Article
Immunology
Lie Cheng, Wei-Liang Liu, Yun-Ting Tsou, Jian-Chiuan Li, Chia-Hao Chien, Matthew P. Su, Kun-Lin Liu, Ya-Lang Huang, Shih-Cheng Wu, Jih-Jin Tsai, Shie-Liang Hsieh, Chun-Hong Chen
Summary: C-type lectins can target DENV, and transgenic mosquitoes expressing human CLEC18A show potential in enhancing Toll immune pathway responses, reducing viral titers, and altering midgut microbiome composition, leading to inhibition of DENV.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Kannan Balakrishnan, Ananda Ayyappan Jaguva Vasudevan, Krishnaveni Mohareer, Tom Luedde, Carsten Muenk, Sharmistha Banerjee
Summary: The study showed that Staufen-2 interacts with HIV-1 Gag, boosting viral infectivity by being incorporated into virions. Additionally, Staufen-2 may interact with other host factors, influencing the infectivity and population dynamics of the virus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eric Barklis, Ayna Alfadhli, Jennifer E. Kyle, Lisa M. Bramer, Kent J. Bloodsworth, Robin Lid Barklis, Hans C. Leier, R. Max Petty, Iris D. Zelnik, Thomas O. Metz, Anthony H. Futerman, Fikadu G. Tafesse
Summary: Research shows that CerS2 deficiency alters the lipid composition, specifically inhibiting the receptor binding or fusion of HIV-1 Env during infection.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Helena Fabryova, Sandra Kao, Sayaka Sukegawa, Eri Miyagi, Louis Taylor, Damien Ferhadian, Hideki Saito, Heiner Schaal, Frank Hillebrand, Klaus Strebel
Summary: Despite progress in drug therapies, HIV-1 remains incurable and can rebound due to drug resistance. Gelsolin (GSN) was identified as a novel Vpr-interacting protein and its expression was associated with HIV-1 infection in macrophages. Overexpression of GSN reduces the expression and packaging of HIV-1 envelope protein, leading to reduced viral infectivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alex B. Kleinpeter, Yanan Zhu, Donna L. Mallery, Sherimay D. Ablan, Long Chen, Nathan Hardenbrook, Adolfo Saiardi, Leo C. James, Peijun Zhang, Eric O. Freed
Summary: The assembly of HIV-1 particles involves the construction of a spherical lattice composed of hexamer subunits of the Gag polyprotein. The cellular metabolite IP6 plays a crucial role in stabilizing the immature Gag lattice through interaction with the six-helix bundle (6HB) of Gag hexamers. Cleavage of the 6HB during particle maturation is necessary for the liberation of the capsid (CA) domain and IP6, leading to the assembly of the mature conical capsid. Depletion of IP6 results in defects in assembly and infectivity of the virus.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yafei Liu, Wai Tuck Soh, Jun-ichi Kishikawa, Mika Hirose, Emi E. Nakayama, Songling Li, Miwa Sasai, Tatsuya Suzuki, Asa Tada, Akemi Arakawa, Sumiko Matsuoka, Kanako Akamatsu, Makoto Matsuda, Chikako Ono, Shiho Torii, Kazuki Kishida, Hui Jin, Wataru Nakai, Noriko Arase, Atsushi Nakagawa, Maki Matsumoto, Yukoh Nakazaki, Yasuhiro Shindo, Masako Kohyama, Keisuke Tomii, Koichiro Ohmura, Shiro Ohshima, Toru Okamoto, Masahiro Yamamoto, Hironori Nakagami, Yoshiharu Matsuura, Atsushi Nakagawa, Takayuki Kato, Masato Okada, Daron M. Standley, Tatsuo Shioda, Hisashi Arase
Summary: The research found that antibodies against different domains of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have different effects, with some antibodies inducing an open conformation of the RBD and enhancing the virus infectivity. Structural and mutational analysis revealed the mechanisms of these antibodies, and infectivity-enhancing antibodies were detected at higher levels in severe patients.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lina Zhang, Fenju Wei, David Borrego, Fabao Zhao, Javier Martinez del Rio, Estrella Frutos-Beltran, Jiwei Zhang, Shujing Xu, Nerea Lopez-Carrobles, Shenghua Gao, Dongwei Kang, Christophe Pannecouque, Erik De Clercq, Xinyong Liu, Luis Menendez-Arias, Peng Zhan
