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13 pages, 9602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical and Laboratory Parameters of Carp Edema Virus Disease: A Case Report

by Ivana Papežíková, Veronika Piačková, Iva Dyková, Ali Asghar Baloch, Hana Kocour Kroupová, Eliška Zusková, Ľubomír Pojezdal, Hana Minářová, Eva Syrová, Hana Banďouchová, Pavel Hyršl, Kateřina Matějíčková, Jiří Pikula and Miroslava Palíková

Viruses 2023, 15(5), 1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15051044 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2254

Abstract

In the present study, we describe a natural outbreak of carp edema virus disease (CEVD) in koi carp, concentrating on clinical manifestation, gross and microscopic pathology, immunological parameters, viral diagnostics, and phylogenetic analysis. Examination of white blood cell parameters showed increased monocyte and [...] Read more.

In the present study, we describe a natural outbreak of carp edema virus disease (CEVD) in koi carp, concentrating on clinical manifestation, gross and microscopic pathology, immunological parameters, viral diagnostics, and phylogenetic analysis. Examination of white blood cell parameters showed increased monocyte and decreased lymphocyte counts in CEV-affected fish compared to healthy control fish. Regarding immune system functioning, the present work shows, for the first time, enhanced phagocytic activity in CEV-affected fish. Respiratory burst of phagocytes was strongly increased in diseased fish, the increase being attributed to an increased phagocyte count rather than enhancement of their metabolic activity. The present work also newly shows histopathological changes in the pancreatic tissue of diseased koi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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16 pages, 8108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation, Characterization, and Transcriptome Analysis of an ISKNV-Like Virus from Largemouth Bass

by Zhuqing Xu, Jiaming Liao, Dongzhuo Zhang, Shaoli Liu, Luhao Zhang, Shaozhu Kang, Linting Xu, Hong Chen, Wenquan Peng, Sheng Zhou, Qiwei Qin and Jingguang Wei

Viruses 2023, 15(2), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020398 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2319

Abstract

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is an important commercial fish farmed in China. Challenges related to diseases caused by pathogens, such as iridovirus, have become increasingly serious. In 2017, we detected iridovirus-infected diseased largemouth bass in Zunyi, Guizhou Province. The isolated virus [...] Read more.

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is an important commercial fish farmed in China. Challenges related to diseases caused by pathogens, such as iridovirus, have become increasingly serious. In 2017, we detected iridovirus-infected diseased largemouth bass in Zunyi, Guizhou Province. The isolated virus was identified as an infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV)-like virus (ISKNV-ZY). ISKNV-ZY induces a cytopathic effect after infecting mandarin fish brain (MFB) cells. Abundant hexagonal virus particles were observed in the cytoplasm of ISKNV-ZY-infected MFB cells, using electron microscopy. The whole genome of ISKNV-ZY contained 112,248 bp and 122 open reading frames. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that ISKNV-ZY was most closely related to BCIV, indicating that it is an ISKNV-like megalocytivirus. ISKNV-ZY-infected largemouth bass started to die on day six and reached a death peak on days 7–8. Cumulative mortality reached 100% on day 10. Using RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis after ISKNV-ZY infection, 6254 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) were identified, of which 3518 were upregulated and 2673 downregulated. The DEGs were associated with endocytosis, thermogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, etc. These results contribute to understanding the molecular regulation mechanism of ISKNV infection and provide a basis for ISKNV prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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14 pages, 7655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of EGCG Extracted from Green Tea against Largemouth Bass Virus Infection

by Yuan Cheng, Mingzhu Liu, Qing Yu, Shuaishuai Huang, Shuyu Han, Jingu Shi, Hongling Wei, Jianwei Zou and Pengfei Li

Viruses 2023, 15(1), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15010151 - 3 Jan 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2313

Abstract

(1) Background: Largemouth bass virus (LMBV) is a major viral pathogen in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) aquaculture that often causes high mortality and heavy economic losses, thus developing treatments to combat this pathogen is of great commercial importance. Green tea is [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Largemouth bass virus (LMBV) is a major viral pathogen in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) aquaculture that often causes high mortality and heavy economic losses, thus developing treatments to combat this pathogen is of great commercial importance. Green tea is a well-known medicinal plant that contains active ingredients with antiviral, antibacterial, and other biological activities. The goals of this study were to explore the effect and mechanism of green tea source compounds on LMBV and provide data to serve as the basis for the screening of targeted drugs in the future. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the main component of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), against LMBV infection. (2) Methods: The safe working concentration of EGCG was identified by cell viability detection and light microscopy. The antiviral activity and mechanism of action of EGCG against LMBV infection were evaluated with light microscopy, an aptamer 6-carboxy-fluorescein-based fluorescent molecular probe, and reverse transcription quantitative PCR. (3) Results: The safe working concentration of EGCG was ≤10 μg/mL. EGCG showed significant anti-LMBV infection activity in a concentration-dependent manner, and it also destroyed the structure of virus particles. EGCG impacted the binding of virus particles to cell receptors and virus invasion into the host cells. Inhibitory effects of EGCG on LMBV particles, LMBV binding to the host-cell membrane, and LMBV invasion were 84.89%, 98.99%, and 95.23%, respectively. Meanwhile, the effects of EGCG subsequently were verified in vivo. The fatality rate of the LMBV + EGCG group was significantly lower than that of the LMBV group. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that EGCG has effective antiviral properties against LMBV and may be a candidate for the effective treatment and control of LMBV infections in largemouth bass aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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11 pages, 3049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Viral Capsid Change upon Encapsulation of Double-Stranded DNA into an Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus-like Particle

by Wattana Weerachatyanukul, Pauline Kiatmetha, Ponlawoot Raksat, Supawich Boonkua, Orawan Thongsum, Pitchanee Jariyapong, Charoonroj Chotwiwatthanakun, Puey Ounjai and Zoltan Metlagel

Viruses 2023, 15(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15010110 - 30 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1735

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to encapsulate the sizable double-stranded DNA (dsDNA, 3.9 kbp) into a small-sized infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus-like particle (IHHNV-VLP; T = 1) and compared the changes in capsid structure between dsDNA-filled VLP and empty VLP. Based on [...] Read more.

