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Viral Infections: Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment
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Viral Infections: Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 5257

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dominika Marta Stygar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Jordana 19 Street, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
Interests: equine viral infection; insulin resistance; diabetes mellitus; metabolic syndrome; insulin
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Barbara Bażanów

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: virology; zoonoses; epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Viral infections have long been of interest to physicians and scientists around the world; however, it is only the development of molecular techniques in recent decades that has made it possible to understand many aspects of viral biology and their potential for transmission. Today, viral zoonotic diseases are becoming an increasing threat. This phenomenon is fostered by the increase in the size of both populations (human and animal) and the accompanying anthropogenic environmental degradation, as well as the need to convert wasteland into agricultural land and the interspecies transfer of pathogens resulting from the destruction of wildlife habitats and the environment, and climate change.  In the fight against zoonoses, research indicating the mechanisms by which viruses cross interspecies barriers, their adaptability and mutagenic properties is extremely important.

We are pleased to invite you to submit articles describing and discussing the latest data on the pathogenesis, physiology, molecular biology, diagnosis and treatment of viral infections, with particular emphasis on research at the molecular level. 

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • zoonotic diseases;
  • interspecies barriers in viral infections;
  • virus mutations;
  • pathogenesis of viral infections;
  • oxidative stress in viral infections;
  • molecular diagnostic methods;
  • antiviral drugs/preparations;
  • viral diseases with epidemic potential;
  • physiological mechanisms of viral infections

We look forward to receiving your applications.

Dr. Dominika Marta Stygar
Prof. Dr. Barbara Bażanów
Guest Editors

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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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

  • viral infections
  • virus mutations
  • molecular diagnostic methods
  • antiviral drugs/preparations
  • viral diseases physiological mechanisms

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1283 KiB  
Article
Lactobacilli-Derived Postmetabolites Are Broad-Spectrum Inhibitors of Herpes Viruses In Vitro
by Svetla Danova, Lili Dobreva, Kapka Mancheva, Georgi Atanasov, Lora Simeonova and Neli Vilhelmova-Ilieva
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010074 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 936
Abstract
Herpes viruses are highly contagious agents affecting all classes of vertebrates, thus causing serious health, social, and economic losses. Within the One Health concept, novel therapeutics are extensively studied for both veterinary and human control and management of the infection, but the optimal [...] Read more.
Herpes viruses are highly contagious agents affecting all classes of vertebrates, thus causing serious health, social, and economic losses. Within the One Health concept, novel therapeutics are extensively studied for both veterinary and human control and management of the infection, but the optimal strategy has not been invented yet. Lactic acid bacteria are key components of the microbiome that are known to play a protective role against pathogens as one of the proposed mechanisms involves compounds released from their metabolic activity. Previously, we reported the anti-herpes effect of postmetabolites isolated from Lactobacilli, and here, we confirm the inhibitory properties of another nine products against the phylogenetically distant human Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and fish Koi Herpes virus (KHV) in cell cultures. Cytotoxicity, cytopathic effect inhibition, virucidal effect, the influence on the adsorption stage of the virus to the cells, as well as the protective effect of the postmetabolites on healthy cells were evaluated. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced against HSV-1 than against KHV at all studied viral cycle stages. Regarding the intracellular replicative steps, samples S7, S8, and S9 (Mix group) isolated from Ligilactobacillus salivarius (vaginal strain) demonstrated the most distinct effect with calculated selective indices (SIs) in the range between 69.4 and 77.8 against HSV-1, and from 62.2 to 68.4 against KHV. Bioactive metabolites from various LAB species significantly inhibit extracellular HSV-1 and, to a lesser extent, KHV virions. The blockage of viral adsorption to the host cells was remarkable, as recorded by a decrease in the viral titer with Δlg ≥ 5 in the Mix group for both herpes viruses. The remaining postmetabolites also significantly inhibited viral adsorption to varying degrees with Δlg ≥ 3. Most metabolites also exerted a protective effect on healthy MDBK and CCB cells to subsequent experimental viral infection. Our results reveal new horizons for the application of LAB and their postbiotic products in the prevention and treatment of herpes diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infections: Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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13 pages, 2635 KiB  
Article
Development of a Multiplex RT–qPCR Method for the Identification and Lineage Typing of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
by Chunhao Tao, Xizhou Zhu, Ying Huang, Weifeng Yuan, Zhen Wang, Hongfei Zhu and Hong Jia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 13203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313203 - 8 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1298
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the pathogen that causes porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), leading to abortion of sows and the manifestation of respiratory diseases in piglets. PRRSV strains are categorized into two distinct genotypes: PRRSV–1 and PRRSV–2. PRRSV–2 [...] Read more.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the pathogen that causes porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), leading to abortion of sows and the manifestation of respiratory diseases in piglets. PRRSV strains are categorized into two distinct genotypes: PRRSV–1 and PRRSV–2. PRRSV–2 can be further classified into several lineages, including sub–lineage 1.8 (NADC30–like), sub–lineage 1.5 (NADC34–like), lineage 8 (HP–PRRSV–like), lineage 5 (VR–2332–like), and lineage 3 (QYYZ–like), all of which are prevalent in China. In order to identify PRRSV–1 and PRRSV–2, two primer–probe combinations were designed, targeting the M gene. In order to further differentiate the five lineages of PRRSV–2, another five primer–probe combinations were designed, targeting the Nsp2 gene. A TaqMan–based multiplex RT–qPCR assay was subsequently developed, integrating the aforementioned seven sets into two primer pools. Following the optimization of primer concentration and annealing temperature, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the assay’s amplification efficiency, specificity, repeatability, and sensitivity. The developed multiplex RT–qPCR method exhibited excellent repeatability, with coefficients of variation (CVs) less than 2.12%. The detection limits for all seven targets were found to be less than 5 copies/μL. Ultimately, the method was utilized for the detection of a total of 1009 clinical samples, with a PRRSV–positive rate of 7.63% (77/1009). Specifically, the reference method was utilized to further confirm the status of the 77 PRRSV–positive samples and another 27 samples suspected of PRRSV infection. The sensitivity of the method was 97.40% (75/77), and the specificity was 96.30% (26/27), resulting in an overall coincidence rate of 97.12% (101/104). All the PRRSV–positive samples were typed as NADC30–like strains, and the accuracy of this typing was further confirmed by Sanger sequencing. In conclusion, A one–step multiplex RT–qPCR method was successfully constructed, evaluated, and applied to detect clinical samples. The assay provides an easy–to–operate, time–saving, and highly efficient way for the quick identification of PRRSV and simultaneous detection of five PRRSV–2 lineages prevalent in China. The method could offer guidance for PRRSV prevention and control measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infections: Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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11 pages, 947 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Different Respiratory Viruses on the Oxidative Stress Marker Levels in an In Vitro Model: A Pilot Study
by Barbara Bażanów, Katarzyna Michalczyk, Alina Kafel, Elżbieta Chełmecka, Bronisława Skrzep-Poloczek, Aleksandra Chwirot, Kamil Nikiel, Aleksander Olejnik, Alicja Suchocka, Michał Kukla, Bartosz Bogielski, Jerzy Jochem and Dominika Stygar
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12088; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212088 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1155
Abstract
Respiratory viruses are among the most common causes of human infections. Examining pathological processes linked to respiratory viral infections is essential for diagnosis, treatment strategies, and developing novel therapeutics. Alterations in oxidative stress levels and homeostasis are significant processes associated with respiratory viral [...] Read more.
Respiratory viruses are among the most common causes of human infections. Examining pathological processes linked to respiratory viral infections is essential for diagnosis, treatment strategies, and developing novel therapeutics. Alterations in oxidative stress levels and homeostasis are significant processes associated with respiratory viral infections. The study aimed to compare selected oxidative stress markers: total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in normal (MRC5 cell line) and tumor (A549 cell line) lung cells infected with human coronaviruses (HCoV) OC43 and 229E, human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV5), or human rhinovirus A (HRV A). We observed that a respiratory viral infection more significantly affected non-enzymatic oxidative stress markers in a lung adenocarcinoma model (A549 cells), while human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cell line) presented changes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative stress markers. We suggest that further detailed research is required to analyze this phenomenon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infections: Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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Review