Summary: This study reports a series of improved RNase H inhibitors derived from II-25, with IA-6 being the most potent compound showing strong HIV-1 RNase H inhibitory activity. However, these compounds did not exhibit significant antiviral activity in cell culture. The low cytotoxicity of these compounds confirms the importance of identifying galloyl derivatives as valuable leads for further optimization.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdullah M. Syed, Alison Ciling, Y. Taha Taha, Irene P. Chen, Mir M. Khalid, Bharath Sreekumar, Pei-Yi Chen, G. Renuka Kumar, Rahul Suryawanshi, Ines Silva, Bilal Milbes, Noah Kojima, Victoria Hess, Maria Shacreaw, Lauren Lopez, Matthew Brobeck, Fred Turner, Lee Spraggon, Takako Tabata, Melanie Ott, Jennifer A. Doudna
Summary: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has similar assembly efficiency and cell entry as the Delta variant but spreads rapidly due to reduced neutralization in sera from previously vaccinated subjects. Most currently available monoclonal antibodies are not effective in treating Omicron-infected patients, except for bebtelovimab.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Virology
Sizhu Duan, Xin Yu, Chu Wang, Lina Meng, Yanxin Gai, Yan Zhou, Tiejun Gu, Bin Yu, Jiaxin Wu, Xianghui Yu
Summary: This study identified Vif mutants with high affinity for CBF beta, which could rescue APOBEC3s and restrict HIV-1 replication. Among them, Vif-6M showed cross-protection effect towards multiple APOBEC3s and inhibited viral replication in T lymphocytes. These findings suggest that Vif mutants targeting the Vif-CBF beta interaction hold promise as a new therapeutic strategy for HIV/AIDS.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengyang Zhang, Nihal Altan-Bonnet, Yun Shen, Danmeng Shuai
Summary: Waterborne human pathogenic viruses can transmit in populations through interactions with microbial communities, enhancing their infectivity and persistence while resisting disinfection. Overlooking these interactions may underestimate the environmental and public health risks of the viruses.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Tarun Mishra, M. Sreepadmanabh, Pavitra Ramdas, Amit Kumar Sahu, Atul Kumar, Ajit Chande
Summary: The study established SARS CoV-2 spike-pseudotyped lentiviral systems for rapid identification of entry inhibitors and neutralizing agents in BSL-2 level facilities. The nucleoprotein was identified as a potent enhancer of spike-pseudotyped LV particle infectivity, increasing infectivity and reducing vulnerability to neutralizing effects. This enhancement was observed with both wild-type spike protein and the D614G mutant, holding important implications for LV pseudotyping-based studies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Natalie Petrillo, Kim Dinh, Kimberly A. Vogt, Shuhua Ma
Summary: This study investigates the catalytic mechanism of HTLV-1 protease using combined QM/MM molecular dynamics simulations. The free energy simulations reveal that the catalytic reactions of HTLV-1 protease occur in sequential steps involving proton transfer and nucleophilic addition. The findings provide valuable information for designing mechanism-based inhibitors for HTLV-1-associated diseases.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Naoki Kishimoto, Kengo Yamamoto, Towa Abe, Norito Yasuoka, Nobutoki Takamune, Shogo Misumi
Summary: The cellular metabolic environment, specifically aerobic glycolysis, plays a crucial role in maintaining quality control of HIV-1 viruses, impacting their components and infectivity.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David A. Nyenhuis, Rohith Rajasekaran, Susan Watanabe, Marie-Paule Strub, Mahfuz Khan, Michael Powell, Carol A. Carter, Nico Tjandra
Summary: The HECT domain of HECT E3 ligases consists of two flexibly linked lobes, with ubiquitin donor site on one lobe and a secondary ubiquitin binding site on the other lobe. The study reports the formation of a complex between the isolated HECT domain of NEDD4-1 and the UEV domain of Tsg101 using para-magnetic solution NMR. The interaction between these proteins plays a role in viral maturation and infectivity, suggesting that the HECT-UEV interaction could be a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Haohui Deng, Qianchang Feng, Yue Wu, Haowei Lin, Xin Cao, Fangfei Xiang, Linghua Li, Weihua Yu