In this study, we aimed to encapsulate the sizable double-stranded DNA (dsDNA, 3.9 kbp) into a small-sized infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus-like particle (IHHNV-VLP; T = 1) and compared the changes in capsid structure between dsDNA-filled VLP and empty VLP. Based on our encapsulation protocol, IHHNV-VLP was able to load dsDNA at an efficiency of 30–40% (w/w) into its cavity. Structural analysis revealed two subclasses of IHHNV-VLP, so-called empty and dsDNA-filled VLPs. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of the empty VLP produced in E. coli was similar to that of the empty IHHNV-VLP produced in Sf9 insect cells. The size of the dsDNA-filled VLP was slightly bigger (50 Å) than its empty VLP counterpart; however, the capsid structure was drastically altered. The capsid was about 1.5-fold thicker due to the thickening of the capsid interior, presumably from DNA–capsid interaction evident from capsid protrusions or nodules on the interior surface. In addition, the morphological changes of the capsid exterior were particularly observed in the vicinity of the five-fold axes, where the counter-clockwise twisting of the “tripod” structure at the vertex of the five-fold channel was evident, resulting in a widening of the channel’s opening. Whether these capsid changes are similar to virion capsid maturation in the host cells remains to be investigated. Nevertheless, the ability of IHHNV-VLP to encapsulate the sizable dsDNA has opened up the opportunity to package a dsDNA vector that can insert exogenous genes and target susceptible shrimp cells in order to halt viral infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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14 pages, 2729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Visualization Improvement for the Rapid Detection of Decapod Iridescent Virus 1 (DIV1) in Penaeus vannamei Based on an Isothermal Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay

by Yajin Xu, Yan Wang, Jingjie Hu, Zhenmin Bao and Mengqiang Wang

Viruses 2022, 14(12), 2752; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14122752 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2380

Abstract

Viral diseases have seriously restricted the healthy development of aquaculture, and decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) has led to heavy losses in the global shrimp aquaculture industry. Due to the lack of effective treatment, early detection and regular monitoring are the most effective [...] Read more.

Viral diseases have seriously restricted the healthy development of aquaculture, and decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) has led to heavy losses in the global shrimp aquaculture industry. Due to the lack of effective treatment, early detection and regular monitoring are the most effective ways to avoid infection with DIV1. In this study, a novel real-time quantitative recombinase polymerase amplification (qRPA) assay and its instrument-free visualization improvement were described for the rapid detection of DIV1. Optimum primer pairs, suitable reaction temperatures, and probe concentrations of a DIV1-qRPA assay were screened to determine optimal reaction conditions. Then, its ability to detect DIV1 was evaluated and compared with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCRs). The sensitivity tests demonstrated that the limit of detection (LOD) of the DIV1-qRPA assay was 1.0 copies μL⁻¹. Additionally, the presentation of the detection results was improved with SYBR Green I, and the LOD of the DIV1-RPA-SYBR Green I assay was 1.0 × 10³ copies μL⁻¹. Both the DIV1-qRPA and DIV1-RPA-SYBR Green I assays could be performed at 42 °C within 20 min and without cross-reactivity with the following: white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), Vibrio parahaemolyticus associated with acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (V_p_AHPND), Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), and infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV). In conclusion, this approach yields rapid, straightforward, and simple DIV1 diagnoses, making it potentially valuable as a reliable tool for the detection and prevention of DIV1, especially where there is a paucity of laboratory equipment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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14 pages, 3558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Distribution of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV) Strains of Genogroups 1, 5, and 7 after Intraperitoneal Administration in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

by Yizhi Shao, Guangming Ren, Jingzhuang Zhao, Tongyan Lu, Qi Liu and Liming Xu

Viruses 2022, 14(12), 2634; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14122634 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1555

Abstract

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) is the causative agent of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) IPN and causes significant loss of fingerlings. The currently prevalent IPNV genogroups in China are genogroups 1 and 5. However, in this study, we isolated and identified [...] Read more.

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) is the causative agent of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) IPN and causes significant loss of fingerlings. The currently prevalent IPNV genogroups in China are genogroups 1 and 5. However, in this study, we isolated and identified a novel IPNV, IPNV-P202019, which belonged to genogroup 7. Here, a total of 200 specific-pathogen-free rainbow trout (10 g average weight) were divided randomly into four groups to investigate the distribution of different IPNV strains (genogroups 1, 5, and 7) in 9 tissues of rainbow trout by means of intraperitoneal (ip) injection. Fish in each group were monitored after 3-, 7-, 14-, 21- and 28- days post-infection (dpi). The study showed no mortality in all groups. The distribution of IPNV genogroups 1 and 5 was similar in different tissues and had a higher number of viral loads after 3, 7, or 14 dpi. However, the distribution of IPNV genogroup 7 was detected particularly in the spleen, head kidney, and feces and had a lower number of viral loads. The results of this study provide valid data for the distribution of IPNV in rainbow trout tissues and showed that IPNV genogroups 1 and 5 were still the prevalent genogroups of IPNV in China. Although rainbow trout carried IPNV genogroup 7, the viral load was too low to be pathogenic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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12 pages, 2049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Factors and Their Threshold Affecting the Survival of Five Aquatic Animal Viruses in Different Animal Cells

by Zi-Hao Wang, Fei Ke, Jian-Fang Gui and Qi-Ya Zhang

Viruses 2022, 14(11), 2546; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14112546 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1702

Abstract

Aquatic animal viruses infect and transmit in aquatic environments, causing serious harm to the aquaculture industry and a variety of wild aquatic animals. How are they affected by environmental factors and do they represent potential threat to mammalian heath or not? Here, the [...] Read more.

