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Viruses as intracellular pathogens take over the host metabolism and reprogram to facilitate optimal virus production. DNA viruses can cause alterations in several metabolic pathways, including aerobic glycolysis also known as the Warburg effect, pentose phosphate pathway activation, and amino acid catabolism such as glutaminolysis, nucleotide biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis. The available energy for productive infection can be increased in infected cells via modification of different carbon source utilization. This review discusses the metabolic alterations of the DNA viruses that will be the basis for future novel therapeutic approaches.

Live attenuated viral vaccines are difficult to handle and often sensitive to temperature. The viral titer may drop during the processing and storing stage, especially at high temperatures. Using live attenuated viral vaccines successfully depends on keeping the sufficient potency required for an immune response. Although freeze-drying makes the vaccine more stable, in the absence of appropriate stabilizer the process may affect the structure and viability of the viruses. Therefore, the formulation of vaccine by means of an appropriate stabilizer plays a crucial role in the stability of viral structure and potency of the vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two new stabilizers, including a Trehalose-based stabilizer (T) and a stabilizer containing sucrose, human serum albumin and sorbitol (S) on the thermal stability of lyophilized live-attenuated Rubella virus (Takahashi strain). Two Rubella vaccines were formulated using different stabilizers and were lyophilized. The potency of produced vaccines was investigated using accelerated stability test. To determine the pattern of thermal stability of reconstituted vaccines in 24 h, incubating at three different temperatures and continuous sampling was also included in this study. The viral titer was calculated by TCID50 method. The regression analysis revealed that T vaccine found the sufficient stability compared to commercial Rubella vaccine containing a gelatin-based (G) stabilizer.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are defined as RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post‐transcriptional levels. Both human lncRNAs and lncRNAs encoded by viruses can modulate the expression of host genes which are critical for viral replication, latency, activation of signalling pathways, cytokine and chemokine production, RNAi processing, expression of interferons (IFNs) and interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs). Studies on lncRNAs as key regulators of host‐virus interactions may give new insights into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of related diseases. This current review focuses on the role of lncRNAs, and their interactions with respiratory viruses including influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2).

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of respiratory viruses which can cause mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections. Recently, new coronavirus named as Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been identified which is a major threat to public health. Innate immune responses play a vital role in a host’s defense against viruses. Interestingly, CoVs have evolved elaborate strategies to evade the complex system of sensors and signaling molecules to suppress host immunity. SARS‐CoV‐2 papain‐like protease (PLpro), as an important coronavirus enzyme, regulates viral spread and innate immune responses. SCoV‐2 PLpro is multifunctional enzymes with deubiquitinating (DUB) and deISGylating activity. The PLpro can interact with key regulators in signaling pathways such as STING, NF‐κB, cytokine production, MAPK, and TGF‐β and hijack those to block the immune responses. Therefore, the PLpro can be as an important target for the treatment of COVID‐19. Until now, there are several drugs or compound have been identified that can inhibit PLpro activity. Here we discuss about the dysregulation effects of PLpro on immune system and drugs that have potential inhibitors for SCoV‐2 PLpro.

More than 99% of cervical cancers are associated with human papillomaviruses (HPVs) worldwide. Current HPV vaccines are safe, highly immunogenic, with effective immunity against specific HPV types. However, DNA vaccines are a new appealing platform which can be considered for designing the HPV vaccines. This study aimed to construct a recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid containing L1 of HPV-18, tissue plasminogen activators (tPA), and pan HLA DR-binding epitope (PADRE) genes into the pVAX1 vector. The L1, tPA, and PADRE genes were amplified in a thermocycler. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were cloned and insertion of the genes was confirmed using colony PCR, restriction enzymes analysis, and sequencing methods. Indirect immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, and western blot assays were applied to identify the target gene in HEK-293 cells. Total IgG and its isotypes in immunized mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Western blot analysis showed a protein band of about 67.5 kDa in supernatant and cell lysate of transfected cells. The results of mice immunization with different constructs (group 1: the pVAX-L1, group 2: pVAX-tPA-PADRE-L1, group 3: pVAX1, and group 4: PBS as controls) indicated that the pVAX1-tPA-PADRE-L1 construct induced a significantly higher level of total IgG than pVAX1-L1 (p=0.003). In conclusion, pVAX1-tPA-PADRE-L1 recombinant plasmid is a highly immunogenic construct and suggests as a promising candidate for vaccine development against HPV type 18 in low-middle-income countries.

