scholarly journals Predictive Value of Precision-Cut Lung Slices for the Susceptibility of Three Animal Species for SARS-CoV-2 and Validation in a Refined Hamster Model

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 824
Author(s):  
Nora M. Gerhards ◽  
Jan B. W. J. Cornelissen ◽  
Lucien J. M. van Keulen ◽  
José Harders-Westerveen ◽  
Rianka Vloet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Activity Wheel ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Single Experiment ◽  
Administration Routes ◽  
Precision Cut Lung Slices

In assessing species susceptibility for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and in the search for an appropriate animal model, multiple research groups around the world inoculated a broad range of animal species using various SARS-CoV-2 strains, doses and administration routes. Although in silico analyses based on receptor binding and diverse in vitro cell cultures were valuable, exact prediction of species susceptibility based on these tools proved challenging. Here, we assessed whether precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) could facilitate the selection of animal models, thereby reducing animal experimentation. Pig, hamster and cat PCLS were incubated with SARS-CoV-2 and virus replication was followed over time. Virus replicated efficiently in PCLS from hamsters and cats, while no evidence of replication was obtained for pig PCLS. These data corroborate the findings of many research groups that have investigated the susceptibility of hamsters, pigs and cats towards infection with SARS-CoV-2. Our findings suggest that PCLS can be used as convenient tool for the screening of different animal species for sensitivity to newly emerged viruses. To validate our results obtained in PCLS, we employed the hamster model. Hamsters were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 via the intranasal route. Susceptibility to infection was evaluated by body weight loss, viral loads in oropharyngeal swabs and respiratory tissues and lung pathology. The broadly used hamster model was further refined by including activity tracking of the hamsters by an activity wheel as a very robust and sensitive parameter for clinical health. In addition, to facilitate the quantification of pathology in the lungs, we devised a semi-quantitative scoring system for evaluating the degree of histological changes in the lungs. The inclusion of these additional parameters refined and enriched the hamster model, allowing for the generation of more data from a single experiment.

scholarly journals The B.1.427/1.429 (epsilon) SARS-CoV-2 variants are more virulent than ancestral B.1 (614G) in Syrian hamsters

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Carroll ◽  
Douglas Fox ◽  
Neeltje van Doremalen ◽  
Erin Ball ◽  
Mary Kate Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Relative Fitness ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Syrian Hamsters

As novel SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge, it is critical that their potential to cause severe disease and evade vaccine-induced immunity is rapidly assessed in humans and studied in animal models. In early January 2021, a novel variant of concern (VOC) designated B.1.429 comprising 2 lineages, B.1.427 and B.1.429, was originally detected in California (CA) and shown to enhance infectivity in vitro and decrease antibody neutralization by plasma from convalescent patients and vaccine recipients. Here we examine the virulence, transmissibility, and susceptibility to pre-existing immunity for B 1.427 and B 1.429 in the Syrian hamster model. We find that both strains exhibit enhanced virulence as measured by increased body weight loss compared to hamsters infected with ancestral B.1 (614G), with B.1.429 causing the most body weight loss among all 3 lineages. Faster dissemination from airways to parenchyma and more severe lung pathology at both early and late stages were also observed with B.1.429 infections relative to B.1. (614G) and B.1.427 infections. In addition, subgenomic viral RNA (sgRNA) levels were highest in oral swabs of hamsters infected with B.1.429, however sgRNA levels in lungs were similar in all three strains. This demonstrates that B.1.429 replicates to higher levels than ancestral B.1 (614G) or B.1.427 in the upper respiratory tract (URT) but not in the lungs. In multi-virus in-vivo competition experiments, we found that epsilon (B.1.427/B.1.429) and gamma (P.1) dramatically outcompete alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351) and zeta (P.2) in the lungs. In the URT gamma, and epsilon dominate, but the highly infectious alpha variant also maintains a moderate size niche. We did not observe significant differences in airborne transmission efficiency among the B.1.427, B.1.429 and ancestral B.1 (614G) variants in hamsters. These results demonstrate enhanced virulence and high relative fitness of the epsilon (B.1.427/B.1.429) variant in Syrian hamsters compared to an ancestral B.1 (614G) strain.