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16 pages, 1004 KiB  
Review
Comparison of Respiratory Microbiomes in Influenza Versus Other Respiratory Infections: Systematic Review and Analysis
by Yunrui Hao, Ying-Jou Lee, Kihan Yap, Miny Samuel and Vincent T. Chow
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020778 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1011
Abstract
Studies have indicated the potential importance of the human nasal and respiratory microbiomes in health and disease. However, the roles of these microbiomes in the pathogenesis of influenza and its complications are not fully understood. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and [...] Read more.
Studies have indicated the potential importance of the human nasal and respiratory microbiomes in health and disease. However, the roles of these microbiomes in the pathogenesis of influenza and its complications are not fully understood. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and analysis is to identify the patterns of nasal and respiratory microbiome dysbiosis and to define the unique signature bacteria associated with influenza compared with other respiratory tract infections. We compared the respiratory microbiome composition between influenza patients and healthy controls; across different influenza severities; in adult versus pediatric influenza patients; as well as influenza versus other respiratory infections. The desired outcomes include the signature bacteria in each cohort and the Shannon index to reflect the alpha diversity. Of the 2269 articles identified, 31 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These studies investigated the respiratory tract microbiomes of patients with influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, other respiratory infections, and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our review revealed that the phylum Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, genus Actinomyces, Streptococcus and Granulicatella, and species Neisseria are more prominent in severe influenza than mild to moderate influenza. Reduced microbiome alpha diversity is noted in influenza patients compared to healthy controls. There are some similarities and differences between the signature bacteria in pediatric and adult influenza patients, e.g., Streptococcus is common in both age groups, whereas Pseudomonas is associated with adults. Intriguingly, there is a common predominance of Streptococcus and Firmicutes among influenza and pneumonia patients. COVID-19 patients exhibit an increased abundance of Firmicutes as well as Pseudomonas. In CRS patients, Proteobacteria and Haemophilus are found in high abundance. This review highlights some similarities and differences in the respiratory microbiomes and their signature organisms in influenza of varying severity and in different age groups compared with other respiratory infections. The dysbiosis of the respiratory microbiomes in these respiratory infections enhances our understanding of their underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infections: Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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