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Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
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Measurement of BK-polyomavirus Non-Coding Control Region Driven Transcriptional Activity Via Flow Cytometry
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BK polyomavirus genotypes represent distinct serotypes with distinct entry tropism.

Diana V Pastrana1, Upasana Ray, Thomas G Magaldi

  • 1Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Journal of Virology
|July 12, 2013
PubMed
Summary

BK polyomavirus (BKV) causes urinary tract issues in transplant patients. Neutralizing antibodies vary by BKV genotype, suggesting multivalent vaccines could prevent BKV disease in organ recipients.

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Transplant Medicine

Background:

  • BK polyomavirus (BKV) is a significant cause of urinary tract disease in immunosuppressed individuals, particularly kidney and bone marrow transplant recipients.
  • The role of BKV-neutralizing antibodies in preventing or moderating BKV-related disease remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the serological distinctness of BK polyomavirus (BKV) genotypes.
  • To assess the potential of a multivalent virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine for BKV prevention in transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

  • Development of reporter pseudoviruses based on seven divergent BKV isolates.
  • Neutralization assays using sera from healthy human subjects and mice immunized with BKV VLPs.
  • Analysis of cell surface receptor binding profiles for different BKV neutralization serotypes.

Main Results:

  • BKV genotypes I, II, III, and IV were confirmed as distinct serotypes, with genotype I being the most common target of neutralizing antibodies in healthy individuals.
  • A majority of subjects lacked detectable neutralizing antibodies against BKV genotypes III and IV.
  • BKV subgenotypes Ib1 and Ib2 demonstrated distinct serotype behavior, influenced by minimal surface residue changes.
  • A multivalent VLP vaccine elicited cross-neutralizing antibodies effective against all tested BKV genotypes.
  • Distinct cell surface receptor binding patterns were observed for different BKV neutralization serotypes.

Conclusions:

  • BKV genotypes exhibit significant serological diversity, with implications for host humoral immunity and disease susceptibility.
  • The findings suggest that individuals may remain vulnerable to different BKV serotypes even after infection or vaccination with a single type.
  • Pre-vaccination with a multivalent BKV VLP vaccine could potentially reduce the risk of BKV disease in organ transplant recipients.