Article
Microbiology
Abigail Gerberick, Diana C. DeLucia, Paolo Piazza, Mounia Alaoui-El-Azher, Charles R. Rinaldo, Nicolas Sluis-Cremer, Giovanna Rappocciolo
Summary: The research found that B lymphocytes have the unique ability to efficiently trans infect T-N in vitro, and T-N isolated from nonprogressors (NP) harbor significantly lower levels of HIV-1 DNA, indicating that B cell-mediated trans infection of T-N with HIV-1 plays a more profound role than previously considered in establishing the viral reservoir and controlling HIV-1 disease progression.
Article
Virology
Marta Calado, David Pires, Carolina Conceicao, Rita Ferreira, Quirina Santos-Costa, Elsa Anes, Jose Miguel Azevedo-Pereira
Summary: Macrophages and dendritic cells are important for the spread of HIV to CD4+ T lymphocytes during acute infection and constitute a persistently infected reservoir during chronic infection. Cell-to-cell contact triggers the production of infectious viral particles, contributing to viral replication. The phenotypic characteristics of HIV isolates do not correlate with their spread or the difference between HIV-1 and HIV-2 in terms of cis- or trans-infection. Understanding the cell-to-cell spread of HIV is critical for developing new therapeutic and vaccine approaches.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria R. Jimenez-Leon, Carmen Gasca-Capote, Laura Tarancon-Diez, Beatriz Dominguez-Molina, Macarena Lopez-Verdugo, Ryan Ritraj, Isabel Gallego, Ana I. Alvarez-Rios, Joana Vitalle, Sara Bachiller, Maria Ines Camacho-Sojo, Alberto Perez-Gomez, Nuria Espinosa, Cristina Roca-Oporto, Mohamed Rafii-El-Idrissi Benhnia, Alicia Gutierrez-Valencia, Luis F. Lopez-Cortes, Ezequiel Ruiz-Mateos
Summary: Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) can sense viral and bacterial products through Toll-like receptor (TLR)-7 and -9, and this sensing can lead to Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) production and T-cell activation. Understanding the mechanisms involved in pDCs stimulation could contribute to the development of HIV-cure immunotherapeutic strategies. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of TLR agonist stimulations in different HIV-1 disease progression phenotypes and non-infected donors.
Article
Immunology
Weiming Wang, Khanghy Truong, Chaobaihui Ye, Suman Sharma, Huan He, Lihong Liu, Michael Wen, Anisha Misra, Paul Zhou, Jason T. Kimata
Summary: In this study, GPI-scFv X5 was found to block cell-cell transmission of HIV-1 from DCs to target cells and neutralize HIV-1 replication in iDCs, suggesting its potential as an immunotherapeutic strategy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Bertacchi, Wilfried Posch, Doris Wilflingseder
Summary: Immune cells communicate through tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), and HIV-1 can spread through these TNTs. This study found that when HIV-1 is complement-opsonized, dendritic cells (DCs) can be efficiently infected, leading to improved antiviral and T-cell stimulatory capacity. The role of TNTs and complement in enhancing DC infection with complement-opsonized HIV-1 was investigated.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alice Sandmeyer, Lili Wang, Wolfgang Huebner, Marcel Mueller, Benjamin K. Chen, Thomas Huser
Summary: Cost-effective, highly portable, and easy to use high-resolution live-cell imaging systems can revolutionize research in challenging environments, enabling real-time tracking of virus particles and studying infection mechanisms.
Review
Microbiology
Daniel Perez-Zsolt, Dalia Raich-Regue, Jordana Munoz-Basagoiti, Carmen Aguilar-Gurrieri, Bonaventura Clotet, Julia Blanco, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros
Summary: Cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1 is a highly infectious mechanism that utilizes dendritic cells and lectin receptor Siglec-1 to transfer viral particles. This mechanism can induce immune responses, enhance cellular infection, or promote innate sensing, leading to viral transmission.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shumei Wang, Li Zhao, Xiaowei Zhang, Jingjing Zhang, Hong Shang, Guoxin Liang
Summary: This study reveals that neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is highly expressed in macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) but not CD4(+) T cells. NRP-1 functions as an antiviral protein, inhibiting the infectivity of HIV-1 by reducing the ability of the virions to attach to target cells.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Orion Tong, Gabriel Duette, Thomas Ray O'Neil, Caroline M. Royle, Hafsa Rana, Blake Johnson, Nicole Popovic, Suat Dervish, Michelle A. E. Brouwer, Heeva Baharlou, Ellis Patrick, Grahame Ctercteko, Sarah Palmer, Eunok Lee, Eric Hunter, Andrew N. Harman, Anthony L. Cunningham, Najla Nasr
Summary: This study demonstrates that pDCs play a critical role in inhibiting HIV spread during initial mucosal acquisition by decreasing infection in myeloid cells and reactivating latent virus in resting memory CD4 T cells, ultimately enhancing CD8 T cell surveillance and immune clearance.