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) is one of the most important cause of developing cervical cancer. Therefore, effective epitope-based vaccine design for HPV-16 would be of major medical benefit. The aim of our study was to identify B- and T-cell epitopes of HPV-16 L1 protein. In this study, the HPV-16 L1 gene was isolated from HPV recovered from five vaginal swab samples using specific primers and finally sequenced. The ExPASy translate tool (http://web.expasy.org/translate/) was used to convert nucleotide sequence into amino acid sequence. Bioinformatic analysis was employed to predict suitable B- and T-cell epitopes and immunogenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity of predicted epitopes were then evaluated. Afterward, the selected T-cell epitopes were docked using Molegro Virtual Docker software. The two epitopes 207 AMDFTTLQA215 and 200 MVDTGFGAM208 have showed a very strong binding affinity to HLA-A0201 and HLA-B3501 molecules, respectively. Outcome of B-cell epitope prediction showed that epitope 475 KAKPKFTLGKRK ATPTTSSTSTTAKRKK502 contained overlapped epitope, which might be the epitope associated with the production of neutralizing antibody response. Based on this finding, the predicted B- and T-cell epitopes are promising targets for epitope-based vaccine development against HPV-16. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments are needed to confirm our findings.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection plays a major role in HCC development. The molecular mechanisms by which HCV infection leads to HCC are varied. HCV core protein is an important risk factor in HCV-associated liver pathogenesis and can modulate several signaling pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, cell growth promotion, cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. The dysregulation of signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Wnt/β-catenin (WNT), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) by HCV core protein is implicated in the development of HCC. Therefore, it has been suggested that this protein be considered a favorable target for further studies in the development of HCC. In addition, considering the axial role of these signaling pathways in HCC, they are considered druggable targets for cancer therapy. Therefore, using strategies to limit the dysregulation effects of core protein on these signaling pathways seems necessary to prevent HCV-related HCC.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OCI) among HD patients. Blood samples were taken from 79 HD patients and their sera were evaluated for the presence of anti-HCV. Both the sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were then checked for HCV RNA by nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Anti-HCV was positive among 4/79 (5.1%) of the patients. From 75 patients who were negative for anti-HCV, 71 (94.7%) patients were also negative for HCV RNA in sera samples but five of them were positive for HCV RNA in PBMCs. Totally, out of 79 patients, HCV RNA was detected in PBMCs of five (6.3%) patients, indicating that these patients had OCI. No significant difference was observed between the frequency of OCI and gender (P-value = .6). HCV genotype in all five cases of OCI was genotype 3a. Our study showed prevalence rate of 6.3% OCI infection in HD patients. Regarding the serious complications and the clinical importance of OCI in HD patients, sensitive diagnostic methods for identifying HCV RNA in the PBMCs should be implemented for all HD patients.

