Human Cytomegalovirus Infection of Epithelial Cells Increases SARS-CoV-2 Superinfection by Upregulating the ACE2 Receptor.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused widespread morbidity and mortality since its onset in late 2019. Here, we demonstrate that prior infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) substantially increases infection with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. HCMV is a common herpesvirus carried by 40%-100% of the population, which can reactivate in the lung under inflammatory conditions, such as those resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Targeting the latent human cytomegalovirus reservoir for T-cell-mediated killing with virus-specific nanobodies.

Latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is characterized by limited gene expression, making latent HCMV infections refractory to current treatments targeting viral replication. However, reactivation of latent HCMV in immunosuppressed solid organ and stem cell transplant patients often results in morbidity. Here, we report the killing of latently infected cells via a virus-specific nanobody (VUN100bv) that partially inhibits signaling of the viral receptor US28.

Regulation of host and viral promoters during human cytomegalovirus latency via US28 and CTCF.

Viral latency is an active process during which the host cell environment is optimized for latent carriage and reactivation. This requires control of both viral and host gene promoters and enhancers often at the level of chromatin, and several viruses co-opt the chromatin organiser CTCF to control gene expression during latency. While CTCF has a role in the latencies of alpha- and gamma-herpesviruses, it was not known whether CTCF played a role in the latency of the beta-herpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (HCMV).

Viral G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Attractive Targets for Herpesvirus-Associated Diseases.

Herpesviruses are ubiquitous pathogens that establish lifelong, latent infections in their host. Spontaneous reactivation of herpesviruses is often asymptomatic or clinically manageable in healthy individuals, but reactivation events in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Moreover, herpesvirus infections have been associated with multiple proliferative cardiovascular and post-transplant diseases.

Work-based strategies/interventions to ameliorate stressors and foster coping for clinical staff working in emergency departments: a scoping review of the literature.

Background: Exposure to occupational stressors is an issue for staff working in emergency departments, managers and health services. The aim of this review was to identify, map, and synthesise the range and scope of current evidence for work-based strategies or interventions used in emergency departments to reduce occupational stressors and/or improve staff coping.

Methods: The framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley guided this review.

Interferon-Responsive Genes Are Targeted during the Establishment of Human Cytomegalovirus Latency.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) latency is an active process which remodels the latently infected cell to optimize latent carriage and reactivation. This is achieved, in part, through the expression of viral genes, including the G-protein-coupled receptor US28. Here, we use an unbiased proteomic screen to assess changes in host proteins induced by US28, revealing that interferon-inducible genes are downregulated by US28.