Sequence Analysis of microRNAs Encoded by Simian Lymphocryptoviruses

Lymphocryptoviruses (LCVs) are ubiquitous gamma-herpesviruses that establish life-long infections in both humans and non-human primates (NHPs). In immunocompromised hosts, LCV infections are commonly associated with B cell disorders and malignancies such as lymphoma. In this study, we evaluated simi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yan Chen, Devin N. Fachko, Helen L. Wu, Jonah B. Sacha, Rebecca L. Skalsky
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Viruses
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/12/1923
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Summary:Lymphocryptoviruses (LCVs) are ubiquitous gamma-herpesviruses that establish life-long infections in both humans and non-human primates (NHPs). In immunocompromised hosts, LCV infections are commonly associated with B cell disorders and malignancies such as lymphoma. In this study, we evaluated simian LCV-encoded small microRNAs (miRNAs) present in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from a Mauritian cynomolgus macaque (<i>Macaca fascicularis</i>) with cyLCV-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) as well as the viral miRNAs expressed in a baboon (<i>Papio hamadryas</i>) LCL that harbors CeHV12. Via sequence comparisons, we further predicted viral miRNAs encoded by LCVs that infect two additional NHP species: stump-tailed macaques (<i>Macaca arctoides</i>) and bonobos (<i>Pan paniscus</i>). Together, these species represent two arms of the primate phylogeny: Hominoids (<i>Pan</i>) and Old-World monkeys (<i>Macaca</i>, <i>Papio</i>). Through our analysis, we defined sequences for >95 viral miRNAs encoded by these four NHP LCVs. Our study provides the most comprehensive annotation of NHP LCV miRNAs to date, yielding a resource for developing sequence-specific reagents to detect these molecules. Importantly, we further demonstrate that cyLCV miRNAs can be detected in circulation in vivo and have biomarker potential for LCV-related PTLD.
ISSN:1999-4915