MEETING REPORT

Journal of
285
Cellular
Physiology
Summary of the 9th Annual
Meeting of the Italian Society
for Virology
CRISTIANO SALATA,1 ARIANNA CALISTRI,1 CRISTINA PAROLIN,2* AND GIORGIO PALÙ1
1
Division of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padova,
Padova, Italy
2
Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

The 9th annual meeting of the Italian Society for Virology (SIV) comprised seven plenary sessions focused on: General virology and viral
genetics; Virus–Host interaction and pathogenesis; Viral oncology; Emerging viruses and zoonotic, foodborne, and environmental
pathways of transmission; Viral immunology and vaccines; Medical virology and antiviral therapy; Viral biotechnologies and gene therapy.
Moreover, four hot topics were discussed in special lectures: the Pioneer in human virology lecture regarding the control of viral
epidemics with particular emphasis on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the Pioneer in plant virology lecture focused on cell
responses to plant virus infection, a Keynote lecture on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of Crimea–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
virus, and the G.B. Rossi lecture on the molecular basis and clinical implications of human cytomegalovirus tropism for endothelial/
epithelial cells. The meeting had an attendance of about 160 virologists. A summary of the plenary lectures and oral selected presentations
is reported.
J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 285–287, 2010. ß 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

For the Pioneer in human virology lecture, R.C. Gallo
(Baltimore, USA) focused his presentation on what we learned
from the three major epidemics of the 20th century: pandemic
influenza, poliomyelitis, and AIDS. In particular, he discussed
the concepts and technologies that had lead to the discovery of
human retroviruses, from human T-lymphotropic virus
(HTLV)-1 and -2 to HIV-1. Despite the significant efforts spent
in the study of HIV biology and pathogenesis since the virus
discovery, there are still important challenges that have to be
faced in the near future: (i) the discovery and design of new
drugs to overcome viral resistance to currently employed
therapeutics and (ii) the development of effective HIV
preventive vaccines to contrast the diffusion of epidemic. In this
context, Gallo reported data on the use of rapamycin in order
to decrease the CCR5 expression levels on the cell surface. In
fact, the drug-induced reduction of CCR5 expression
potentiates the antiviral activity of new CCR5 antagonists,
allowing the use of lower, non-toxic but still effective doses. In
addition, he summarized the data obtained in the attempt to
develop an effective HIV preventive vaccine based on a chimeric
GP120-CD4 protein. Even though the preliminary data are
promising, the antibody response elicited is not sustained,
lasting only 3–4 months. Thus, the research is now focused on
the identification of adjuvants increasing the level and
sustainability of the antibodies.
The specific cell response to plant virus infections was the
topic discussed by G.P. Martelli (Bari, Italy) in the Pioneer in
plant virology lecture. Several plant viruses induce cytological
changes in the host cells that can be readily observed by light
and/or electron microscopy. The cytological changes are
represented by the inclusion bodies (IBs), intracellular
structures de novo produced as a result of viral replication. The
IBs have different origins: they may contain virus particles, virus-
related materials (such as unstructural and/or structural
proteins), or ordinary cell constituents in a normal or
deregulated condition. In particular, in order to increase the
membranous support for viral replication, some IBs can be
generated by membrane proliferations originated either from:
(i) peripheral vesiculation of peroxisomes/mitochondria
(multivesicular bodies); (ii) invagination of the bounding
membrane of chloroplasts/mitochondria; or (iii) accumulation
of endoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicles. Taking into account
that IBs are often genus- or family-specific, these cellular
modifications are a veritable ‘‘signature’’ of viral infection and
can be useful for diagnosis purposes. The development of
cytochemical microscopy approaches and gold immunolabeling
techniques that allow the labeling and localization of specific
viral and cellular proteins have provided a better understanding
of virus–host relationship, by correlating viral and cellular
structures with functional roles.
In a special lecture dedicated to G.B Rossi, G. Gerna (Pavia,
Italy) overviewed the molecular basis and the clinical
implications of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) tropism
for endothelial/epithelial cells. HCMV in vivo infects
predominantly endothelial and epithelia cells that represent site
for viral latency. However, HCMV in vitro is routinely isolated
and propagated in fibroblastic cells leading to laboratory
adapted viral strains characterized by an altered tropism. The
genetic determinants responsible for the cell tropism were
elucidated in recent years. In this context, Gerna and
coworkers demonstrated that the UL131A/UL130/UL120
locus is essential for viral growth in endothelial cells and for viral
transmission to leukocytes, cells which play a role in enhancing
viral dissemination. This finding was instrumental to clarify
fundamental aspects of viral pathogenesis. In fact, the interplay
between endothelial cells and leukocytes represents the
pathogenetic basis for all clinical syndromes originating during
HCMV disseminated infections. In particular, the transmission
of HCMV from mother to fetus in the case of primary infection
acquired during pregnancy may be triggered by the endothelial
cells/leukocytes interaction. In the last part of his presentation,
Gerna presented what is currently known regarding the role of
*Correspondence to: Cristina Parolin, Department of Biology,
University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padova, Italy.