Review
Immunology
Marisierra Espinar-Buitrago, Ma Angeles Munoz-Fernandez
Summary: This article summarizes the interaction between dendritic cells and T lymphocytes, as well as the characterization of specific T-cell response against HIV-1 infection. The potential of using nanotechnology in the design and improvement of vaccines based on dendritic cells is also explored and presented.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Virology
Tania H. Mulherkar, Daniel Joseph Gomez, Grace Sandel, Pooja Jain
Summary: Dendritic cells play a crucial role in the infections of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 and are associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Infected dendritic cells can transmit the infection to other cells and contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Current vaccines and therapies targeting host-pathogen interactions can be applied to patients with these diseases.
Article
Biology
You-Yuan Wang, Cheng Zhen, Wei Hu, Hui-Huang Huang, Yan-Jun Li, Ming-Ju Zhou, Jing Li, Yu-Long Fu, Peng Zhang, Xiao-Yu Li, Tao Yang, Jin-Wen Song, Xing Fan, Jun Zou, Si-Run Meng, Ya-Qin Qin, Yan-Mei Jiao, Ruonan Xu, Ji-Yuan Zhang, Chun-Bao Zhou, Jin-Hong Yuan, Lei Huang, Ming Shi, Liang Cheng, Fu-Sheng Wang, Chao Zhang
Summary: Plasma glutamate levels are increased in PLWH and negatively correlate with the anti-HIV function of CD8+ T cells. Metabolic modeling shows that glutamate metabolism is robust in TVM cells. Glutamate inhibits TVM cell function via the mTORC1 pathway. There is an association between metabolic plasticity and CD8+ T cell-mediated HIV control.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Guilherme B. Farias, Robert Badura, Carolina M. Conceicao, Andre M. C. Gomes, Ana Godinho-Santos, Joel Laia, Pedro Rosmaninho, Diana F. Santos, Catarina Mota, Afonso R. M. Almeida, Susana M. Fernandes, Amelia C. Trombetta, Ana E. Sousa
Summary: Monocytes play crucial roles in acute viral infections, influencing inflammation and the development of specific B- and T-cell responses. A study comparing monocyte phenotypes in HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 infected patients found distinct polarization, with HIV-1 maintaining a pro-inflammatory M1-like profile and SARS-CoV-2 showing an M2-like immunosuppressive shift. Both acute infections exhibited decreased levels of CD14(low/-)CD16(+) non-classical monocytes, particularly those expressing Slan, suggesting a potential role of these cells in immune surveillance during viral infections.
Article
Immunology
Cecilia Svanberg, Sofia Nystrom, Melissa Govender, Pradyot Bhattacharya, Karlhans F. Che, Rada Ellegard, Esaki M. Shankar, Marie Larsson
Summary: HIV-1 infection leads to immune impairment in infected individuals. DCs in contact with HIV-1 exhibit a tolerogenic phenotype and show characteristics of suppressive T cells in the transcriptome, possibly due to prolonged and strong type I IFN signaling in DCs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christian H. Gabriel, Marta del Olmo, Amin Zehtabian, Marten Jaeger, Silke Reischl, Hannah van Dijk, Carolin Ulbricht, Asylkhan Rakhymzhan, Thomas Korte, Barbara Koller, Astrid Grudziecki, Bert Maier, Andreas Herrmann, Raluca Niesner, Tomasz Zemojtel, Helge Ewers, Adrian E. Granada, Hanspeter Herzel, Achim Kramer
Summary: The study introduces an efficient strategy for generating knock-in reporter cell lines using the CRISPR technology to investigate the dynamics of circadian clock proteins. The findings reveal highly rhythmic expressions of PER2 and CRY1 proteins in the nucleus of human cells, with notable differences in abundance and transcriptional rhythms between the two proteins.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Judith Grau-Exposito, David Perea, Marina Suppi, Nuria Massana, Ander Vergara, Maria Jose Soler, Benjamin Trinite, Julia Blanco, Javier Garcia-Perez, Jose Alcami, Anna Serrano-Mollar, Joel Rosado, Vicenc Falco, Meritxell Genesca, Maria J. Buzon
Summary: We developed a rapid platform for studying SARS-CoV-2 by using primary human lung tissue cells directly, which can identify viral targets, express viral entry factors, and screen viral entry inhibitors and anti-inflammatory compounds. The method preserves main immune and structural cell populations, including the most susceptible cell targets for SARS-CoV-2, and maintains the expression of proteins involved in viral infection. Additionally, the method allows for highly reproducible antiviral testing and provides the identification of new compounds missed by conventional systems like VeroE6.
