Article
Immunology
Anjali Singh, Cesar Boggiano, Michael A. Eller, Milton Maciel Jr, Mary A. Marovich, Vijay L. Mehra, Annie X. Mo, Kentner L. Singleton, Wolfgang W. Leitner
Summary: This report summarizes the highlights of a workshop convened by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), on April 4-5, 2022. The workshop aimed to provide a discussion forum for sharing insights on the current landscape of promising adjuvants in HIV vaccine studies and to gather recommendations on scientific, regulatory, and operational guidelines for bridging the gaps in adjuvant selection and formulation. The NIAID Vaccine Adjuvant Program working group remains committed to promoting promising adjuvants and fostering collaborations between adjuvant and HIV vaccine developers.
Article
Virology
Mallika Sastry, Anita Changela, Jason Gorman, Kai Xu, Gwo-Yu Chuang, Chen-Hsiang Shen, Cheng Cheng, Hui Geng, Sijy O'Dell, Li Ou, Reda Rawi, Mateo Reveiz, Guillaume B. E. Stewart-Jones, Shuishu Wang, Baoshan Zhang, Tongqing Zhou, Andrea Biju, Michael Chambers, Xuejun Chen, Angela R. Corrigan, Bob C. Lin, Mark K. Louder, Krisha McKee, Alexandra F. Nazzari, Adam S. Olia, Danealle K. Parchment, Edward K. Sarfo, Tyler Stephens, Jonathan Stuckey, Yaroslav Tsybovsky, Raffaello Verardi, Yiran Wang, Cheng-Yan Zheng, Yuling Chen, Nicole A. Doria-Rose, Adrian B. McDermott, John R. Mascola, Peter D. Kwong
Summary: Vaccine regimens incorporating diverse fusion peptide-conjugates and Env trimers with variation in fusion peptide length and sequence can enhance neutralizing responses and generate diverse neutralizing antibodies in mice and guinea pigs. These findings provide insight for HIV-1 vaccine development.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Susan Pederson, David M. Biondi, Brent Allan, Roger Cady, Barbara Schaeffler, Brian Baker, John Latham
Summary: Across five clinical trials, the immunogenicity of eptinezumab was characterized by low titer and transient ADA and NAb responses, with no clinically meaningful impact on efficacy and safety profiles. The onset of detectable ADA occurred at week 8, peaked at week 24, and declined steadily thereafter, regardless of eptinezumab dose level or number of doses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Philip J. M. Brouwer, Mitch Brinkkemper, Pauline Maisonnasse, Nathalie Dereuddre-Bosquet, Marloes Grobben, Mathieu Claireaux, Marlon de Gast, Romain Marlin, Virginie Chesnais, Segolene Diry, Joel D. Allen, Yasunori Watanabe, Julia M. Giezen, Gius Kerster, Hannah L. Turner, Karlijn van der Straten, Cynthia A. van der Linden, Yoann Aldon, Thibaut Naninck, Ilja Bontjer, Judith A. Burger, Meliawati Poniman, Anna Z. Mykytyn, Nisreen M. A. Okba, Edith E. Schermer, Marielle J. van Breemen, Rashmi Ravichandran, Tom G. Caniels, Jelle van Schooten, Nidhal Kahlaoui, Vanessa Contreras, Julien Lemaitre, Catherine Chapon, Raphael Ho Tsong Fang, Julien Villaudy, Kwinten Sliepen, Yme U. van der Velden, Bart L. Haagmans, Godelieve J. de Bree, Eric Ginoux, Andrew B. Ward, Max Crispin, Neil P. King, Sylvie van der Werf, Marit J. van Gils, Roger Le Grand, Rogier W. Sanders
Summary: The study introduces a nanoparticle vaccine displaying multiple copies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which successfully induced potent antibody responses in mice, rabbits, and cynomolgus macaques. The vaccine-induced immunity protected macaques against a high-dose challenge, showing promising potential as a candidate to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article
Microbiology
Clara T. Schoeder, Pavlo Gilchuk, Amandeep K. Sangha, Kaitlyn V. Ledwitch, Delphine C. Malherbe, Xuan Zhang, Elad Binshtein, Lauren E. Williamson, Cristina E. Martina, Jinhui Dong, Erica Armstrong, Rachel Sutton, Rachel Nargi, Jessica Rodriguez, Natalia Kuzmina, Brooke Fiala, Neil P. King, Alexander Bukreyev, James E. Crowe, Jens Meiler
Summary: This study presents the design and functional validation of an epitope-focused immunogen based on the HR2-MPER epitope of the ebolavirus. The results demonstrate the capabilities and challenges of computational epitope-focused vaccine design, and provide insights for the rational design of immunogens against ebolavirus.