Aquatic animal viruses infect and transmit in aquatic environments, causing serious harm to the aquaculture industry and a variety of wild aquatic animals. How are they affected by environmental factors and do they represent potential threat to mammalian heath or not? Here, the effects of environmental factors (ultraviolet radiation (UV), temperature, pH, and drying) and their threshold on five epidemic aquatic animal viruses infecting amphibians and bony fish, including Rana grylio virus (RGV), Andrias davidianus ranavirus (ADRV), Grass carp reovirus (GCRV), Paralichthys olivaceus rhabdovirus (PORV), and Scophthalmus maximus rhabdovirus (SMRV), were measured and compared in a fish cell line. The examination of virus titers after different treatment in fish cells showed that the two iridoviruses, RGV and ADRV, had a higher tolerance to all of the environmental factors, such as they only had a decay rate of 22–36% when incubated at 37 °C for 7 days. However, the rhabdovirus SMRV was sensitive to all of the factors, with a decay rate of more than 80% in most of the treatments; even a complete inactivation (100%) can be observed after drying treatment. To address the potential threat to mammals, infectivity and limitation factors of the five viruses in Baby hamster kidney fibroblast cells (BHK-21) were tested, which showed that three of the five viruses can replicate at a low temperature, but a high temperature strongly inhibited their infection and none of them could replicate at 37 °C. This study clarified the sensitivity or tolerance of several different types of aquatic animal viruses to the main environmental factors in the aquatic environment and proved that the viruses cannot replicate in mammalian cells at normal physiological temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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21 pages, 4201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cromileptes altivelis microRNA Transcriptome Analysis upon Nervous Necrosis Virus (NNV) Infection and the Effect of cal-miR-155 on Cells Apoptosis and Virus Replication

by Hehe Du, Zhenjie Cao, Zhiru Liu, Guotao Wang, Ying Wu, Xiangyu Du, Caoying Wei, Yun Sun and Yongcan Zhou

Viruses 2022, 14(10), 2184; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14102184 - 3 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2115

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could regulate various biological processes. Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) is one of the primary germs of the Humpback grouper (Cromileptes altivelis), a commercial fish of great importance for Asian aquaculture. However, there is limited available information on the host-virus [...] Read more.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) could regulate various biological processes. Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) is one of the primary germs of the Humpback grouper (Cromileptes altivelis), a commercial fish of great importance for Asian aquaculture. However, there is limited available information on the host-virus interactions of C. altivelis. miRNAs have been shown to play key roles in the host response to infection by a variety of pathogens. To better understand the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs, we constructed miRNA transcriptomes and identified immune-related miRNAs of C. altivelis spleen in response to NNV infection. Reads from the three libraries were mapped onto the Danio rerio reference genome. As a result, a total of 942 mature miRNAs were determined, with 266 known miRNAs and 676 novel miRNAs. Among them, thirty-two differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) were identified compared to the PBS control. These DEmiRs were targeted on 895 genes, respectively, by using miRanda v3.3a. Then, 14 DEmiRs were validated by qRT-PCR and showed consistency with those obtained from high-throughput sequencing. In order to study the relationship between viral infection and host miRNA, a cell line from C. altivelis brain (CAB) was used to examine the expressions of five known DEmiRs (miR-132-3p, miR-194a, miR-155, miR-203b-5p, and miR-146) during NNV infection. The results showed that one miRNA, cal-miRNA-155, displayed significantly increased expression in response to the virus infection. Subsequently, it was proved that overexpression of cal-miR-155 enhanced cell apoptosis with or without NNV infection and inhibited virus replication in CAB cells. Oppositely, the cal-miRNA-155 inhibitor markedly suppressed apoptosis in CAB cells. The results of the apoptosis-related genes mRNA expression also showed the regulation of cal-miR-155 on the apoptosis process in CAB cells. These findings verify that miR-155 might exert a function as a pro-apoptotic factor in reply to NNV stimulation in CAB cells and help us further study the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of NNV in C. altivelis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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12 pages, 1201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiviral Activity of Crude Polysaccharide Derived from Seaweed against IHNV and IPNV In Vitro

by Guangming Ren, Liming Xu, Jingzhuang Zhao, Yizhi Shao, Yujie Lin, Linfang Li, Qi Liu, Tongyan Lu and Qiya Zhang

Viruses 2022, 14(9), 2080; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14092080 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2455

Abstract

Both infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) are the causative agents of acute and highly contagious diseases of juvenile salmonids, resulting in severe economic losses to these cold-water fish globally. There is an urgent need to explore antiviral [...] Read more.

Both infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) are the causative agents of acute and highly contagious diseases of juvenile salmonids, resulting in severe economic losses to these cold-water fish globally. There is an urgent need to explore antiviral agents against IHNV and IPNV due to the lack of commercially available vaccines and antiviral drugs. More importantly, the co-infection of IHNV and IPNV is prevalent in nature, which not only aggravates extensive damage to the salmonids but also poses challenges to its prevention and control. The antiviral effects of a crude polysaccharide derived from seaweed (CSP) on IHNV and IPNV were evaluated in this study separately. Furthermore, the underlying antiviral mechanisms of CSP to IHNV and IPNV were analyzed, respectively. The results showed that CSP possessed excellent safety and good ability to inhibit IHNV, IPNV, and their co-infection. CSP preferred to act at the early stage of viral infection. The antiviral mechanism of CSP on IHNV is possibly involved in preventing viral attachment and release, while in IPNV, it is involved in suppressing viral attachment, entry, and release. Taken together, the results of this study shed new light on developing novel agents against viral infection in salmonid fish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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15 pages, 3025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complete Genome and Molecular Characterization of a New Cyprinid Herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) SH-01 Strain Isolated from Cultured Crucian Carp

by Jia Yang, Jinxuan Wen, Simin Xiao, Chang Wei, Fei Yu, Patarida Roengjit, Liqun Lu and Hao Wang

Viruses 2022, 14(9), 2068; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14092068 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2658

Abstract

Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) is a causative factor of herpesviral hematopoietic necrosis (HVHN) in farmed crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and goldfish (Carassius auratus). In this study, we analyzed the genomic characteristics of a new strain, CyHV-2 SH-01, isolated during [...] Read more.

Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) is a causative factor of herpesviral hematopoietic necrosis (HVHN) in farmed crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and goldfish (Carassius auratus). In this study, we analyzed the genomic characteristics of a new strain, CyHV-2 SH-01, isolated during outbreaks in crucian carp at a local fish farm near Shanghai, China. CyHV-2 SH-01 exhibited a high sensitivity to goldfish and crucian carp in our previous research. The complete genome of SH-01 is 290,428 bp with 154 potential open reading frames (ORFs) and terminal repeat (TR) regions at both ends. Compared to the sequenced genomes of other CyHVs, Carassius auratus herpesvirus (CaHV) and Anguillid herpesvirus 1 (AngHV-1), several variations were found in SH-01, including nucleotide mutations, deletions, and insertions, as well as gene duplications, rearrangements, and horizontal transfers. Overall, the genome of SH-01 shares 99.60% of its identity with that of ST-J1. Genomic collinearity analysis showed that SH-01 has a high degree of collinearity with another three CyHV-2 isolates, and it is generally closely related to CaHV, CyHV-1, and CyHV-3, although it contains many differences in locally collinear blocks (LCBs). The lowest degree of collinearity was found with AngHV-1, despite some homologous LCBs, indicating that they are evolutionarily the most distantly related. The results provide new clues to better understand the CyHV-2 genome through sequencing and sequence mining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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17 pages, 2361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Characterization of a Newly Discovered Phage, V-YDF132, for Lysing Vibrio harveyi

by Shaozhu Kang, Luhao Zhang, Jiaming Liao, Dongzhuo Zhang, Siting Wu, Xin Zhang, Qiwei Qin and Jingguang Wei

Viruses 2022, 14(8), 1802; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14081802 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2407

Abstract

A newly discovered lytic bacteriophage, V-YDF132, which efficiently infects the pathogenic strain of Vibrio harveyi, was isolated from aquaculture water collected in Yangjiang, China. Electron microscopy studies revealed that V-YDF132 belonged to the Siphoviridae family, with an icosahedral head and a long [...] Read more.

A newly discovered lytic bacteriophage, V-YDF132, which efficiently infects the pathogenic strain of Vibrio harveyi, was isolated from aquaculture water collected in Yangjiang, China. Electron microscopy studies revealed that V-YDF132 belonged to the Siphoviridae family, with an icosahedral head and a long noncontractile tail. The phage has a latent period of 25 min and a burst size of 298 pfu/infected bacterium. V-YDF132 was stable from 37 to 50 °C. It has a wide range of stability (pH 5–11) and can resist adverse external environments. In addition, in vitro the phage V-YDF132 has a strong lytic effect on the host. Genome sequencing results revealed that V-YDF132 has a DNA genome of 84,375 bp with a GC content of 46.97%. In total, 115 putative open reading frames (ORFs) were predicted in the phage V-YDF132 genome. Meanwhile, the phage genome does not contain any known bacterial virulence genes or antimicrobial resistance genes. Comparison of the genomic features of the phage V-YDF132 and phylogenetic analysis revealed that V-YDF132 is a newly discovered Vibrio phage. Multiple genome comparisons and comparative genomics showed that V-YDF132 is in the same genus as Vibrio phages vB_VpS_PG28 (MT735630.2) and VH2_2019 (MN794238.1). Overall, the results indicate that V-YDF132 is potentially applicable for biological control of vibriosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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14 pages, 4623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early or Simultaneous Infection with Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus Inhibits Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus Replication and Induces a Stronger Antiviral Response during Co-infection in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

by Yizhi Shao, Jingzhuang Zhao, Guangming Ren, Tongyan Lu, Xiaoyu Chen and Liming Xu

Viruses 2022, 14(8), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14081732 - 6 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2040

Abstract

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) and infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) are the most common viral diseases of salmon in aquaculture worldwide. The co-infection of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with IHN virus (IHNV) and IPN virus (IPNV) is known to occur. To determine [...] Read more.

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) and infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) are the most common viral diseases of salmon in aquaculture worldwide. The co-infection of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with IHN virus (IHNV) and IPN virus (IPNV) is known to occur. To determine the influence of IPNV on IHNV in co-infection, rainbow trout were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with IPNV at different time intervals prior to, simultaneously to, or after IHNV infection. The replication of IHNV in the brain, gill, heart, liver, spleen, and head kidney was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that when rainbow trout were i.p. injected with IPNV prior to, simultaneously to, or after IHNV on 2 day (d), IHNV replication was inhibited (p < 0.05) in all collected tissues. Nevertheless, when rainbow trout were i.p. injected with IPNV after IHNV on 7 d (H7P), IHNV replication was only inhibited (p < 0.05) in the liver 14 d post-IHNV infection. Moreover, stronger antiviral responses occurred in all challenge groups. Our results suggest that IPNV can inhibit IHNV replication before or simultaneously with IHNV infection, and induce a stronger antiviral response, and that this inhibition is most sensitive in the liver. Early i.p. injection of IPNV can significantly reduce the mortality of rainbow trout, compared with the group only injected with IHNV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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16 pages, 3376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Analysis of the Cathepsin D Gene Response to SGIV Infection in the Orange-Spotted Grouper, Epinephelus coioides

by Yuexuan Wang, Honglin Han, Kecheng Zhu, Suifeng Xu, Chengzong Han, Yunxiang Jiang, Shina Wei and Qiwei Qin

Viruses 2022, 14(8), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14081680 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2000