Article
Virology
Clara Duran-Castells, Anuska Llano, Ai Kawana-Tachikawa, Anna Prats, Ignacio Martinez-Zalacain, Mie Kobayashi-Ishihara, Bruna Oriol-Tordera, Ruth Pena, Cristina Galvez, Sandra Silva-Arrieta, Bonaventura Clotet, Eva Riveira-Munoz, Esther Ballana, Julia. G. Prado, Javier Martinez-Picado, Jorge Sanchez, Beatriz Mothe, Dennis Hartigan-O'Connor, Tony Wyss-Coray, Andreas Meyerhans, Magnus Gisslen, Richard. W. Price, Carles Soriano-Mas, Jose Antonio Munoz-Moreno, Christian Brander, Marta Ruiz-Riol
Summary: High levels of SIRT2 are associated with uncontrolled HIV infection, plasma viral load, and proviral levels. SIRT2 levels are also linked to markers of neurological damage and brain involution, especially in individuals who initiate cART later. Inhibition of SIRT2 could potentially be a therapeutic target for HIV infections and their associated neurological dysfunction.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Eudald Felip, Edwards Pradenas, Margarita Romeo, Silvia Marfil, Benjamin Trinite, Victor Urrea, Ainhoa Hernandez, Ester Ballana, Marc Cucurull, Lourdes Mateu, Marta Massanella, Bonaventura Clotet, Teresa Moran, Julia Blanco
Summary: Patients with solid tumors have a higher risk of complications, hospitalizations, or death during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The immunosuppressive state of cancer treatments or the tumor itself may affect the development of vaccination antibodies. This study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing cancer patients receiving anticancer treatment in SARS-CoV-2 vaccination programs.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antonio Barreiro, Antoni Prenafeta, Gregori Bech-Sabat, Merce Roca, Eva Perozo Mur, Ricard March, Luis Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Laia Madrenas, Julia Corominas, Alex Fernandez, Alexandra Moros, Manuel Canete, Merce Molas, Thais Pentinat-Pelegrin, Clara Panosa, Alberto Moreno, Ester Puigvert Molas, Eva Pol Vilarrassa, Jordi Palmada, Carme Garriga, Teresa Prat Cabanas, Javier Iglesias-Fernandez, Julia Vergara-Alert, Cristina Lorca-Oro, Nuria Roca, Leira Fernandez-Bastit, Jordi Rodon, Monica Perez, Joaquim Segales, Edwards Pradenas, Silvia Marfil, Benjamin Trinite, Raquel Ortiz, Bonaventura Clotet, Julia Blanco, Jorge Diaz Pedroza, Rosa Ampudia Carrasco, Yaiza Rosales Salgado, Jordina Loubat-Casanovas, Sara Capdevila Larripa, Julia Garcia Prado, Jordi Barretina, Marta Sistere-Oro, Paula Cebollada Rica, Andreas Meyerhans, Laura Ferrer
Summary: Current COVID-19 vaccines have shown effectiveness in reducing infection rates, severe disease, and mortality. However, due to the continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the development of new accessible vaccines is necessary. This study presents preclinical data on a recombinant protein vaccine, PHH-1V, which was effective in inducing immune responses and preventing mortality in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ediz Kaan Herkert, Domenica Romina Bermeo Alvaro, Martina Recchia, Wolfgang Langbein, Paola Borri, Maria F. Garcia-Parajo
Summary: Biosensing applications often require single-molecule sensitivity in the presence of strong background signals. Plasmonic nanoantennas can confine and enhance light in volumes far below the diffraction limit, making them suitable for these tasks. Hybrid AiB platforms made of both gold and aluminum promise superior performance by providing better background screening and additional enhancements.
