initial infection with an A-type strain. This study demonstrates virus compartmentalization in the CNS and other body tissues in sheep presenting the neurological form of SRLV infection.