Summary: This study focused on the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in Chinese HIV-positive patients, showing high immune response rates at 1-3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postvaccination. Factors related to sustained immune response at 2 years postvaccination were also analyzed, with age and HIV RNA status identified as independent factors. The study found that while the immune response rates did not differ between HIV-positive patients and healthy controls at 1-3 months postvaccination, HBsAb titers were significantly lower in HIV-positive patients.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Liliana Aguayo, Lauren B. Beach, Xinzi Wang, Megan M. Ruprecht, Dylan Felt, Kiarri N. Kershaw, Matthew M. Davis, Gregory Phillips
Summary: School-based mentoring relationships may help reduce the risk of suicidality among adolescents, especially those who are at a higher risk due to cyberbullying.
SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Mona Ascha, Dylan Felt, Lauren B. Beach, Swati A. Kulkarni, Sumanas W. Jordan
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Renee M. Johnson, Denali Boon, Xinzi Wang, Lauren B. Beach, Sherri-Chanelle Brighthaupt, Kristin E. Schneider, Gregory Phillips
Summary: This study examines the prevalence and changes in heroin use and injection drug use among high school students in five large, urban school districts in the US. The findings indicate that these districts have higher rates of heroin use and injection drug use compared to the general US high school student population, with no significant increases observed since 2009. The study highlights the importance of adolescence as a critical period for initiating heroin use among Black and/or Latino adolescents in these urban school districts.
JOURNAL OF ETHNICITY IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Adovich S. Rivera, Laura Rusie, Megan Plank, Juned Siddique, Lauren B. Beach, Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, Matthew J. Feinstein
Summary: The study found that long-term higher cumulative viral load may be associated with incident hypertension among people with HIV, but not with diabetes. The associations of HIV control with cardiovascular disease risk factors may differ depending on the health care system context.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Chantal L. Rytz, Lauren B. Beach, Nathalie Saad, Sandra M. Dumanski, David Collister, Amelia M. Newbert, Lindsay Peace, Elle Lett, Dina Greene, Paul Connelly, Jaimie Veale, Cris Morillo, Sofia B. Ahmed
Summary: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of illness and death globally. Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals may face significant cardiovascular health inequities, but there are currently no evidence-based interventions specifically for reducing cardiovascular risk in this population. To address this gap, we propose a road map to enhance the inclusion of TNB individuals in cardiovascular research, which would improve cardiovascular health surveillance and care for TNB communities.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Raina V. Voss, Lisa M. Kuhns, Gregory Phillips II, Xinzi Wang, Sigrid F. Wolf, Robert Garofalo, Sari Reisner, Lauren B. Beach
Summary: Evidence suggests that transgender youth participate in physical activity less than nontransgender youth, which may lead to poorer health outcomes. This study examined the relationship between gender modality and participation in physical activity, physical education (PE), and sports teams in a multistate sample of high school youth, while also considering the impact of bullying. The findings indicate that transgender students have lower odds of participating in physical activity, but similar or higher odds of participating in PE and sports compared to cisgender students. The study suggests that factors other than bullying may contribute to the limited physical activity among transgender youth.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Adovich S. Rivera, Megan Plank, Ash Davis, Matthew J. Feinstein, Laura K. Rusie, Lauren B. Beach
Summary: Disparities in retesting for glycated hemoglobin and systolic blood pressure among people with diabetes mellitus and hypertension persisted during the pandemic, with significant widening of disparities according to sexual orientation.