Article
Immunology
Yue Chen, Hongliang Jin, Xiaoran Tang, Li Li, Xiuzhu Geng, Yuanmei Zhu, Huihui Chong, Yuxian He
Summary: Emerging studies suggest that infusing HIV-resistant cells could be an effective strategy for curing HIV. Researchers have successfully generated cells resistant to HIV infection by combining specific antibodies with cells, preventing viral transmission.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bharat Madan, Baoshan Zhang, Kai Xu, Cara W. Chao, Sijy O'Dell, Jacy R. Wolfe, Gwo-Yu Chuang, Ahmed S. Fahad, Hui Geng, Rui Kong, Mark K. Louder, Thuy Duong Nguyen, Reda Rawi, Arne Schon, Zizhang Sheng, Rajani Nimrania, Yiran Wang, Tongqing Zhou, Bob C. Lin, Nicole A. Doria-Rose, Lawrence Shapiro, Peter D. Kwong, Brandon J. DeKosky
Summary: Vaccine-induced mutations in the anti-FP antibody vFP16.02 can improve affinity towards both soluble FP and HIV-1 Env, with rare somatic hypermutations explaining the observed improvements. Changes in heavy- and light-chain interface angles, conformational dynamics, and reduced Fab thermal stability are associated with enhanced neutralization breadth and potency. Structural mechanisms are identified for improved viral neutralization through parallel sets of mutations.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Tanyaporn Pongkunakorn, Thamonwan Manosan, Apinya Surawit, Suphawan Ophakas, Pichanun Mongkolsucharitkul, Sureeporn Pumeiam, Sophida Suta, Bonggochpass Pinsawas, Nitat Sookrung, Nawannaporn Saelim, Kodchakorn Mahasongkram, Pannathee Prangtaworn, Anchalee Tungtrongchitr, Watip Tangjittipokin, Suthee Mangmee, Kobporn Boonnak, Tassanee Narkdontri, Nipaporn Teerawattanapong, Rungsima Wanitphadeedecha, Korapat Mayurasakorn
Summary: During the Omicron pandemic, the immune response of individuals with post-COVID full recovery and long COVID (LC) was compared. The study found that LC patients had lower neutralizing antibody levels and reduced T cell subsets, indicating the need for earlier booster vaccinations to restore immune function in symptomatic LC individuals.
Article
Immunology
Kwinten Sliepen, Edith Schermer, Ilja Bontjer, Judith A. Burger, Reka Felfodine Levai, Philipp Mundsperger, Philip J. M. Brouwer, Monica Tolazzi, Atilla Farsang, Dietmar Katinger, John P. Moore, Gabriella Scarlatti, Robin J. Shattock, Quentin J. Sattentau, Rogier W. Sanders
Summary: The study showed that ISCOMATRIX was the most effective adjuvant, while GLA-LSQ adjuvant unexpectedly induced strong antibody response, though it may compromise the production of more desired anti-trimer antibodies due to an off-target effect. Both adjuvants and nanoparticle display can enhance the antibody response to SOSIP trimers, but the optimal combination requires experimental identification.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shuang Yang, Giorgos Hiotis, Yi Wang, Junjian Chen, Jia-Huai Wang, Mikyung Kim, Ellis L. Reinherz, Thomas Walz
Summary: This study reveals the vulnerability of HIV-1 spike protein in terms of ectodomain tilting through cryo-electron microscopy and molecular dynamics, providing insights for vaccine design.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaehyeon Hwang, Younghun Jung, Seokoh Moon, Seokhyeon Yu, Hyunseok Oh, Soomin Kim, Kyeong Won Kim, Jeong Hyeon Yoon, Jihwan Chun, Sang Jick Kim, Woo-Jae Chung, Dae-Hyuk Kweon
Summary: This study demonstrates the engineering of a nanodisc to enhance the antiviral activity of antibodies. The nanodisc can form a complex with antibodies, which can enter infected cells and inhibit viral replication and spread.