Article
Oncology
Carmen Aguilar-Gurrieri, Ana Barajas, Carla Rovirosa, Raquel Ortiz, Victor Urrea, Nuria de la Iglesia, Bonaventura Clotet, Julia Blanco, Jorge Carrillo
Summary: Neoantigens are tumor-specific antigens that can elicit a specific immune response. They have potential for the development of personalized cancer vaccines. The presentation of neoantigens to T cells is influenced by vaccine delivery strategies, including the use of specific linkers. The efficiency of neoantigen processing and presentation by MHC-I molecules can be improved with alanine-based linkers.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquel Ortiz, Ana Barajas, Anna Pons-Grifols, Benjamin Trinite, Ferran Tarres-Freixas, Carla Rovirosa, Victor Urrea, Antonio Barreiro, Anna Gonzalez-Tendero, Maria Cardona, Laura Ferrer, Bonaventura Clotet, Jorge Carrillo, Carmen Aguilar-Gurrieri, Julia Blanco
Summary: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a common infectious disease in domestic cats, and current vaccines do not provide full protection. This study proposes using HIV-1 Gag-based VLPs as a novel vaccine strategy against FeLV. The immunogenicity of selected candidates was evaluated in mice, showing strong immune responses to Gag but failing to generate antibodies against p15E.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jordana Munoz-Basagoiti, Fabio Luis Lima Monteiro, Lauren R. H. Krumpe, Victoria Armario-Najera, Shilpa R. Shenoy, Daniel Perez-Zsolt, Harrison James Westgarth, Gemma Villorbina, Larissa Maciel Bomfim, Dalia Raich-Regue, Lara Nogueras, Curtis J. Henrich, Marcal Gallemi, Filipe Romero Rebello Moreira, Pascual Torres, Jennifer Wilson, Mirela D'arc, Silvia Marfil, Alice Laschuk Herlinger, Edwards Pradenas, Luiza Mendonca Higa, Manuel Portero-Otin, Benjamin Trinite, Richard M. Twyman, Teresa Capell, Amilcar Tanuri, Julia Blanco, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros, Elibio L. Rech, Paul Christou, Barry R. O'Keefe
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeting the glycosylated Spike protein on the virus surface can prevent infections. Cyanovirin-N (CV-N), a lectin from cyanobacteria, can selectively target SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycans and inhibit viral infection in vitro and in vivo, showing potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Virology
Gerard Campos-Gonzalez, Javier Martinez-Picado, Talia Velasco-Hernandez, Maria Salgado
Summary: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology has had a significant impact on the treatment of blood malignancies, particularly various types of leukemia. However, applying this technology to HIV treatment presents numerous challenges that hinder its widespread adoption.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edwards Pradenas, Silvia Marfil, Victor Urrea, Macedonia Trigueros, Tetyana Pidkova, Anna Pons-Grifols, Raquel Ortiz, Carla Rovirosa, Ferran Tarres-Freixas, Carmen Aguilar-Gurrieri, Ruth Toledo, Anna Chamorro, Marc Noguera-Julian, Lourdes Mateu, Ignacio Blanco, Eulalia Grau, Marta Massanella, Jorge Carrillo, Bonaventura Clote, Benjamin Trinite, Julia Blanco
Summary: The development of cross-variant neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is an important goal for COVID-19 vaccine strategies. This study analyzed the neutralization titers of plasma from different groups based on vaccine doses and infection history. Two doses of vaccine had limited efficacy in generating cross-neutralizing antibodies against Omicron variants in uninfected individuals, but showed synergy with natural immunization in convalescent individuals. Booster doses significantly broadened the cross-neutralizing response in uninfected individuals and improved responses in convalescent individuals. Omicron breakthrough infections also improved cross-neutralization in vaccinated individuals. Overall, ancestral Spike-based immunization, through infection or vaccination, helps broaden SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Julia Corominas, Carme Garriga, Antoni Prenafeta, Alexandra Moros, Manuel Canete, Antonio Barreiro, Luis Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Laia Madrenas, Irina Guell, Bonaventura Clotet, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros, Dalia