E-mail: cristina.parolin@unipd.it
Received 2 August 2010; Accepted 12 August 2010
Published online in Wiley Online Library
(wileyonlinelibrary.com.), 26 August 2010.
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22396

ß 2 0 1 0 W I L E Y - L I S S , I N C .
286 SALATA ET AL.
adaptive immune response against HCMV infection. Moreover,
he discussed the possible impact on patient management
represented by the development of an effective HCMV
preventive vaccine. So far, HCMV-specific T-cell response has
been considered the major defense mechanism against HCMV
reactivation and dissemination. Nevertheless, a role for
neutralizing antibodies in conferring prevention/protection
against HCMV infection/disease has been recently demonstrated,
at least in the case of primary infection during pregnancy.
However, to date, the real clinical relevance of HCMV specific
humoral immunity with respect to the well-established role of
HCMV-specific T cells remains to be fully defined.
A. Papa (Thessaloniki, Greece) gave a Keynote lecture
regarding the epidemiology and genetic diversity of Crimean–
Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). CCHFV is a highly
pathogenic virus, which causes a severe disease in humans, with
a mortality rate up to 30%. The genetic diversity among CCHF
viral strain is high and seven distinct groups were identified on
the basis of the genomic S segment sequences. African strains
seem to evolve faster than strains from other geographic
regions. Many discrepancies in clustering were seen, most
probably caused by reassortment events, leading to a complex
pattern of evolution. During recent years, new CCHF foci have
emerged in several Balkan countries, southwest Russia, and
Turkey. Starting in 2002, Turkey experienced the largest ever-
recorded outbreak with more than 2,500 cases. Potential
reasons for the emergence or re-emergence of CCHF include
climate changes which may have a significant impact on the
reproduction rate of the vector Hyalomma tick, as well as
anthropogenic factors (such as changes in agricultural and
hunting activities). Given the abundance of its vector, the
numerous animals that can serve as hosts, and the favorable
climate and ecologic parameters in other southern Europe
Mediterranean Countries, CCHF is an example of a vector-
borne disease which may be soon knocking the door in this
area. Finally, there are models that show probability of CCHF
extending to other countries around the Mediterranean basin,
suggesting that the veterinarian and clinical surveillance should
be enhanced.
Regarding the selected oral presentations, in the General
virology and viral genetics session, A.C. Petrizzo (Naples, Italy)
reported results of a study regarding the molecular and
phylogenetic analysis of HIV-1 variants circulating in Italy, while
A. Bruselles (Rome, Italy) described the full-length
characterization of a BF unique recombinant form of HIV-1
associated with a fatal case of primary infection. E. Lavezzo
(Padua, Italy) presented a bioinformatics approach for the
prediction of viral/host targets of HCMV microRNA, while the
results of deep sequencing analysis of short RNAs in infected
and non-infected grapevine were shown by V. Pantaleo (Turin,
Italy) who reported the discovery of new short RNAs deriving
from viruses and virus-like agents. M. Turina (Turin, Italy)
proposed a reverse genetic approach to study the Ourmia
mosaic virus through the set-up of an agro-infectious clone
based on three plasmids containing the full-length cDNA from
each viral genomic segment. E. Noris (Turin, Italy) reported
studies addressing the role of the virion stability of Tomato
yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus in the circulative transmission
mediated by the insect vector Bemisia tabaci.
L. Fiore (Rome, Italy) described evidence suggesting that the
Ala67Thr mutation of poliovirus receptor (CD155) is a
potential risk factor in the development of paralytic
poliomyelitis after vaccination or natural infection. Paralytic
poliomyelitis is the most serious type of disease associated with
poliovirus infections and is a rare side effect of polio vaccination.
In the context of studies focused on clarifying the late phase of
HCMV life cycle, M. Caduco (Padua, Italy) illustrated data
supporting a role of multivesicular bodies on HCMV gB
trafficking and viral morphogenesis.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
In the Virus-host interaction and pathogenesis session, M.
Gariglio (Novara, Italy) described the results of a study
addressed to elucidate the natural b-human papilloma virus
(HPV)–host interactions in organotypic cultures of EVER2-null
keratinocytes derived from epidermodysplasia verruciformis
patients. The use of specific microRNA serum levels as
potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cirrhosis and
liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)
infection was discussed by M. Pagani (Milan, Italy). M. Mangino
(Rome, Italy) reported the ability of HIV-1 Nef to activate
inducible nitric oxide synthase in murine microglial cells, a
mechanism that may be involved in the AIDS neuropathology.