Abstract

(1) Background: Lysosomal aspartic protease Cathepsin D (CD) is a key regulator and signaling molecule in various biological processes including activation and degradation of intracellular proteins, the antigen process and programmed cell death. However, the function of fish CD in virus infection remains [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Lysosomal aspartic protease Cathepsin D (CD) is a key regulator and signaling molecule in various biological processes including activation and degradation of intracellular proteins, the antigen process and programmed cell death. However, the function of fish CD in virus infection remains largely unknown. (2) Methods: The functions of the CD gene response to SGIV infection was determined with light microscopy, reverse transcription quantitative PCR, Western blot and flow cytometry. (3) Results: In this study, Ec-Cathepsin D (Ec-CD) was cloned and identified from the orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides. The open reading frame (ORF) of Ec-CD consisted of 1191 nucleotides encoding a 396 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 43.17 kDa. Ec-CD possessed typical CD structural features including an N-terminal signal peptide, a propeptide region and a mature domain including two glycosylation sites and two active sites, which were conserved in other CD sequences. Ec-CD was predominantly expressed in the spleen and kidneys of healthy groupers. A subcellular localization assay indicated that Ec-CD was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Ec-CD expression was suppressed by SGIV stimulation and Ec-CD-overexpressing inhibited SGIV replication, SGIV-induced apoptosis, caspase 3/8/9 activity and the activation of reporter gene p53 and activating protein-1 (AP-1) in vitro. Simultaneously, Ec-CD overexpression obviously restrained the activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, Ec-CD overexpression negatively regulated the transcription level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of the NF-κB promotor. (4) Conclusions: Our findings revealed that the Ec-CD possibly served a function during SGIV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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16 pages, 7060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Isolation and Identification of Largemouth Bass Virus and Rhabdovirus from Moribund Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

by Yuqi Jin, Sven M. Bergmann, Qianyi Mai, Ying Yang, Weiqiang Liu, Dongli Sun, Yanfeng Chen, Yingying Yu, Yuhong Liu, Wenlong Cai, Hanxu Dong, Hua Li, Hui Yu, Yali Wu, Mingjian Lai and Weiwei Zeng

Viruses 2022, 14(8), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14081643 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3217

Abstract

Largemouth bass is an important commercially farmed fish in China, but the rapid expansion of its breeding has resulted in increased incidence of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. In this study, moribund largemouth bass containing ulcer foci on body surfaces indicated [...] Read more.

Largemouth bass is an important commercially farmed fish in China, but the rapid expansion of its breeding has resulted in increased incidence of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. In this study, moribund largemouth bass containing ulcer foci on body surfaces indicated the most likely pathogens were iridovirus and rhabdovirus members and this was confirmed using a combination of immunohistochemistry, cell culture, electron microscopy and conserved gene sequence analysis. We identified that these fish had been co-infected with these viruses. We observed bullet-shaped virions (100–140 nm long and 50–100 nm in diameter) along with hexagonal virions with 140 nm diameters in cell culture inoculated with tissue homogenates. The viruses were plaque purified and a comparison of the highly conserved regions of the genome of these viruses indicated that they are most similar to largemouth bass virus (LMBV) and hybrid snakehead rhabdovirus (HSHRV), respectively. Regression infection experiments indicated fish mortalities for LMBV-FS2021 and HSHRV-MS2021 were 86.7 and 11.1%, respectively. While co-infection resulted in 93.3% mortality that was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the single infections even though the viral loads differed by >100-fold. Overall, we simultaneously isolated and identified LMBV and a HSHRV-like virus from diseased largemouth bass, and our results can provide novel ideas for the prevention and treatment of combined virus infection especially in largemouth bass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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16 pages, 5812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Largemouth Bass Virus Infection Induced Non-Apoptotic Cell Death in MsF Cells

by Jiahui Yang, Weihua Xu, Wenji Wang, Zanbin Pan, Qiwei Qin, Xiaohong Huang and Youhua Huang

Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14071568 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2940

Abstract

Largemouth bass virus (LMBV), belonging to the genus Ranavirus, causes high mortality and heavy economic losses in largemouth bass aquaculture. In the present study, a novel cell line, designated as MsF, was established from the fin of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides [...] Read more.

Largemouth bass virus (LMBV), belonging to the genus Ranavirus, causes high mortality and heavy economic losses in largemouth bass aquaculture. In the present study, a novel cell line, designated as MsF, was established from the fin of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and applied to investigate the characteristics of cell death induced by LMBV. MsF cells showed susceptibility to LMBV, evidenced by the occurrence of a cytopathic effect (CPE), increased viral gene transcription, protein synthesis, and viral titers. In LMBV-infected MsF cells, two or more virus assembly sites were observed around the nucleus. Notably, no apoptotic bodies occurred in LMBV-infected MsF cells after nucleus staining, suggesting that cell death induced by LMBV in host cells was distinct from apoptosis. Consistently, DNA fragmentation was not detected in LMBV-infected MsF cells. Furthermore, only caspase-8 and caspase-3 were significantly activated in LMBV-infected MsF cells, suggesting that caspases were involved in non-apoptotic cell death induced by LMBV in host cells. In addition, the disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were detected in both LMBV-infected MsF cells and fathead minnow (FHM) cells. Combined with our previous study, we propose that cell death induced by LMBV infection was cell type dependent. Although LMBV-infected MsF cells showed the characteristics of non-apoptotic cell death, the signal pathways might crosstalk and interconnect between apoptosis and other PCD during LMBV infection. Together, our results not only established the in vitro LMBV infection model for the study of the interaction between LMBV and host cells but also shed new insights into the mechanisms of ranavirus pathogenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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11 pages, 2171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Novel RT-qPCR Detecting Method of Covert Mortality Nodavirus (CMNV) for the National Proficiency Test in Molecular Detection

by Wei Wang, Shuang Liu, Liang Yao, Jitao Xia, Tingting Xu, Chong Wang, Chen Li and Qingli Zhang

Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14071475 - 5 Jul 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 2085

Abstract

Covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV), the pathogen of viral covert mortality disease (VCMD), has caused serious economic losses of shrimp aquaculture in Southeast Asian countries and China in the past decade. In view of that the rapid and accurate laboratory detection of CMNV plays [...] Read more.

Covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV), the pathogen of viral covert mortality disease (VCMD), has caused serious economic losses of shrimp aquaculture in Southeast Asian countries and China in the past decade. In view of that the rapid and accurate laboratory detection of CMNV plays a major role in the effective control of the spread of VCMD. The national proficiency test (NPT) for the detection of covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV) started in China from 2021. In this study, a novel TaqMan real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) detection method for CMNV with higher sensitivity than previous reports was established based on specific primers and probe designing from the conserved regions of the CMNV coat protein gene for using molecular detection of CMNV in NPT. The optimized RT-qPCR reaction program was determined as reverse transcription at 54.9 °C for 15 min and denaturation at 95 °C for 1 min, followed by 40 cycles including denaturation at 95 °C for 10 s, and annealing and extension at 54.9 °C for 25 s. The detection limit of the newly developed RT-qPCR method was determined to be as low as 2.15 copies of CMNV plasmids template per reaction, with the correlation coefficient (R²) at above 0.99. The new method showed no cross reaction with the six common aquatic animal pathogens and could be finished in one hour, which represents a rapid detection method that can save 50% detection time versus the previously reported assay. The CMNV TaqMan probe based RT-qPCR method developed in present study supplies a novel sensitive and specific tool for both the rapid diagnosing and quantitating of CMNV in NPT activities and in the farmed crustaceans, and will help practitioners in the aquaculture industry to prevent and control VCMD effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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15 pages, 4033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesized Magnolol Derivatives Improve Anti-Micropterus salmoides Rhabdovirus (MSRV) Activity In Vivo

by Yingjie Jin, Fei Yang, Gengrong Zhang, Qing Yu, Gaoxue Wang, Fei Ling and Tianqiang Liu

Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14071421 - 28 Jun 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2465

Abstract

Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) is a primary viral pathogen in largemouth bass aquaculture, which leads to tremendous economic losses yearly. Currently, there are no approved drugs for the treatment and control of this virus. Our previous studies screened the herb Magnolia officinalis from [...] Read more.

Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) is a primary viral pathogen in largemouth bass aquaculture, which leads to tremendous economic losses yearly. Currently, there are no approved drugs for the treatment and control of this virus. Our previous studies screened the herb Magnolia officinalis from many traditional Chinese medicines, and we isolated and identified magnolol as its main active compound against multiple rhabdoviruses, including MSRV. On the basis of the structure–activity relationship and pharmacophore model of magnolol, two new magnolol derivatives, namely, hydrogenated magnolol and 2,2′-dimethoxy-magnolol, were designed and synthesized. Their anti-MSRV activities were systematically investigated both in vitro and in vivo. By comparing the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀), it was found that hydrogenated magnolol possessed a higher anti-MSRV activity than magnolol and 2,2′-dimethoxy-magnolol, with an IC₅₀ of 13.37 μM. Furthermore, hydrogenated magnolol exhibited a protective effect on the grass carp ovary (GCO) cell line by reducing the cytopathic effect induced by MSRV. Further studies revealed that hydrogenated magnolol did not directly impact virions or interfere with MSRV adsorption. It worked within the 6–8 h of the phase of virus replication. In vivo treatment of MSRV infection with magnolol and hydrogenated magnolol showed that they significantly improved the survival rate by 44.6% and 62.7%, respectively, compared to MSRV-infected groups. The viral load measured by the expression of viral glycoprotein in the organs including the liver, spleen, and kidney also significantly decreased when fish were intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Altogether, the structural optimization of magnolol via hydrogenation of the propylene groups increased its anti-MSRV activity both in vitro and in vivo. These results may provide a valuable reference for anti-MSRV drug discovery and development in aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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10 pages, 2353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aptamer-Based High-Throughput Screening Model for Efficient Selection and Evaluation of Natural Ingredients against SGIV Infection

by Hongling Wei, Zhongbao Guo, Yu Long, Mingzhu Liu, Jun Xiao, Lin Huang, Qing Yu and Pengfei Li

Viruses 2022, 14(6), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14061242 - 8 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2327

Abstract

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) causes high economic losses in mariculture. Effective drugs for managing SGIV infection are urgently required. Medicinal plant resources are rich in China. Medicinal plants have a long history and significant curative effects in the treatment of many diseases. Reverse-transcription [...] Read more.

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) causes high economic losses in mariculture. Effective drugs for managing SGIV infection are urgently required. Medicinal plant resources are rich in China. Medicinal plants have a long history and significant curative effects in the treatment of many diseases. Reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR is the most commonly used method for detecting virus infection and assessing antiviral efficacy with high accuracy. However, their applications are limited due to high reagent costs and complex time-consuming operations. Aptamers have been applied in some biosensors to achieve the accurate detection of pathogens or diseases through signal amplification. This study aimed to establish an aptamer-based high-throughput screening (AHTS) model for the efficient selection and evaluation of medicinal plants components against SGIV infection. Q2-AHTS is an expeditious, rapid method for selecting medicinal plant drugs against SGIV, which was characterized as being dram, high-speed, sensitive, and accurate. AHTS strategy reduced work intensity and experimental costs and shortened the whole screening cycle for effective ingredients. AHTS should be suitable for the rapid selection of effective components against other viruses, thus further promoting the development of high-throughput screening technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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12 pages, 4326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiviral Activities of Green Tea Components against Grouper Iridovirus Infection In Vitro and In Vivo

by Pengfei Li, Shuaishuai Huang, Shuangyan Xiao, Youhou Xu, Xinxian Wei, Jun Xiao, Zhongbao Guo, Qing Yu and Mingzhu Liu

Viruses 2022, 14(6), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14061227 - 5 Jun 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2566