BMJ OPEN DIABETES RESEARCH & CARE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Psychology, Clinical
Adovich S. Rivera, Lauren B. Beach
ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gregory Phillips, Shahin Davoudpour, Ysabel Beatrice Floresca, Dylan Felt, Caleb W. Curry, Xinzi Wang, Joseph Choi, Scar Winter Kelsey, Lauren B. Beach
Summary: Transgender individuals, especially transgender youth aged 18 and younger, are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States. This study examined HIV testing, education, and condom use among transgender youth and found that condom use and HIV education remain lower among transgender individuals compared to their not-transgender peers. The findings highlight the need for culturally appropriate HIV education and prevention supports for transgender youth.
HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Lauren B. Beach, Carl G. Streed
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Omar Deraz, Billy Caceres, Carl G. Streed, Lauren B. Beach, Xavier Jouven, Mathilde Touvier, Marcel Goldberg, Marie Zins, Jean-Philippe Empana
Summary: This study examined the association between cardiovascular health scores and sexual minority status, finding disparities in cardiovascular health among sexual minority adults. Lesbian and bisexual women had lower cardiovascular health scores compared to heterosexual women, while gay and bisexual men had higher cardiovascular health scores compared to heterosexual men. Primordial prevention targeted at sexual minority populations may be necessary.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Dylan Felt, Jiayi Xu, Ysabel Beatrice Floresca, Ella Segovia Fernandez, Aaron K. Korpak, Gregory Phillips, Xinzi Wang, Caleb W. Curry, Lauren B. Beach
Summary: This study aims to assess the inequitable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on key social determinants of health (employment, housing, and healthcare) for transgender populations in the US. The findings indicate that transgender and gender diverse individuals are more likely to experience homelessness/housing instability and interruptions in medical care compared to cisgender individuals, while there were no significant differences in employment. These results highlight the urgent need for public health professionals to address the impacts of COVID-19 on transgender populations in terms of social determinants of health.
TRANSGENDER HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Ebele M. Umeukeje, Deklerk Ngankam, Lauren B. Beach, Jennifer Morse, Heather L. Prigmore, Thomas G. Stewart, Julia B. Lewis, Kerri L. Cavanaugh
Summary: This study aims to propose a more precise and novel way of measuring and displaying dialysis treatment adherence. The findings provide a more personalized approach for evaluating actual dialysis uptake. Identification of unique patterns of adherence behavior is important to inform the design of effective behavioral interventions and improve outcomes for vulnerable African American patients treated with dialysis.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gregory I. I. I. I. Phillips, Peter Lindeman, Patrick Janulis, Amy K. Johnson, Lauren B. Beach, Patrick Stonehouse, David Kern, Joshua Boegner, Anand Raman, George J. Greene
Summary: This study examined the collaboration and competitiveness among community agencies in the HIV prevention system in Chicago using network analysis. The results showed that despite perceived competitiveness, agencies were willing to work together and create a cohesive HIV prevention and treatment system. However, more efforts should be made to foster an environment that supports the formation of partnerships, improves the coordinated response to HIV care, and sustains mutually beneficial relationships.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Carl G. Streed, Blair Turner, Lauren B. Beach, Rachel Marro, Dylan Felt, Xinzi Wang, Gregory Phillips
Summary: Previous studies have shown that sexual minority youth are more likely to carry weapons, but no study has examined the relationship between bullying, harassment, and weapon carrying among sexual minority youth. This study used the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and found that bullying and feeling unsafe are associated with weapon carrying among sexual minority youth. It is important for pediatricians and professionals working with youth to recognize the impact of bullying and provide support for sexual minority youth.
JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
(2022)