A. Garzino-Demo (Baltimore, USA) demonstrated that CCR6
ligands, such as human b-defensins, inhibit HIV-1 infection at the
early step by induction of APOBEC3G protein. P. Caposio
(Turin, Italy) reported that an HCMV late-kinetic gene induces
the production of cellular secretome factors promoting
endothelial cell angiogenesis and preventing cellular apoptosis.
These results would support the hypothesis of a possible role
for HCMV in vascular diseases. An involvement of human
herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in autoimmune thyroid disease was
proposed by E. Caselli (Ferrara, Italy) who reported the
detection of HHV-6 DNA in thyroid specimens from patients
with autoimmune disease, while B. Mercorelli (Padua, Italy)
suggested that the sumoylation of HCMV DNA polymerase
viral processivity factor may be a new mechanism for regulating
the viral enzyme activity. L. Rubino (Bari, Italy) reported the
molecular characterization of a new satellite RNA associated
with Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus infection, while A. Minafra (Bari,
Italy) described the characterization of Fig latent virus 1, a new
member of the family Flexiviridae.
In the Viral oncology session, M. De Andrea (Turin, Italy)
demonstrated a correlation between STAT3 expression and b-
genus HPV-linked skin tumor development. On the other hand,
F.M. Buonaguro (Naples, Italy) showed data of a retrospective
study indicating no evidence for an association between
mucosal HPVs and esophageal neoplasia. The alterations of
miRNA expression in HPV and HCV infection/oncogenesis
were described by V. Militello (Padua, Italy) and A. Sinigaglia
(Padua, Italy), respectively. V. Militello reported data about the
miRNA expression profile in HPV-positive cervical samples,
while A. Sinigaglia showed that the expression of specific
miRNAs significantly correlates with histological staging and
with the presence of cirrhosis in HCV-related chronic hepatitis.
In addition, the transcriptional patterns and pathways
characterizing HCV-associated pre-neoplastic lesions evolving
in hepatocellar carcinoma were described by V. De Giorgi
(Naples, Italy), who identified a set of genes whose role in liver
carcinogenesis should be considered as possible marker of
tumor progression. M. Turci (Verona, Italy) provided evidence
that HTLV-2B Tax oncoprotein is modified by ubiquitination
and sumoylation and displays intracellular localization similar to
its homologue HTLV-1 Tax. However, by using specific mutants
he came to the conclusion that the mechanisms involved in Tax-
2 transactivation are non-identical to those previously
described in the case of Tax-1.
In the Emerging viruses and zoonotic, foodborne, and
environmental pathways of transmission session, E. Lalle (Rome,
Italy) described a new molecular diagnostic strategy developed
in the earliest time of influenza virus pandemic diffusion in order
to identified the novel A/(H1N1) virus with respect to the
seasonal influenza viruses. L. Squarzon (Padua, Italy) reported
data about the surveillance of West Nile Virus (WNV) activity
in Italy, highlighting the situation in the Veneto Region. In
particular, she described the molecular characterization of a
WNV isolated from a blood donor. F.M. Ruggeri (Rome, Italy)
described the activity of EuroRotaNet, the first European
rotavirus surveillance network. The Italian data confirmed the
genetic diversity among rotaviruses isolated from children and
 ITALIAN SOCIETY FOR VIROLOGY: MEETING REPORT
the emergence of novel strains, which could be affecting the
efficacy of the available vaccines. Noroviruses (NoVs), which
have been identified as the most common cause of viral
gastroenteritis in humans, have been recently detected in
domestic carnivores and new strains were discovered in dogs,
as reported by V. Martella (Bari, Italy). This observation raises
interesting questions regarding the diffusion and evolution of
NoVs, suggesting that these novel viruses may represent a
zoonotic risk for humans related to pet animals.
In the Viral immunology and vaccines session, an interim
analysis of HCMV infection management in solid organ
transplant recipients (SOTRs) by simultaneous virological and
immunological monitoring was reported by D. Lilleri (Pavia,
Italy), while D. Abate (Padua, Italy) described the different
outcomes of pre-emptive versus prophylaxis therapy in
promoting HCMV-specific T-cell reconstitution in SOTRs. O.
Varnier (Genova, Italy) suggested the introduction of
immunological and virological screening to reduce the risk of
Polyomavirus reactivation in immunosuppressed patients. The
implementation of this screening should reduce hospitalization
of the expected cases of acute rejection or infections, the
numbers of biopsies, the use of antiviral and
immunosuppressive drugs. L. Buonaguro (Naples, Italy)
reported the effect of a virus-like particles (VLPs)-based HIV
vaccine on the production of the known immune-suppressive
cytokine IL-10 in HIV-infected subjects. The obtained results
suggest that novel vaccines and adjuvants should be evaluated
not only for their immunogenicity but also for their potential
immune-suppressive effects in the patients. R. Dolcetti (Aviano,
Italy) described the interplay between the HLA background and
expression of immunogenic EBV proteins in nasopharyngeal
carcinoma, highlighting the implications for an efficient cancer
immunotherapy, while L. Petrone (Rome, Italy) reported the
ability of HPV16 E7 protein to act as an adjuvant of B-cell
response.