scholarly journals Effect of prophylactic use of intra-nasal oil formulations in the hamster model of Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaigham Abbas Rizvi ◽  
Manas Ranjan Tripathy ◽  
Nishant Sharma ◽  
Sandeep Goswami ◽  
N Srikanth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Prophylactic Use

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection initiates with viral entry in upper respiratory tract leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Severe Covid-19 is characterized by pulmonary pathologies associated with respiratory failure. Thus, therapeutics aimed at inhibiting entry of the virus or its internalization in the upper respiratory tract, are of interest. Herein, we report the prophylactic application of two intra-nasal formulations provided by the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), Anu oil and Til tailya in SARS-CoV2 infection hamster model. Prophylactic nasal instillation of these oil formulations exhibited reduced viral load in lungs, and resulted in reduced body weight loss and pneumonitis. In line with reduced viral load, histopathlogical analysis revealed a reduction in lung pathology in Anu oil group as compared to the control infected group. However, Til tailya group did not show a significant reduction in lung pathology. Furthermore, molecular analysis using mRNA expression profiling indicated reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines genes, including Th1 and Th17 cytokines for both the intra-nasal formulations as a result of decreased viral load. Together, the prophylactic intra-nasal application of Annu oil seems to be useful in limiting both the viral load and disease severity disease in SARS-CoV2 infection in hamster model.

scholarly journals Activity of Galidesivir in a Hamster Model of SARS-CoV-2

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Ray Taylor ◽  
Richard Bowen ◽  
James F. Demarest ◽  
Michael DeSpirito ◽  
Airn Hartwig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Antiviral Compound ◽  
The Impact

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has claimed the lives of millions of people worldwide since it first emerged. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health and the global economy has highlighted the medical need for the development of broadly acting interventions against emerging viral threats. Galidesivir is a broad-spectrum antiviral compound with demonstrated in vitro and in vivo efficacy against several RNA viruses of public health concern, including those causing yellow fever, Ebola, Marburg, and Rift Valley fever. In vitro studies have shown that the antiviral activity of galidesivir also extends to coronaviruses. Herein, we describe the efficacy of galidesivir in the Syrian golden hamster model of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Treatment with galidesivir reduced lung pathology in infected animals compared with untreated controls when treatment was initiated 24 h prior to infection. These results add to the evidence of the applicability of galidesivir as a potential medical intervention for a range of acute viral illnesses, including coronaviruses.

scholarly journals Comparison of the pathogenicity and virus shedding of SARS CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 and D614G variant in hamster model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sreelekshmy Mohandas ◽  
Pragya D Yadav ◽  
Dimpal Nyayanit ◽  
Gururaj Deshpande ◽  
Anita Shete-Aich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Virus Shedding ◽  
Vaccination Programs

AbstractThe emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has posed a serious challenge to public health system and vaccination programs across the globe. We have studied the pathogenicity and virus shedding pattern of the SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 and compared with D614G variant in Syrian hamsters. VOC 202012/01 could produce disease in hamsters characterized by body weight loss and respiratory tract tropism but mild lung pathology. Further, we also documented that neutralizing antibodies developed against VOC 202012/01 could equally neutralize D614G variant. Higher load of VOC 202012/01 in the nasal wash specimens was observed during the first week of infection outcompeting the D614G variant. The findings suggest increased fitness of VOC 202012/01 to the upper respiratory tract which could lead to higher transmission. Further investigations are needed to understand the transmissibility of new variants.One-Sentence SummarySARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 infected hamsters demonstrated high viral RNA shedding through the nasal secretions and significant body weight loss with mild lung pathology compared to the D614G variant.

scholarly journals Attenuated replication and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwok-Yung Yuen ◽  
Huiping Shuai ◽  
Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan ◽  
Bingjie Hu ◽  
Yue Chai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Escape ◽  
Vaccination Strategy ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Evolutionary Trajectory ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Alpha Beta