Article
Virology
Tugba Y. Yalcin, Deniz Topcu, Ozlem Dogan, Saliha Aydin, Nuran Sari, Cigdem Erol, Zeynep E. Kuloglu, Ozlem K. Azap, Fusun Can, Hande Arslan
Summary: This study evaluated antibody levels after inactivated virus vaccination, finding that individuals previously infected with COVID-19 had higher antibody levels and longer duration of antibody response after a single vaccine dose. A positive correlation between IgGsp antibody titers and neutralizing capacity was also observed, suggesting that quantitative IgGsp values may reflect vaccine neutralization capacity.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Angela Huttner, Selidji Todagbe Agnandji, Olivier Engler, Jay W. Hooper, Steve Kwilas, Keersten Ricks, Tamara L. Clements, Hulda R. Jonsdottir, Sravya Sowdamini Nakka, Sylvia Rothenberger, Peter Kremsner, Roland Zust, Donata Medaglini, Tom Ottenhoff, Ali M. Harandi, Claire-Anne Siegrist
Summary: This study reports the 5-year persistence and avidity of antibodies produced by the live-attenuated recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the Zaire Ebolavirus glycoprotein. The findings suggest that antibody titres at 1 year can predict antibody persistence at 5 years. Additionally, while antibody titres remained stable, the duration of live-virus neutralizing antibodies was shorter.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Vlad-Rares Danaila, Catalin Buiu
Summary: This article presents a method based on neural networks and transfer learning to predict the sensitivity of HIV antibodies using the CATNAP dataset. Compared to other methods, this approach achieves better predictive performance and does not require structural features, making it more practical.
Article
Immunology
Pichanun Mongkolsucharitkul, Apinya Surawit, Sureeporn Pumeiam, Nitat Sookrung, Anchalee Tungtrongchitr, Pochamana Phisalprapa, Naruemit Sayabovorn, Weerachai Srivanichakorn, Chaiwat Washirasaksiri, Chonticha Auesomwang, Tullaya Sitasuwan, Thanet Chaisathaphol, Rungsima Tinmanee, Methee Chayakulkeeree, Pakpoom Phoompoung, Watip Tangjittipokin, Sansnee Senawong, Gornmigar Sanpawitayakul, Saipin Muangman, Korapat Mayurasakorn
Summary: Omicron has replaced Delta as the dominant variant of COVID-19 in Thailand. Patients with Omicron are more likely to have upper respiratory tract symptoms compared to Delta patients, and both variants have limited immunogenicity. A two-dose vaccine regimen significantly reduces hospitalization and death rates, particularly in countries with limited vaccine supplies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jon Ander Nieto-Garai, Aroa Arboleya, Sara Otaegi, Jakub Chojnacki, Josefina Casas, Gemma Fabrias, F-Xabier Contreras, Hans-Georg Krausslich, Maier Lorizate
Summary: HIV-1 entry into host cells relies on the redistribution of envelope glycoproteins into clusters in the viral membrane and the presence of cholesterol. Research shows that gp41 interacts directly with cholesterol, playing an important role in orchestrating envelope glycoprotein clustering.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Patrick Mayrhofer, David Reinhart, Andreas Castan, Renate Kunert
Summary: Cell culture media are complex solutions used for mammalian cells, crucial for protein expression quality and bioprocess performance. Chemometric analysis of RAMAN spectra can identify different media and track degradation conditions. RAMAN spectroscopy is a rapid, non-destructive method to distinguish media and find minor differences, suitable for quality control in bioprocessing.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maier Lorizate, Oihana Terrones, Jon Ander Nieto-Garai, Iratxe Rojo-Bartolome, Dalila Ciceri, Ornella Morana, June Olazar-Intxausti, Aroa Arboleya, Alexia Martin, Marta Szynkiewicz, Maria Calleja-Felipe, Jorge Bernardino de la Serna, F. -Xabier Contreras