Raich-Regue, Marcal Gallemi, Julia Blanco, Edwards Pradenas, Benjamin Trinite, Julia G. Prado, Oscar Blanch-Lombarte, Raul Perez-Caballero, Montserrat Plana, Ignasi Esteban, Carmen Pastor-Quinones, Xavier Nunez-Costa, Rachel Abu Taleb, Paula McSkimming, Alex Soriano, Jocelyn Nava, Jesse Omar Anagua, Rafel Ramos, Ruth Marti Lluch, Aida Corpes Comes, Susana Otero Romero, Xavier Martinez Gomez, Carla Sans-Pola, Jose Molto, Susana Benet, Lucia Bailon, Jose R. Arribas, Alberto M. Borobia, Javier Queiruga Parada, Jorge Navarro-Perez, Maria Jose Forner Giner, Rafael Orti Lucas, Maria del Mar Vazquez Jimenez, Salvador Ona Compan, Melchor Alvarez-Mon, Daniel Troncoso, Eunate Arana-Arri, Susana Meijide, Natale Imaz-Ayo, Patricia Munoz Garcia, Sofia de la Villa Martinez, Sara Rodriguez Fernandez, Teresa Prat, Elia Torroella, Laura Ferrer
Summary: In the interim results of the Phase IIb HH-2 trial, the SARS-CoV-2 protein-based heterodimer vaccine PHH-1V is shown to have a stronger immunogenicity and higher safety compared to the homologous booster BNT162b2. The PHH-1V booster induces a superior neutralizing antibody response against various SARS-CoV-2 variants and also elicits a strong T-cell response.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-EUROPE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sergi Chumillas, Saurabh Loharch, Manuela Beltran, Mateusz P. Szewczyk, Silvia Bernal, Maria C. Puertas, Javier Martinez-Picado, Jose Alcami, Luis M. Bedoya, Vicente Marchan, Jose Gallego
Summary: This study explored the optimization of the antiretroviral properties of benfluron and found that both the benzo[c] and cyclopentanone components are essential for its activity. The results provide insights for the design of new anti-HIV agents targeting the inhibition of Rev function.
Article
Immunology
Alexandra Moros, Antoni Prenafeta, Antonio Barreiro, Eva Perozo, Alex Fernandez, Manuel Canete, Luis Gonzalez, Carme Garriga, Edwards Pradenas, Silvia Marfil, Julia Blanco, Paula Cebollada Rica, Marta Sistere-Oro, Andreas Meyerhans, Teresa Prat Cabanas, Ricard March, Laura Ferrer
Summary: The development of a new generation of efficacious vaccines is crucial due to the high global incidence of COVID-19 and low vaccination rates. Researchers have developed an adjuvanted vaccine candidate, PHH-1V, based on a protein fusion of the receptor binding domain (RBD) from the Beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 and the equivalent domain from the Alpha variant. In pig models, PHH-1V has demonstrated excellent safety and has induced a robust immune response to SARS-CoV-2, including neutralising antibodies to multiple variants.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antoni Prenafeta, Gregori Bech-Sabat, Alexandra Moros, Antonio Barreiro, Alex Fernandez, Manuel Canete, Merce Roca, Luis Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Carme Garriga, Joachim Confais, Marion Toussenot, Hugues Contamin, Andres Pizzorno, Manuel Rosa-Calatrava, Edwards Pradenas, Silvia Marfil, Julia Blanco, Paula Cebollada Rica, Marta Sistere-Oro, Andreas Meyerhans, Cristina Lorca, Joaquim Segales, Teresa Prat, Ricard March, Laura Ferrer
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 emerged in December 2019 and continues to spread, necessitating the development of accessible second-generation vaccines. The PHH-1V vaccine candidate, previously developed, shows efficacy in cynomolgus macaques by inducing high levels of antibodies and cellular immune response. Vaccination with PHH-1V prevents viral replication and reduces viral load in respiratory tracts after experimental infection, suggesting its potential use in humans.
Article
Hematology
Francisco Belda, Oscar Mora, Monica Lopez-Martinez, Nerea Torres, Ana Vivanco, Silvia Marfil, Edwards Pradenas, Marta Massanella, Julia Blanco, Rebecca Christie, Michael Crowley
Summary: This observational study characterizes the generation of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein after vaccination with different COVID-19 vaccines and their neutralizing activity. Age and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection affect the vaccine response. The findings are important for understanding vaccine efficacy and developing antibody assays.