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 Omicron emerged in November 2021 and is rapidly spreading among the human populations. The variant contains 34 changes in its spike protein including 15 substitutions at the receptor-binding domain (RBD). While recent reports reveal that the Omicron variant can robustly escape from vaccine and therapeutic neutralization antibodies, the pathogenicity of the virus remains unknown. Here, we investigate the virological features and pathogenesis of the Omicron variant using in vitro and in vivo models. Our results demonstrate that the replication of the Omicron variant is dramatically attenuated in Calu3 and Caco2 but not in VeroE6 cells. Further mechanistic investigations reveal that the Omicron variant is deficient in transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) usage in comparison to that of WT, Alpha, Beta, and Delta variant, which explained its inefficient replication in Calu3 and Caco2 cells. Importantly, the replication of the Omicron variant is markedly attenuated in both the upper and lower respiratory tract of infected K18-hACE2 mice in comparison to that of WT and Delta variant, which results in its dramatically ameliorated lung pathology. When compared with SARS-CoV-2 WT, Alpha, Beta, and Delta variant, infection by the Omicron variant causes the least body weight loss and mortality rate. Overall, our study demonstrates that the Omicron variant is significantly attenuated in virus replication and pathogenicity in comparison with WT and previous variants. Our data suggest the current global vaccination strategy has forced SARS-CoV-2 into a new evolutionary trajectory towards reduced replication fitness in exchange of better immune escape. These findings are critical for setting policy in the pandemic control and disease management of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Nebulized delivery of a broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific nanobody prevents clinical, virological and pathological disease in a Syrian hamster model of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J Esparza ◽  
Yaozong Chen ◽  
Negin P Martin ◽  
Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann ◽  
Richard A Bowen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Syrian Hamster ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
In Vitro Characterization ◽  
Pathological Disease

There remains an unmet need for globally deployable, low-cost therapeutics for the ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Previously, we reported on the isolation and in vitro characterization of a potent single-domain nanobody, NIH-CoVnb-112, specific for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we report on the molecular basis for the observed broad in vitro neutralization capability of NIH-CoVnb-112 against variant SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses, including the currently dominant Delta variant. The structure of NIH-CoVnb-112 bound to SARS-CoV-2 RBD reveals a large contact surface area overlapping the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding site, which is largely unencumbered by the common RBD mutations. In an in vivo pilot study, we demonstrate effective reductions in weight loss, viral burden, and lung pathology in a Syrian hamster model of COVID-19 following nebulized delivery of NIH-CoVnb-112. These findings support the further development of NIH-CoVnb-112 as a potential adjunct preventative therapeutic for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals A single dose of recombinant VSV-ΔG-spike vaccine provides protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yfat Yahalom-Ronen ◽  
Hadas Tamir ◽  
Sharon Melamed ◽  
Boaz Politi ◽  
Ohad Shifman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Golden Syrian Hamster

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in December 2019 in China resulted in over 7.8 million infections and over 430,000 deaths worldwide, imposing an urgent need for rapid development of an efficient and cost-effective vaccine, suitable for mass immunization. Here, we generated a replication competent recombinant VSV-ΔG-spike vaccine, in which the glycoprotein of VSV was replaced by the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2. In vitro characterization of the recombinant VSV-ΔG-spike indicated expression and presentation of the spike protein on the viral membrane with antigenic similarity to SARS-CoV-2. A golden Syrian hamster in vivo model for COVID-19 was implemented. We show that vaccination of hamsters with recombinant VSV-ΔG-spike results in rapid and potent induction of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, single-dose vaccination was able to protect hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 challenge, as demonstrated by the abrogation of body weight loss of the immunized hamsters compared to unvaccinated hamsters. Furthermore, whereas lungs of infected hamsters displayed extensive tissue damage and high viral titers, immunized hamsters’ lungs showed only minor lung pathology, and no viral load. Taken together, we suggest recombinant VSV-ΔG-spike as a safe, efficacious and protective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals Effect of Prophylactic Use of Intranasal Oil Formulations in the Hamster Model of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaigham Abbas Rizvi ◽  
Manas Ranjan Tripathy ◽  
Nishant Sharma ◽  
Sandeep Goswami ◽  
N Srikanth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Histopathological Analysis ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Upper Respiratory