Coronavirus (CoV) infections are commonly associated with respiratory and enteric disease in humans and animals. In 2012, a new human disease called Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) emerged in the Middle East. MERS was caused by a virus that was originally called human coronavirus‐Erasmus Medical Center/2012 but was later renamed as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). MERS‐CoV causes high fever, cough, acute respiratory tract infection, and multiorgan dysfunction that may eventually lead to the death of the infected individuals. The exact origin of MERS‐CoV remains unknown, but the transmission pattern and evidence from virological studies suggest that dromedary camels are the major reservoir host, from which human infections may sporadically occur through the zoonotic transmission. Human to human transmission also occurs in healthcare facilities and communities. Recent studies on Middle Eastern respiratory continue to highlight the need for further understanding the virus‐host interactions that govern disease severity and infection outcome. In this review, we have highlighted the major mechanisms of immune evasion strategies of MERS‐CoV. We have demonstrated that M, 4a, 4b proteins and Plppro of MERS‐CoV inhibit the type I interferon (IFN) and nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathways and therefore facilitate innate immune evasion. In addition, nonstructural protein 4a (NSP4a), NSP4b, and NSP15 inhibit double‐stranded RNA sensors. Therefore, the mentioned proteins limit early induction of IFN and cause rapid apoptosis of macrophages. MERS‐CoV strongly inhibits the activation of T cells with downregulation of antigen presentation. In addition, uncontrolled secretion of interferon ɣ‐induced protein 10 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 can suppress proliferation of human myeloid progenitor cells., This study was conducted to highlight the major mechanisms of immune evasion strategies of MERS‐CoV. In this review, we have demonstrated that M, 4a, 4b proteins and Plppro of MERS‐CoV inhibit the type I interferon (IFN) and nuclear factor‐κB signalling pathways and therefore facilitate innate immune evasion. In addition, NSP4a, NSP4b, and NSP15 inhibit dsRNA sensors. Therefore, the mentioned proteins limit early induction of IFN and cause rapid apoptosis of macrophages. MERS‐CoV strongly inhibits the activation of T cells with downregulation of antigen presentation. In addition, uncontrolled secretion of interferon ɣ‐induced protein 10 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 can suppress proliferation of human myeloid progenitor cells.

Background and Aims: Rhinosinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that may be caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. Few studies have been carried out on the role of viruses in Rhinosinusitis patients .The aim of this study was the molecular detection of Adenoviruses in sinus tissues by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Shiraz.Materials and Methods: In the present study, 103 paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens of sinus tissues were subjected to DNA extraction and tested for adenovirus DNA using Nested PCR. The amplification of a β-globin gene by PCR-based method was used to confirm the quality of extracted DNA.Results: A total of 103 samples of sinus tissues were examined. Of these patients, 50 (48.54%) were male and the rest were female (51.46%). The patients’ age ranged between 2 and 82 years and the mean age was 42.15±1.56 years. The adenovirus DNA was detected in 13 of 103 (12.6%) samples.Conclusions: The results of this study showed that Adenoviruses have high prevalence in rhinosinusitis patients. As a results, it is an important to investigate clinical significance of viral infections especially Adeno viruses in these patients.

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are a high-risk population for acquiring blood-borne viruses such as HHV-6. HHV-6 can remain latent in the host cells after primary infection; the reactivation of virus may result complications such as seizure, respiratory failure, hepatitis, and encephalitis. There is a limited report concerning HHV-6 infection in HD patients in Iran. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the frequency of HHV-6 among HD patients.We determined HHV-6 DNA in sera samples of 84 patients undergoing HD. The DNA was extracted from the sera samples and the presence of HHV-6 DNA variants A and B was evaluated by nested PCR.52/84 (61.9%) of HD patients were males and 32/84 (38.1%) females. The age ranges of patients were between 18 to 85 years and the mean age was 52 ± 1.52 (± SD) years. Out of 84 sera samples, HHV-6 DNA was detected in 10 (11.9%) participants, including 6/52 (11.5%) in males and 4/32 (12.5%) in females. HHV- 6A was detected in 10/10 (100%) of positive cases. No HHV-6 B was found in HD patients. The distribution of HHV-6A DNA was not significant between genders (P.05). Out of 84 HD patients, 55 (65.47%) cases were over 50 years, among them 10 (18.18%) cases were positive for HHV-6 A infection (P.05).The results showed that only HHV-6 DNA variant A was found in 11.9% of HD patients. Regarding the consequence of HHV-6 reactivation, to manage and improve treatment, the screening of HHV-6 DNA test should be implemented for HD patients.

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a family of master regulated dimeric transcription factors, signaling transduction pathways are active players in the cell signaling that control vital cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Nevertheless, aberrant regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathways has been associated with a significant number of human cancers. In fact, NF-κB acts as a double-edged sword in the vital cellular processes and carcinogenesis. This review provides an overview on the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathways by proteins of hepatitis B and C viruses. One of the major NF-κB events that are modulated by these viruses is the induction of hepatocellular carcinoma. Given the central function of NF-κB in carcinogenesis, it has turned out to be a considerable therapeutic target for cancer therapy.

