Comparison of Transcriptomic Signatures between Monkeypox-Infected Monkey and Human Cell Lines.
Do Thi Minh Xuan1, I-Jeng Yeh2,3, Chung-Che Wu4,5
1Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
Journal of Immunology Research
|September 12, 2022
Summary
This study reveals key gene expression differences in human and monkey cells infected with monkeypox virus (MPV). Findings offer insights into MPV transmission, disease progression, and potential vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Monkeypox virus (MPV), an Orthopoxvirus, presents reemergence concerns with animal reservoirs and potential for global outbreaks.
- Understanding MPV's animal-to-human transmission mechanisms requires detailed analysis of gene expression during disease progression.
- Current knowledge gaps necessitate comprehensive studies on MPV pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differential gene expression profiles in MPV-infected human (HeLa) and monkey (MK2) cell lines.
- To discover co-regulated genes and pathways impacted by MPV infection in distinct cellular models.
- To elucidate key molecular mechanisms underlying MPV disease progression and host responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two in vitro models: human immortal epithelial cancer (HeLa) cells and rhesus monkey kidney epithelial (MK2) cells, infected with MPV.
- Employed Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and MetaCore analyses for comprehensive data interpretation.
- Analyzed alterations in gene expression profiles, focusing on immune and metabolic pathways.
Main Results:
- Elevated expression of genes related to interleukins (ILs), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), heat shock proteins (HSPs), and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) were observed in both cell types.
- Specific regulators identified: CD40, plasmin, and histamine in MK2 cells; interferons (IFNs), macrophages, and neutrophils in HeLa cells.
- Key immune pathways (NF-κB, MAPKs, TNFs) and significantly expressed genes (e.g., CXCL1, IL6, CCL2) and epigenetic regulators (histones) were highlighted in both models.
Conclusions:
- MPV infection significantly alters gene expression in both human and monkey cells, involving distinct pathway activations.
- Identified genes and pathways provide critical insights into MPV pathophysiology and host responses.
- Findings may inform future strategies for MPV transmission understanding, sequelae management, and vaccine development.