Abstract

(1) Background: Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) can cause extensive fish deaths. Therefore, developing treatments to combat virulent SGIV is of great economic importance to address this challenge to the grouper aquaculture industry. Green tea is an important medicinal and edible plant throughout the [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) can cause extensive fish deaths. Therefore, developing treatments to combat virulent SGIV is of great economic importance to address this challenge to the grouper aquaculture industry. Green tea is an important medicinal and edible plant throughout the world. In this study, we evaluated the use of green tea components against SGIV infection. (2) Methods: The safe working concentrations of green tea components were identified by cell viability detection and light microscopy. Additionally, the antiviral activity of each green tea component against SGIV infection was determined with light microscopy, an aptamer (Q5c)-based fluorescent molecular probe, and reverse transcription quantitative PCR. (3) Results: The safe working concentrations of green tea components were green tea aqueous extract (GTAE) ≤ 100 μg/mL, green tea polyphenols (TP) ≤ 10 μg/mL, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) ≤ 12 μg/mL, (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) ≤ 10 μg/mL, (-)-epicatechin gallate (EGC) ≤ 5 μg/mL, and (-)-epicatechin (EC) ≤ 50 μg/mL. The relative antiviral activities of the green tea components determined in terms of MCP gene expression were TP > EGCG > GTAE > ECG > EGC > EC, with inhibition rates of 99.34%, 98.31%, 98.23%, 88.62%, 73.80%, and 44.31%, respectively. The antiviral effect of aptamer-Q5c was consistent with the results of qPCR. Also, TP had an excellent antiviral effect in vitro, wherein the mortality of fish in only the SGIV-injection group and TP + SGIV-injection group were 100% and 11.67%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that green tea components have effective antiviral properties against SGIV and may be candidate agents for the effective treatment and control of SGIV infections in grouper aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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13 pages, 15100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interferon-Induced Protein 6-16 (IFI6-16) from Litopenaeus vannamei Regulate Antiviral Immunity via Apoptosis-Related Genes

by Kai Lǚ, Haoyang Li, Sheng Wang, Anxing Li, Shaoping Weng, Jianguo He and Chaozheng Li

Viruses 2022, 14(5), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14051062 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2448

Abstract

A growing number of evidence shows that some invertebrates possess an antiviral immunity parallel to the interferon (IFN) system of higher vertebrates. For example, the IRF (interferon regulatory factor)–Vago–JAK/STAT regulatory axis in an arthropod, shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp) is functionally similar to [...] Read more.

A growing number of evidence shows that some invertebrates possess an antiviral immunity parallel to the interferon (IFN) system of higher vertebrates. For example, the IRF (interferon regulatory factor)–Vago–JAK/STAT regulatory axis in an arthropod, shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp) is functionally similar to the IRF–IFN–JAK/STAT axis of mammals. IFNs perform their cellular immunity by regulating the expression of target genes collectively referred to as IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). However, the function of invertebrate ISGs in immune responses is almost completely unclear. In this study, a potential ISG gene homologous to the interferon-induced protein 6-16 (IFI6-16) was cloned and identified from L. vannamei, designated as LvIFI6-16. LvIFI6-16 contained a putative signal peptide in the N-terminal, and a classic IFI6-16-superfamily domain in the C-terminal that showed high conservation to other homologs in various species. The mRNA levels of LvIFI6-16 were significantly upregulated after the stimulation of poly (I:C) and challenges of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Moreover, silencing of LvIFI6-16 caused a higher mortality rate and heightened virus loads, suggesting that LvIFI6-16 could play a crucial role in defense against WSSV. Interestingly, we found that the transcription levels of several caspases were regulated by LvIFI6-16; meanwhile, the transcription level of LvIFI6-16 self was regulated by the JAK/STAT cascade, suggesting there could be a JAK/STAT–IFI6-16–caspase regulatory axis in shrimp. Taken together, we identified a crustacean IFI6-16 gene (LvIFI6-16) for the first time, and provided evidence that the IFI6-16 participated in antiviral immunity in shrimp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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17 pages, 1891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization of Outer Capsid Proteins VP5 and VP7 of Grass Carp Reovirus

by Fuxian Zhang, Diangang Sun and Qin Fang

Viruses 2022, 14(5), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14051032 - 12 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2206

Abstract

Aquareovirus, which is a member of the Reoviridae family, was isolated from aquatic animals. A close molecular evolutionary relationship between aquareoviruses and mammalian orthoreoviruses was revealed. However, the functions of the aquareovirus genome-encoded proteins are poorly understood. We investigated the molecular characteristics of [...] Read more.

Aquareovirus, which is a member of the Reoviridae family, was isolated from aquatic animals. A close molecular evolutionary relationship between aquareoviruses and mammalian orthoreoviruses was revealed. However, the functions of the aquareovirus genome-encoded proteins are poorly understood. We investigated the molecular characteristics of the outer capsid proteins, namely, VP5 and VP7, of grass carp reovirus (GCRV). The peptides VP5 and VP7 were determined using in-gel tryptic digestion and mass spectrometry. Recovered peptides represented 76% and 66% of the full-length VP5 and VP7 sequences, respectively. Significantly, two-lysine acetylation, as well as two-serine and two-threonine phosphorylation modifications, were first revealed in VP5. We found that the initial amino acid in VP5 was Pro43, suggesting that a lower amount of VP5 remained uncleaved in virions at the autocleavage site (Asn42-Pro43). Further biochemical evidence showed that the cleaved VP5N/VP5C conformation was the major constituent of the particles. Moreover, early cleavage fragments of VP7 and enhanced infectivity were detected after limited tryptic digestion of GCRV, indicating that stepwise VP7 cleavage is essential for VP5 conformational rearrangement. Our results provide insights into the roles of posttranslational modifications in VP5 and its association with VP7 in the viral life cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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13 pages, 2551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Andrias davidianus Ranavirus (ADRV) Genome Replicate Efficiently by Engaging Cellular Mismatch Repair Protein MSH2

by Fei Ke, Renbao Wang, Zihao Wang and Qiya Zhang

Viruses 2022, 14(5), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14050952 - 2 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

As nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses, replication of ranaviruses (genus Ranavirus, family Iridoviridae) involves a series of viral and host proteins. We have described that the replication and transcription machinery of Andrias davidianus ranavirus (ADRV) which was isolated from the Chinese giant [...] Read more.

As nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses, replication of ranaviruses (genus Ranavirus, family Iridoviridae) involves a series of viral and host proteins. We have described that the replication and transcription machinery of Andrias davidianus ranavirus (ADRV) which was isolated from the Chinese giant salamander contained host factors. Here, a new host factor, the MutS homolog 2 (MSH2), was proved as an important protein that participated in ADRV infection. Expression of MSH2 was stable during ADRV infection in cultured cells and it localized at the cytoplasmic viral factories and colocalized with virus nascent DNA, indicating its possible role in virus genome replication. Investigation of the viral proteins that interacted with MSH2 by co-immunoprecipitation showed that A. davidianus MSH2 can interact with ADRV-35L (possible components associated with virus transcription), ADRV-47L (virus DNA polymerase), and ADRV-98R. Further knockdown MSH2 expression by RNAi significantly reduced the late gene expression of ADRV. Additionally, MSH2 knockout by CRISPR/Cas9 significantly reduced viral titers, genome replication, and late gene transcription of ADRV. Thus, the current study proved that ADRV can engage cellular MSH2 for its efficient genome replication and late gene transcription, which provided new information for understanding the roles of host factors in ranavirus replication and transcription. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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10 pages, 2183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Sandwich ELASA Based on Aptamer for Detection of Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV)

by Xinyue Zhang, Zemiao Zhang, Junrong Li, Xiaohong Huang, Jingguang Wei, Jiahui Yang, Lingfeng Guan, Xiaozhi Wen, Shaowen Wang and Qiwei Qin

Viruses 2022, 14(5), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14050945 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2578

Abstract

Largemouth bass virus (LMBV) is a major viral pathogen in largemouth bass culture, usually causing high mortality and heavy economic losses. Accurate and early detection of LMBV is crucial for diagnosis and control of the diseases caused by LMBV. Previously, we selected the [...] Read more.

Largemouth bass virus (LMBV) is a major viral pathogen in largemouth bass culture, usually causing high mortality and heavy economic losses. Accurate and early detection of LMBV is crucial for diagnosis and control of the diseases caused by LMBV. Previously, we selected the specific aptamers, LA38 and LA13, targeting LMBV by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). In this study, we further generated truncated LA38 and LA13 (named as LA38s and LA13s) with high specificity and affinities and developed an aptamer-based sandwich enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (ELASA) for LMBV diagnosis. The sandwich ELASA showed high specificity and sensitivity for the LMBV detection, without cross reaction with other viruses. The detection limit of the ELASA was as low as 1.25 × 10² LMBV-infected cells, and the incubation time of the lysate and biotin labeled aptamer was as short as 10 min. The ELASA could still detect LMBV infection in spleen lysates at dilutions of 1/25, with good consistency of qRT-PCR. For the fish samples collected from the field, the sensitivity of ELASA was 13.3% less than PCR, but the ELASA was much more convenient and less time consuming. The procedure of ELASA mainly requires washing and incubation, with completion in approximately 4 h. The sandwich ELASA offers a useful tool to rapidly detect LMBV rapidly, contributing to control and prevention of LMBV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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9 pages, 1588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Cost and Rapid Method of DNA Extraction from Scaled Fish Blood and Skin Mucus

by Lang Gui, Xinyu Li, Shentao Lin, Yun Zhao, Peiyao Lin, Bingqi Wang, Rongkang Tang, Jing Guo, Yao Zu, Yan Zhou and Mingyou Li

Viruses 2022, 14(4), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14040840 - 18 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3468

Abstract

PCR-based DNA amplification has been one of the major methods in aquaculture research for decades, although its use outside the modern laboratory environment is limited due to the relatively complex methods and high costs. To this end, we investigated a swabbing and disc [...] Read more.

PCR-based DNA amplification has been one of the major methods in aquaculture research for decades, although its use outside the modern laboratory environment is limited due to the relatively complex methods and high costs. To this end, we investigated a swabbing and disc protocol for the collection of DNA samples from fish which could extract DNA from fish skin mucus by a non-invasion technique costing only $0.02 (USD) and requiring less than 30 seconds. The disc method that we chose could use the cheap filter paper to extract DNA from above 10⁴ crucian carp blood cells, which is comparable to the commercial kit. By using skin mucus swabbing and the disc method, we can obtain amplification-ready DNA from mucus to distinguish different species from our smallest fish (medaka, ~2.5 cm and crucian carp, ~7 cm) to our biggest fish (tilapia, ~15 cm). Furthermore, the viral pathogen Carassius auratus herpesvirus (CaHV) of crucian carp was detected using our method, which would make performing molecular diagnostic assays achievable in limited-resource settings including aquafarms and aqua stores outside the laboratory environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 858 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Medicinal Plants and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients against Aquatic Pathogenic Viruses

by Wenyu Liao, Lin Huang, Shuyu Han, Dasheng Hu, Youhou Xu, Mingzhu Liu, Qing Yu, Shuaishuai Huang, Dongdong Wei and Pengfei Li

Viruses 2022, 14(6), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14061281 - 13 Jun 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4008

Abstract

Aquaculture offers a promising source of economic and healthy protein for human consumption, which can improve wellbeing. Viral diseases are the most serious type of diseases affecting aquatic animals and a major obstacle to the development of the aquaculture industry. In the background [...] Read more.

Aquaculture offers a promising source of economic and healthy protein for human consumption, which can improve wellbeing. Viral diseases are the most serious type of diseases affecting aquatic animals and a major obstacle to the development of the aquaculture industry. In the background of antibiotic-free farming, the development and application of antibiotic alternatives has become one of the most important issues in aquaculture. In recent years, many medicinal plants and their active pharmaceutical ingredients have been found to be effective in the treatment and prevention of viral diseases in aquatic animals. Compared with chemical drugs and antibiotics, medicinal plants have fewer side-effects, produce little drug resistance, and exhibit low toxicity to the water environment. Most medicinal plants can effectively improve the growth performance of aquatic animals; thus, they are becoming increasingly valued and widely used in aquaculture. The present review summarizes the promising antiviral activities of medicinal plants and their active pharmaceutical ingredients against aquatic viruses. Furthermore, it also explains their possible mechanisms of action and possible implications in the prevention or treatment of viral diseases in aquaculture. This article could lay the foundation for the future development of harmless drugs for the prevention and control of viral disease outbreaks in aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Aquaculture: Epidemiology, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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