Hepatitis B virus is a major public health impasse all over the world. Recently a new form of hepatitis B infection named Occult hepatitis B Infection (OBI) has appeared globally. The OBI is defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the liver and/or blood in the absence of detectable serum HBsAg with/without anti-HBc or anti-HBs. The prevalence of OBI has been reported in hemodialysis (HD) patients in different regions of the world. Thus, this study investigated the prevalence of OBI among HD patients. The cross-sectional study was carried out on 84 HD patients. These sera were checked for HBsAg, HBc-IgG assessment using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The DNA was extracted from the sera samples and tested for HBVDNA detection using Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (Nested PCR). The liver function tests including serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were carried out for all the HD individuals. 52/84(61.9%) of HD were males and 32/84 (38.1%) were females. The patient’s age ranged from 25 to 64 with a mean age of 52.4±15.2 years. HBsAg and HBc-IgG were detected in 1(1.1%) female. 2 (2.4%; a female and a male) patients were positive for HBsAg. 14/84 (16.7%; 6 female and 8 male) HD patients were positive for anti-HBc but negative for HBsAg, among them 4(28.6%; 2 female and 2 male) cases were positive for HBV DNA, indicating the presence of OBI in HD patients. Even distribution of OBI among the HD was found in 2(2.36%) male and 2(2.36%) female (P>.0.05). In the present study the moderate rate of 4.76% OBI has been observed in HD patients. The prevalence of seropositive OBI among the gender was 2(2.36%) male and 2(2.36%) female. The seronegative OBI have not been detected in the present study but requires further investigation. In this study the affliction of OBI in HD patients is not clear.

Background and Aims: Rubella is a contagious viral disease mostly with mild clinical symptoms and often remains undiagnosed. Rubella infection may adversely affect pregnancy, especially in the first trimester and this mother to child transmission can cause congenital rubella and may be lead to permanent disability and mortality in children. Effective rubella vaccine should be prepared using suitable stabilizers. New stabilizers should be selected carefully in the manners that final product meet all requirements of stability, immunogenicity and safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of rubella vaccines that are formulated using two different new stabilizers in comparison to a commonly used vaccine that gelatin is used in it as a stabilizer. Materials and Methods: 28 guinea pigs were prospectively divided into four groups (one control and three test groups) according to the materials that they were subjected to receive, including the vaccines that formulated with hydrolyzed gelatin (G), Sorbitol (S) and Trehalose dehydrate (T) stabilizers. Control group was received sterile water for injection (WFI). Anti-rubella antibodies in the sera were measured using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) technique. The results were analyzed by Generalized Estimating equations (GEE) statistical test. Results: Our results showed that all three formulated vaccines (G, S and T) induced seroconversion in guinea pigs; however the vaccine that contained Trehalose dehydrate (T) induced a slightly higher level of antibody against rubella virus (p

Occult hepatitis B (OBI) is a major challenging clinical entity characterized by the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The persistence of OBI may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of OBI among HD patients. In the present cross-sectional study, 89 sera samples of hemodialysis individuals were tested for HBsAg and HBcIgG by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). In addition, the HBV DNA has tested in sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples by nested-PCR. Out of 89 patients, 51(57.3%) were males, and 38 (42.7%) females. The ages ranged from 24 to 90 years (with a mean of 57.5±1.37 years). All the sera samples had normal levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Transaminase (ALT) but had high levels of Creatinine (Cr) (6.9±2.17) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) (61.83±2.03). 2/89 (2.2%) sera samples were positive for both HBsAg and HBc-IgG test; in addition, HBV DNA was detected in both sera and their PBMC samples. The sera of 15/89 (16.85%) were only positive for the HBc-IgG test, including 10/51 (19.6%) males and 5/38 (13.2%) females (P=0.5). The high 16.85% prevalence OBI has been found among HD patients. To manage OBI infection, screening of HBV DNA should be implemented for HD patients by sensitive molecular means such as nested-PCR and real-time PCR.