Summary: This paper introduces a new bioorthogonal-based cholesterol probe (chol-N-3) that, in combination with nanoscopy, provides a powerful method for direct visualization and characterization of lipid rafts in living cells at unprecedented resolution. The probe allows for observation of cholesterol-rich nanodomains of <50 nm at the plasma membrane of resting living cells, revealing multiple cholesterol diffusion modes at different spatial localizations. The method also shows potential for imaging across thick organ samples to address essential biological questions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jon Ander Nieto-Garai, Maier Lorizate, F. Xabier Contreras
Summary: Membrane rafts in cellular membranes play a crucial role in regulating biological functions, but their existence and visualization in unperturbed living cells remain controversial. Advanced biochemical and microscopy techniques are being used to investigate membrane rafts, but persistent questions still need to be answered before unlocking the mystery of membrane rafts in living cells.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ornella Morana, Jon Ander Nieto-Garai, Patrik Bjorkholm, Jorge Bernardino de la Serna, Oihana Terrones, Aroa Arboleya, Dalila Ciceri, Iratxe Rojo-Bartolome, Cedric M. Blouin, Christophe Lamaze, Maier Lorizate, Francesc-Xabier Contreras
Summary: This study identifies cholesterol as a molecular switch regulating the transmembrane signaling of the cytokine interferon-gamma receptor (IFN-gamma R). Cholesterol binds to a conserved motif in the IFN-gamma R, driving its partitioning into lipid nanodomains and facilitating oligomerization and transmembrane signaling. This discovery has significant implications for understanding lipid selectivity by membrane proteins and the role of lipids in modulating cell surface receptor function. In addition, inhibiting the cholesterol-IFN-gamma R2 interaction may be a potential therapeutic strategy for IFN-gamma-dependent diseases.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jon Ander Nieto-Garai, Francesc-Xabier Contreras, Aroa Arboleya, Maier Lorizate
Summary: Viral entry is a sequential process involving the attachment of the virus to the host cell and the introduction of its genetic material. Both cellular and viral lipids play crucial roles in viral entry. This article summarizes the specific roles of lipids and lipid membrane nanostructures in viral attachment, fusion, and immune evasion, and discusses the limitations of commonly used techniques for studying protein-lipid interactions, as well as emerging tools in this field.
Article
Microbiology
Tiziana Ginex, Clara Marco-Marin, Mitosz Wieczor, Carlos P. Mata, James Krieger, Paula Ruiz-Rodriguez, Maria Luisa Lopez-Redondo, Clara Frances-Gomez, Roberto Melero, Carlos Oscar Sanchez-Sorzano, Marta Martinez, Nadine Gougeard, Alicia Forcada-Nadal, Sara Zamora-Caballero, Roberto Gozalbo-Rovira, Carla Sanz-Frasquet, Rocio Arranz, Jeronimo Bravo, Vicente Rubio, Alberto Marina, Ron Geller, Inaki Comas, Carmen Gil, Mireia Coscolla, Modesto Orozco, Jose Luis Llacer, Jose-Maria Carazo
Summary: This article investigates the impact of the S:A222V mutation on viral infection, and finds that it promotes the opening of RBD and slightly increases ACE2 binding, while not affecting vaccine effectiveness.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katharina Weinhaupl, Marcos Gragera, M. Teresa Bueno-Carrasco, Rocio Arranz, Olga Krandor, Tatos Akopian, Raquel Soares, Eric Rubin, Jan Felix, Hugo Fraga
Summary: The unfoldase ClpC1 is an important drug target against tuberculosis, and its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. Using cryo-EM, we determined the structure of ClpC1 in different states and revealed the mechanism of ecumicin.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katiuska Gonzalez-Arzola, Antonio Diaz-Quintana, Noelia Bernardo-Garcia, Jonathan Martinez-Fabregas, Francisco Rivero-Rodriguez, Miguel A. Casado-Combreras, Carlos A. Elena-Real, Alejandro Velazquez-Cruz, Sergio Gil-Caballero, Adrian Velazquez-Campoy, Elzbieta Szulc, Maria P. Gavilan, Isabel Ayala, Rocio Arranz, Rosa M. Rios, Xavier Salvatella, Jose M. Valpuesta, Juan A. Hermoso, Miguel A. De la Rosa, Irene Diaz-Moreno
Summary: Cytochrome c triggers a conformational change in nucleolar protein NPM, resulting in the release of tumor suppressor ARF. This nucleolar interaction may serve as a general mechanism for DNA damage.
