Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daichao Wu, Alexander Kolesnikov, Rui Yin, Johnathan D. Guest, Ragul Gowthaman, Anton Shmelev, Yana Serdyuk, Dmitry V. Dianov, Grigory A. Efimov, Brian G. Pierce, Roy A. Mariuzza
Summary: This study reveals the structural information of SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) bound to their peptide-MHC targets and explains the mechanisms behind their selection of specific germline genes and recognition of different variants. This has important implications for designing vaccines to elicit pan-coronavirus immunity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Margot Miranda-Katz, John J. Erickson, Jie Lan, Alwyn Ecker, Yu Zhang, Sebastian Joyce, John Williams
Summary: The study identified 6 HLA-B7-restricted CD8(+) T cell epitopes in mice infected with HMPV, with M195-203 (M195) eliciting the strongest response. Immunization with pooled HLA-B7-restricted peptides reduced viral titer and protected mice from virulent infection. CD8(+) T cells from HLA-B7 positive humans also recognize the identified epitopes, providing valuable information for future HMPV vaccine design.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Stefanie N. N. Meyer, Sanjay Koul, Laura Pasqualucci
Summary: The DNA sequencing revolution has altered our understanding of B-cell lymphomas, with genetically engineered mouse models playing a key role in research. Accurate modeling of genetic alterations found in human GC B cell malignancies can help guide the design of novel therapeutic approaches for this disease.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Johanna C. Wagner, Emilie Ronin, Patrick Ho, Yani Peng, Qizhi Tang
Summary: CAR Treg therapy targeting donor alloantigens has shown efficacy in prolonging graft survival in vascularized transplant models, offering a potential solution for reducing immunosuppression.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xirui Qiu, Siyan Xu, Yang Lu, Zichen Luo, Yangtian Yan, Chuyue Wang, Jianjian Ji
Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major pathogen causing bronchitis and pneumonia in infants and the elderly. No approved preventative vaccine for RSV infection currently exists. However, advances in understanding the RSV surface fusion glycoprotein have provided a new target for vaccine development. Among the six different approaches to preventative RSV therapeutics, mRNA vaccines have shown the most promising results.
CYTOKINE & GROWTH FACTOR REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Bishnu Adhikari, Ferdaus Hassan, Christopher J. Harrison, Jennifer Dien Bard, Jim Dunn, Sue Kehl, Rangaraj Selvarangan
Summary: This study sequenced the F gene and conducted subtyping on 400 RSV-positive respiratory samples collected from pediatric hospitals in the United States between 2018 and 2020. The results showed mutations in antigenic sites of the F protein in both RSV A and RSV B, which could impact the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody therapies and vaccines.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Li Ma, Matthew Brecher, Allison Soufal, Tiziano Gaiotto, Sai Tian, Sumana Chandramouli, Vincent Dewar, Laurent Ferrant, Meng Zhang, Xianzhi Zhou, Varnika Roy
Summary: In the past decade, camelid nanobodies have been developed for various applications, but their potential in evaluating vaccine antigen candidates has been relatively unexplored. This study demonstrates the suitability of a nanobody-based ELISA method for characterizing a leading respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidate. The nanobody, F-VHH-L66, exhibits similar characteristics to the well-known antibody AM14 in recognizing the prefusion form of RSV F, which is crucial for generating neutralizing antibodies. The F-VHH-L66-based ELISA proves to be specific, accurate, linear, and stability-indicating, making it a potential alternative to AM14 for RSVPreF3 characterization.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Su-Hwa Lee, Ki-Back Chu, Min-Ju Kim, Jie Mao, Gi-Deok Eom, Keon-Woong Yoon, Md Atique Ahmed, Fu-Shi Quan
Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe respiratory disease and there is currently no effective treatment or vaccine available. In this study, virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines expressing RSV proteins were produced and evaluated in mice. The VLPs induced a strong antibody response and neutralizing activity, with the Pre-F+G VLPs showing superior protection. VLP immunization also reduced viral titer and inflammation in the lungs of mice. These results suggest that Pre-F+G VLPs could be a potential vaccine candidate against RSV infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wendy K. Jo, Alina Schadenhofer, Andre Habierski, Franziska K. Kaiser, Giulietta Saletti, Tina Ganzenmueller, Elias Hage, Sibylle Haid, Thomas Pietschmann, Gesine Hansen, Thomas F. Schulz, Guus F. Rimmelzwaan, Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus, Martin Ludlow
Summary: This study established reverse genetics systems for clinical isolates of RSV-A and RSV-B, enabling future validation studies on novel RSV therapeutic intervention strategies and investigations into viral and host factors necessary for virus entry and cell-to-cell spread.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Teodor-D Brumeanu, Pooja Vir, Ahmad Faisal Karim, Swagata Kar, Dalia Benetiene, Megan Lok, Jack Greenhouse, Tammy Putmon-Taylor, Christopher Kitajewski, Kevin K. Chung, Kathleen P. Pratt, Sofia A. Casares
Summary: We present a humanized mouse model (DRAGA) for COVID-19 research, which successfully replicates key aspects of the human immune system and provides insights into the immunopathological mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2. The mice show sustained infection, clinical deterioration, and lung immunopathology similar to humans, including lymphocyte infiltrates and antibody responses. This model can serve as a valuable tool for studying the virus and evaluating potential vaccines and therapeutics.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ssu-Hsueh Tseng, Li Liu, Shiwen Peng, Jinhwi Kim, Louise Ferrall, Chien-Fu Hung, T. C. Wu
Summary: The study characterized the immune responses of HLA-A2 restricted HPV16 E7-specific CD8 + T cells using a therapeutic naked DNA vaccine in transgenic mice. Spontaneous oral tumors were generated by transfecting oncogenic DNA plasmids into the submucosal oral cavity of the transgenic mice with electroporation. Treatment with the CRT/E7(N53S) DNA vaccine resulted in significant antitumor effects against the spontaneous HPV16 E6/E7-expressing oral tumors in HLA-A2 (AAD) transgenic mice.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ippei Yoshida, Kaho Arikawa, Yusuke Honma, Shoko Inatani, Mitsukane Yoshinaga, Hiroyuki Sugiyama
Summary: The novel macrocyclic compound TP0591816 showed significant antiviral activities against both subgroup A and subgroup B RSV, inhibiting fusion of the virus with the cell membrane during viral entry and reducing lung virus titers in a dose-dependent manner. It also maintained its antiviral activity against a fusion inhibitor-resistant RSV strain, indicating its potential as a promising candidate for the treatment of resistant RSV infection.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Yu-Sun Lee, So-Hee Hong, Hyo-Jung Park, Ho-Young Lee, Ji-Yeon Hwang, Seo Yeon Kim, Jun Won Park, Kang-Seuk Choi, Je Kyung Seong, Sang-In Park, Sang-Myeong Lee, Kyung-Ah Hwang, Jun-Won Yun, Jae-Hwan Nam
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 and the potential of peptide vaccines to induce protective immune responses. Immunization with these peptides increases effector memory T cells and IFN-gamma, IL-4, TNF-alpha, and granzyme B-producing T cells, while some peptides induce IFN-gamma-producing T cells and CTL responses, leading to cytotoxic T lymphocytes that eliminate target cells. Peptide vaccines also show promise in reducing viral titers and alleviating pulmonary pathology in animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Camille Lozada, Thomas M. A. Barlow, Simon Gonzalez, Nadege Lubin-Germain, Steven Ballet
