Exploring the Genetic Diversity and Molecular Evolution of Seoul and Hantaan Orthohantaviruses
Author:
Demirev Atanas V.1ORCID, Lee Sangyi1ORCID, Park Sejik1ORCID, Kim Hyunbeen1, Cho Seunghye1, Lee Kyuyoung1, Kim Kisoon12, Song Jin-Won12ORCID, Park Man-Seong123, Kim Jin Il123ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea 2. Vaccine Innovation Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea 3. Biosafety Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
Abstract
Seoul (SEOV) and Hantaan (HTNV) orthohantaviruses are significant zoonotic pathogens responsible for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Here, we investigated the molecular evolution of SEOV and HTNV through phylogenetic and bioinformatic analyses using complete genome sequences of their large (L), medium (M), and small (S) gene segments. Despite similar epizootic cycles and clinical symptoms, SEOV and HTNV exhibited distinct genetic and evolutionary dynamics. The phylogenetic trees of each segment consistently showed major genetic clades associated with the geographical distribution of both viruses. Remarkably, SEOV M and S segments exhibit higher evolutionary rates, rapidly increasing genetic diversity, and a more recent origin in contrast to HTNV. Reassortment events were infrequent, but both viruses appear to utilize the M gene segment in genetic exchanges. SEOV favors the L or M segment reassortment, while HTNV prefers the M or S segment exchange. Purifying selection dominates in all three gene segments of both viruses, yet SEOV experiences an elevated positive selection in its glycoprotein Gc ectodomain. Key amino acid differences, including a positive ‘lysine fence’ (through residues K77, K82, K231, K307, and K310) located at the tip of the Gn, alongside the physical stability around an RGD-like motif through M108-F334 interaction, may contribute to the unique antigenic properties of SEOV. With the increasing global dispersion and potential implications of SEOV for the global public health landscape, this study highlights the unique evolutionary dynamics and antigenic properties of SEOV and HTNV in informing vaccine design and public health preparedness.
Funder
Ministry of Science and ICT of Republic of Korea
Subject
Virology,Infectious Diseases
Reference37 articles.
1. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome: Literature Review, Epidemiology, Clinical Picture and Pathogenesis;Tariq;Infect. Chemother.,2022 2. Kim, W.K., Cho, S., Lee, S.H., No, J.S., Lee, G.Y., Park, K., Lee, D., Jeong, S.T., and Song, J.W. (2020). Genomic Epidemiology and Active Surveillance to Investigate Outbreaks of Hantaviruses. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol., 10. 3. Hantavirus in humans: A review of clinical aspects and management;Vial;Lancet Infect. Dis.,2023 4. Role of Seaports and Imported Rats in Seoul Hantavirus Circulation, Africa;Castel;Emerg. Infect. Dis. J.,2023 5. ECDC, and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (2021). Annual Epidemiological Report for 2019, ECDC.
|
|