NATURE STRUCTURAL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oihana Terrones, June Olazar-Intxausti, Itxaso Anso, Maier Lorizate, Jon Ander Nieto-Garai, Francesc-Xabier Contreras
Summary: The Raman phenomenon is a label-free method that allows direct information about the chemical composition of a sample to be obtained through the inelastic scattering of light. Raman spectroscopy and imaging have emerged as promising tools for the diagnosis of brain diseases and could also assist in drug delivery and tracing for treatment purposes. This review provides an overview of the basics of Raman spectroscopy, explores different imaging modes and compatible tags, and focuses on its applications in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of brain diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jon Ander Nieto-Garai, June Olazar-Intxausti, Itxaso Anso, Maier Lorizate, Oihana Terrones, Francesc-Xabier Contreras
Summary: Interorganelle membrane contact sites (MCS) are areas of close vicinity between the membranes of two organelles that are maintained by protein tethers. The study of MCS is important due to its implication in various biological functions. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRFM) has emerged as a powerful tool for studying MCS. This review explores the characteristics and biological functions of MCS, summarizes different approaches for studying them, and focuses on the use of SRFM techniques in MCS research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Virology
Andrea Modrego, Diego Carlero, Rocio Arranz, Jaime Martin-Benito
Summary: Single-stranded RNA viruses (ssRNAv) pose a major threat to human health due to their biological diversity and adaptability to different hosts. Understanding the mechanisms of viral proliferation is crucial to address the challenges they bring. Ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), which carry out viral transcription and replication, play a key role in these processes. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) has revolutionized the study of RNP and nucleocapsid structures in lipid-enveloped ssRNAv, providing valuable insights into their organization and functional implications.
Article
Microbiology
Gabriela Llauger, Roberto Melero, Demian Monti, Gabriela Sycz, Cristian Huck-Iriart, Maria L. Cerutti, Sebastian Klinke, Evelyn Mikkelsen, Ariel Tijman, Rocio Arranz, Victoria Alfonso, Sofia M. Arellano, Fernando A. Goldbaum, Yann G. J. Sterckx, Jose-Maria Carazo, Sergio B. Kaufman, Pablo D. Dans, Mariana del Vas, Lisandro H. Otero
Summary: The mal de Rio Cuarto virus (MRCV) is a major cause of maize disease in Argentina, replicating in various plants and insects. The C-arm region of the major viroplasm protein P9-1 is essential for the formation of viroplasm-like structures and RNA binding. The study uncovers the structural versatility of a fijivirus major viroplasm protein and provides insights into its mechanism of action.
Article
Biology
Enric Gutierrez-Martinez, Susana Benet Garrabe, Nicolas Mateos, Itziar Erkizia, Jon Ander Nieto-Garai, Maier Lorizate, Kyra J. E. Borgman, Carlo Manzo, Felix Campelo, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros, Javier Martinez-Picado, Maria F. Garcia-Parajo
Summary: The immunoglobulin-like lectin receptor CD169 (Siglec-1) on activated dendritic cells (DCs) mediates the capture of HIV-1 through binding to sialylated ligands. Activation of DCs leads to basal nanoclustering of Siglec-1, which enhances the receptor's avidity to gangliosides carrying sialic ligands. This facilitates the accumulation of viral particles in a single compartment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena Billerhart, Monika Hunjadi, Vanessa Hawlin, Clemens Gruenwald-Gruber, Daniel Maresch, Patrick Mayrhofer, Renate Kunert
Summary: In this study, we optimized the production and purification process of CD19-AD2 and characterized five highly complex N-glycosylation sites for the first time. The production rate of CD19-AD2 was increased 3.5-fold by applying hypothermic culture conditions, and the purification efficiency was improved by stepwise increase in the imidazole concentration using a Ni-NTA-based affinity column. The glycosylation patterns of CD19-AD2 were revealed via Bio-Layer Interferometry and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)