Summary: The process of membrane fusion allows enveloped viruses to infect cells by entering them. Various proteins have been identified that mediate this process, classified according to their structures, despite differences there is a common mechanism through which viral fusion occurs.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Dave Francisco, Ying Wang, Craig Marshall, Michelle Conway, Kenneth J. Addison, Dean Billheimer, Hiroki Kimura, Mari Numata, Hong W. Chu, Dennis R. Voelker, Monica Kraft, Julie G. Ledford
Summary: Surfactant Protein-A (SP-A) is an innate immune modulator that regulates various pulmonary host defense functions. Dysfunctional SP-A is found in asthma, which may be linked to genetic heterogeneity. SP-A 223Q offers better protection against inflammation and mucin production compared to SP-A 223K, and individuals with two copies of the major 223Q allele experience improved lung function and asthma control. Short peptides of SP-A2 retain anti-inflammatory properties similar to the endogenous protein.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hsiao-Yun Shao, Juo-Yu Huang, Yi-Wen Lin, Shu-Ling Yu, Ebenezer Chitra, Ching-Kun Chang, Wang-Chou Sung, Pele Chong, Yen-Hung Chow
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2015)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yi-Wen Lin, Hsiang-Yin Lin, Yueh-Liang Tsou, Ebenezer Chitra, Kuang-Nan Hsiao, Hsiao-Yun Shao, Chia-Chyi Liu, Charles Sia, Pele Chong, Yen-Hung Chow
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yi-Wen Lin, Shu-Ling Yu, Hsiao-Yun Shao, Hsiang-Yin Lin, Chia-Chyi Liu, Kuang-Nan Hsiao, Ebenezer Chitra, Yueh-Liang Tsou, Hsuen-Wen Chang, Charles Sia, Pele Chong, Yen-Hung Chow
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yueh-Liang Tsou, Yi-Wen Lin, Hsuen-Wen Chang, Hsiang-Yin Lin, Hsiao-Yun Shao, Shu-Ling Yu, Chia-Chyi Liu, Ebenezer Chitra, Charles Sia, Yen-Hung Chow
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teik Hwa Ong, Ebenezer Chitra, Srinivasan Ramamurthy, Rajinikanth Paruvathanahalli Siddalingam, Kah Hay Yuen, Stephen Periathamby Ambu, Fabian Davamani
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teik Hwa Ong, Ebenezer Chitra, Srinivasan Ramamurthy Rajinikanth Paruvathanahalli, Kah Hay Yuen, Stephen Periathamby Ambu, Fabian Davamani
Article
Virology
Ebenezer Chitra, Yi-Wen Lin, Fabian Davamani, Kuang-Nan Hsiao, Charles Sia, Shih-Yang Hsieh, Olivia L. Wei, Jen-Hao Chen, Yen-Hung Chow
Article
Immunology
Hsiao-Yun Shao, Shu-Ling Yu, Charles Sia, Yana Chen, Ebenezer Chitra, I-Hua Chen, Nandini Venkatesan, Chih-Hsiang Leng, Pele Chong, Yen-Hung Chow
Article
Virology
Ebenezer Chitra, Shu-Ling Yu, Kuang-Nan Hsiao, Hsiao-Yun Shao, Charles Sia, I-Hua Chen, Shih-Yang Hsieh, Jen-Hao Chen, Yen-Hung Chow
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teik Hwa Ong, Ebenezer Chitra, Srinivasan Ramamurthy, Catherine Chong Sze Ling, Stephen Periathamby Ambu, Fabian Davamani
Article
Cell Biology
Rizdwan Rahman, Alyssa Danielle Fonseka, Shiang-Chia Sua, Munirah Ahmad, Ramkumar Rajendran, Stephen Ambu, Fabian Davamani, Alan Soo-Beng Khoo, Ebenezer Chitra
Summary: LfcinB, a natural peptide derived from bovine lactoferrin, exhibits anti-cancer properties against different categories of breast cancer cell lines in vitro and suppresses tumor formation in a mouse xenograft model. This natural peptide also inhibits the invasion of breast cancer cell lines and shows potential as a safe candidate for breast cancer treatment.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
S. Tan, R. Rajendran, S. Bhattamisra, P. Krishnappa, F. Davamani, E. Chitra, S. Ambu, B. L. Furman, M. Candasamy
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Khei Yan Lee, Yi Ling Ng, Wai San Wang, Pei Ying Ng, Cheang Wei Chan, Jing Wei Lai, Fabian Davamani, Ebenezer Chitra, Wei Meng Lim, Rakesh Ganguly, Mohd Jamil Maah, Foo Win Yip, Chew Hee Ng
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2019)
Meeting Abstract
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Amy Chong Siew Peng, Leong Chee Onn, Ebenezer Chitra, Fabian Amalraj Davamani, Stephen Ambu, Constantinos Demonacos, Ramkumar Rajendran
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2016)