Pseudotyping Serotype 5 Adenovirus with the Fiber from Other Serotypes Uncovers a Key Role of the Fiber Protein in Adenovirus 5-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Hum Gene Ther. 2016 Feb;27(2):193-201. doi: 10.1089/hum.2015.154.

Abstract

Adenovirus (Ad) infection in humans is associated with inflammatory responses and thrombocytopenia. Although several studies were conducted in mice models to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms of Ad-induced inflammatory responses, only few of them turned their interest toward the mechanisms of Ad-induced thrombocytopenia. Using different depletion methods, the present study ruled out any significant role of spleen, macrophages, and vitamin K-dependent factor in Ad-induced thrombocytopenia. Interestingly, mice displaying thrombocytopenia expressed high levels of cytokines/chemokines after Ad administration. Most importantly, pseudotyping adenovirus with the fiber protein from other serotypes was associated with reduction of both cytokine/chemokine production and thrombocytopenia. Altogether, our results suggest that capsid fiber protein (and more precisely its shaft) of Ad serotype 5 triggers the cytokine production that leads to Ad-induced thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae Infections / complications
  • Adenoviridae Infections / immunology
  • Adenoviridae Infections / pathology
  • Adenoviridae Infections / virology*
  • Adenoviruses, Human / genetics
  • Adenoviruses, Human / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Capsid Proteins / genetics
  • Capsid Proteins / immunology*
  • Cytokines / agonists
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Factor X / immunology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / virology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Serogroup*
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Spleen / virology
  • Thrombocytopenia / etiology
  • Thrombocytopenia / immunology
  • Thrombocytopenia / pathology
  • Thrombocytopenia / virology*

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • hexon capsid protein, Adenovirus
  • Factor X