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection initiates with viral entry in the upper respiratory tract, leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe COVID-19 is characterized by pulmonary pathologies associated with respiratory failure. Thus, therapeutics aimed at inhibiting the entry of the virus or its internalization in the upper respiratory tract are of interest. Herein, we report the prophylactic application of two intranasal formulations provided by the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), Anu oil and til tailya, in the hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prophylactic intra-nasal instillation of these oil formulations exhibited reduced viral load in lungs and resulted in reduced body weight loss and lung-pneumonitis. In line with reduced viral load, histopathological analysis revealed a reduction in lung pathology in the Anu oil group as compared to the control infected group. However, the til tailya group did not show a significant reduction in lung pathology. Furthermore, molecular analysis using mRNA expression profiling indicated reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, including Th1 and Th17 cytokines for both the intranasal formulations as a result of decreased viral load. Together, the prophylactic intranasal application of Anu oil seems to be useful in limiting both viral load and severity in SARS-CoV2 infection in the hamster model.

scholarly journals Isolation of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.28.2 P2 variant and pathogenicity comparison with D614G variant in hamster model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pragya Yadav ◽  
Sreelekshmy Mohandas ◽  
Prasad Sarkale ◽  
Dimpal Nyayanit ◽  
Anita Shete ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Syrian Hamster ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Fold Reduction ◽  
Variant Virus ◽  
Genomic Characterization ◽  
Generation Sequencing ◽  
Severe Lung

Background: Considering the potential threat from emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and the rising COVID-19 cases, SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance is ongoing in India. We report herewith the isolation of the P.2 variant (B.1.1.28.2) from international travelers and further its pathogenicity evaluation and comparison with D614G variant (B.1) in hamster model. Methods: Virus isolation was performed in Vero CCL81 cells and genomic characterization by next generation sequencing. The pathogenicity of the isolate was assessed in Syrian hamster model and compared with B.1 variant. Results: B.1.1.28.2 variant was isolated from nasal/throat swabs of international travelers returned to India from United Kingdom and Brazil. The B.1.1.28.2 variant induced body weight loss, viral replication in the respiratory tract, lung lesions and caused severe lung pathology in infected Syrian hamster model in comparison, with B.1 variant infected hamsters. The sera from B.1.1.28.2 infected hamsters efficiently neutralized the D614G variant virus whereas 6-fold reduction in the neutralization was seen in case of D614G variant infected hamsters sera with the B.1.1.28.2 variant. Conclusions: B.1.1.28.2 lineage variant could be successfully isolated and characterization could be performed. Pathogenicity of the isolate was demonstrated in Syrian hamster model and in comparison, with B.1 variant was found more pathogenic. The findings of increased disease severity and neutralization reduction is of great concern and point towards the need for screening the vaccines for efficacy.

Inhibition of Human and Animal Platelet Adhesiveness to Glass Bead Columns by Adenosine, Dipyridamole, Chlorpromazine and Acetylsalicylic Acid

1976 ◽  
Vol 36 (02) ◽  
pp. 401-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buichi Fujttani ◽  
Toshimichi Tsuboi ◽  
Kazuko Takeno ◽  
Kouichi Yoshida ◽  
Masanao Shimizu
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Acetylsalicylic Acid ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Glass Bead ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Rabbit Platelet ◽  
Platelet Adhesiveness

SummaryThe differences among human, rabbit and guinea-pig platelet adhesiveness as for inhibitions by adenosine, dipyridamole, chlorpromazine and acetylsalicylic acid are described, and the influence of measurement conditions on platelet adhesiveness is also reported. Platelet adhesiveness of human and animal species decreased with an increase of heparin concentrations and an increase of flow rate of blood passing through a glass bead column. Human and rabbit platelet adhesiveness was inhibited in vitro by adenosine, dipyridamole and chlorpromazine, but not by acetylsalicylic acid. On the other hand, guinea-pig platelet adhesiveness was inhibited by the four drugs including acetylsalicylic acid. In in vivo study, adenosine, dipyridamole and chlorpromazine inhibited platelet adhesiveness in rabbits and guinea-pigs. Acetylsalicylic acid showed the inhibitory effect in guinea-pigs, but not in rabbits.

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