In the Medical virology and antiviral therapy session, D. Abate
(Padua, Italy) reported data on the evaluation of HCMV-specific
T-cell immunity in immunosuppressed patients. The results
showed distinct patterns of HCMV-specific T-cell immune
reconstitution in pediatric allogenic stem cell transplant
patients. In addition, based on its efficacy and predictive, Abate
suggested the use of the ELISPOT assay as a possible guide for
therapeutic interventions. S. Blois (Cagliari, Italy) described
promising results on a different formulation of a non-nucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitor candidate for application as
topical microbicide to prevent HIV-1 infection. G. Giliberti
(Cagliari, Italy) reported the anti-retroviral activity of novel 1,2-
benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one benzenesulfonamides, a compound
that targets the HIV nucleocapsid as demonstrated by genome
sequencing of HIV-1 mutants selected for resistance to the
benzenesulfonamide. The mechanism of action of a new non-
nucleoside inhibitor effective for the HCV treatment was
described by S. Shukla (Cagliari, Italy). He demonstrated that
the compound specifically targets the RNA-dependent RNA
polymerase at the level of a hot spot site for inhibiting viral
replication. G. Muratore (Padua, Italy) described a study
addressed to evaluate the antiviral activity of sulfated
derivatives of Escherichia coli capsular K5 polysaccharide. She
demonstrated that K5 derivatives specifically inhibit HCMV
suggesting that these derivatives could represent the basis for
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
287
the development of a novel class of anti-HCMV compounds
with a mechanism of action different from that of the available
drugs. The absence of association between WU and KI
polyomavirus infection and progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy (PML) in HIV-associated patients was
reported by L. Squarzon (Padua, Italy), who analyzed the
presence of viral genomic DNA in cerebral biopsies of 22
patients with or without PML. S.G. Parisi (Padua, Italy)
described the compartmentalization in peripheral blood
mononuclear cell (PBMC) and cerebrospinal fluid of CXCR4-
or CCR5-using HIV-1 strains in 119 naı̈ve patients. He
demonstrated that complex patterns can be found in different
compartments in all stages of viral infection providing evidence
that could have implications for therapy. A. Piralla (Pavia, Italy)
reported that a number of new human rhinovirus (HRV)-like
sequences were recently identified in patients with influenza-
like illness associated with severe respiratory distress
(rhinovirus, species C (HRV-C)). The HRV-C would be
particularly dangerous pathogens in the case of
immunocompromised patients. Thus, the search for specific
antiviral drugs aimed to the control of these infections is
urgently needed.
In the last session, Viral biotechnologies and gene therapy, M.
Trevisan (Padua, Italy) described the development of a
micronized fluidic device to enhance adenoviral transduction
efficiency as demonstrated by an increased vector-mediated
transgene expression. This technology should allow the rational
tuning of the viral particle transport from diffusive to convective
regimes, thus enhancing viral infection. G. Vecchio (Lecce, Italy)
reported the design and development of a plastic molecular chip
suitable for one-shot HPV diagnostics, namely detection of the
viral presence and relative genotyping, by two sequential steps
performed directly on the same device. A. Loregian (Padua,
Italy) proposed a novel therapeutic strategy against influenza
virus infection based on the disruption of protein–protein
interactions by targeting the viral polymerase subunits. Finally,
M.L. Visciano (Naples, Italy) described a baculovirus-based
expressing system for the generation of VLPs containing
different HIV-1 glycoproteins for the induction of broadly
neutralizing antibodies, while P. Circelli (Rome, Italy) proposed
the production of HIV-based VLPs in plants by using the
Tombusvirus Artichoke Mosaic Crinkle virus.
In addition to the plenary lectures and the selected oral
presentations, 67 posters were presented in two specific
sessions. During the congress 11 young scientists were
awarded with travel grants to attend the 4th European
Congress of Virology (Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy, April 7–
11, 2010). Complete abstracts of oral and poster presentations
are available at www.siv-virologia.it.
Acknowledgments
The meeting was held at the Palazzo del Popolo, Orvieto (Terni,
Italy) on September 7–9, 2009, under the patronage of the
Comune di Orvieto, the European Society for Virology (ESV),
and the Federazione Italiana delle Società Medico-Scientifiche
(FISM). We thank the Comune di Orvieto for its continuous
support. The SIV wish to thank all the speakers and the
participants for their important contributions during the oral
and poster sessions of the meeting.