Article
Oncology
Nabeel Kajihara, Yoshino Tanaka, Riko Takeuchi, Takuto Kobayashi, Masafumi Tanji, Tsukasa Ataka, Shiho Nakano, Taisho Yamada, Akinori Takaoka, Yoshinori Hasegawa, Ken-Ichiro Seino, Haruka Wada
Summary: Cancer vaccines have the potential to prevent recurrent tumors by utilizing the power and specificity of the immune system. This study highlights the importance of enhancing the interferon regulatory factor 7 (Irf7) axis within tumor cells to improve their immunogenicity and enhance the effectiveness of whole tumor cell vaccines (WTCVs) as recurrence prophylaxis.
Article
Immunology
Michela Falqui, Beatriz Perdiguero, Rocio Coloma, Manuel Albert, Laura Marcos-Villar, Joseph Patrick McGrail, Carlos Oscar S. Sorzano, Mariano Esteban, Carmen Elena Gomez, Susana Guerra
Summary: ISG15 is a protein that plays a critical role in the immune response and has been shown to enhance the immune stimulatory activity of HIV vaccines. It can interact with intracellular proteins via reversible or non-covalent binding, and has the potential to be a relevant component in HIV-1 immunization protocols.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Dongliang Liu, Sheng Zhang, Ethan Poteet, Christian Marin-Muller, Changyi Chen, Qizhi Yao
Summary: In the development of HIV vaccines, incorporating C1q into CD40L/HIV VLP and immunizing through sublingual administration can effectively enhance mucosal and systemic immune responses, induce more vaccine-specific T cells, and show promising research and application value.
Article
Immunology
Khadijeh Ghasemian, Inge Broer, Jennifer Schoen, Richard Killisch, Nadine Kolp, Armin Springer, Jana Huckauf
Summary: In this study, a short peptide from ZP3 protein was produced in Nicotiana benthamiana plants and shown to induce the production of antibodies in BALB/c mice. The antibodies generated were capable of binding to the native zona pellucida of wild mice. The results suggest that plants producing HBcAg-mZP3 VLPs could serve as immunogenic edible baits to reduce the fertility of wild mice through inducing cross-reactive antibodies to the zona pellucida.
Article
Virology
Tsung-Hsien Chen, Chung-Chi Hu, Chin-Wei Lee, Yu-Min Feng, Na-Sheng Lin, Yau-Heiu Hsu
Summary: In this study, chimeric virus particles (CVPs) carrying heterologous peptides on the surface of coat protein subunits were generated by genetically modifying plant viruses. The properties of these chimeras were determined by factors such as the length and source of the inserted peptides. It was found that using plant virus-based chimeras to express foreign proteins can increase their length limitations and has potential for novel vaccine development.
Article
Virology
Jianjun Zhao, Yiyang Sun, Ping Sui, Hongjun Pan, Yijun Shi, Jie Chen, Hailing Zhang, Xiaolong Wang, Rongshan Tao, Mengjia Liu, Dongbo Sun, Jiasan Zheng
Summary: This study generated several CDV DNA vaccine candidates and found that one DNA vaccine showed the highest protective immune response in an animal experiment, although it was not able to completely prevent virus replication and shedding, indicating the need for further improvement.
Article
Microbiology
Zhihao Sun, Qiuxia Wang, Gang Li, Jingzhi Li, Sujuan Chen, Tao Qin, Hongwei Ma, Daxin Peng, Xiufan Liu
Summary: The study successfully identified a specific epitope H7-12 peptide for H7N9 AIV and evaluated the protection and serological DIVA characteristics of the recombinant H7N9 AIV strain. The recombinant H7N9 AIV strain JD-cHA/17 showed good protection against H7N9 AIV challenge and could be detected using a specific peptide chip for DIVA testing.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Tiffany Thurow Bunde, Natasha Rodrigues de Oliveira, Francisco Denis Souza Santos, Ana Carolina Kurz Pedra, Mara Andrade Colares Maia, Odir Antonio Dellagostin, Thais Larre Oliveira Bohn
Summary: In this study, the cellular immune response in hamsters immunized with different vaccine formulations based on the Q1 antigen was characterized through transcriptional analysis of cytokines. The results showed that the recombinant subunit vaccine elicited a Th2-type response, while the recombinant BCG-vectored vaccine induced a Th1-type response. These findings suggest the involvement of the cellular response and the IFN-gamma mediated inflammatory response in the sterilizing immunity mediated by rBCG.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Maria Zamora-Ceballos, Noelia Moreno, David Gil-Cantero, Jose R. Caston, Esther Blanco, Juan Barcena
Summary: The RHDV-based engineered VLPs have shown potential as efficient multivalent vaccines capable of delivering different foreign B-cell antigens simultaneously. The bivalent chimeric VLPs induced a strong and balanced antibody response towards the target epitopes tested.
Article
Immunology
Leah Whittle, Ros Chapman, Michiel van Diepen, Edward P. Rybicki, Anna-Lise Williamson
Summary: This study investigated the use of DNA vaccines expressing recombinant forms of p67, a sporozoite surface protein, as a replacement for current methods of protecting cattle against East Coast Fever. The results showed successful expression of the target proteins and the potential for display on cell surfaces. Mice vaccinated with these DNA vaccines developed high titres of antibodies. This study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating antigens into virus-like particles and suggests the potential of this vaccine in combating East Coast Fever.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Katily Ramirez, Shuya Kyu, Doan Nguyen, So-Yun Han, Ye Lim Lee, John Bradley, Troy Randall, Ignacio Sanz, Frances Eun-Hyung Lee, Todd Sulchek
Summary: The study demonstrates a high throughput single-cell protein secretion analysis and isolation method to isolate antibody-secreting cells specific for influenza virus protein from B cells. Using heterofunctional particles, fluorescent labeled antigens, and FACS, specific cells can be enriched effectively, improving antibody collection efficiency. Targeted cells can be identified with high sensitivity and specificity through this workflow.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Zakia I. Goodwin, Xinghong Yang, Carol Hoffman, David W. Pascual
Summary: The study demonstrates the efficacy of a novel live attenuated B. melitensis strain znBM-mC as a vaccine in generating protective memory T cells against brucellae, providing strong defense against pulmonary challenge.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ti Lu, Sayan Das, Debaki R. Howlader, Akshay Jain, Gang Hu, Zackary K. Dietz, Qi Zheng, Siva Sai Kumar Ratnakaram, Sean K. Whittier, David J. Varisco, Robert K. Ernst, William D. Picking, Wendy L. Picking
Summary: This article discusses the development of a potential vaccine against shigellosis, a severe gastrointestinal infection. The vaccine, called L-DBF, showed improved protection in a mouse model and stimulated secretion of IFN-γ and IL-17 from mucosal site lymphocytes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Choong-Hyun Koh, Suyoung Lee, Minkyeong Kwak, Byung-Seok Kim, Yeonseok Chung
Summary: CD8 T cells play crucial roles in immune defense, and emerging evidence suggests the existence of distinct subsets with unique functions and therapeutic potential. Understanding these subsets is important for understanding immune responses in different diseases, and developing immunotherapeutic approaches targeting specific CD8 T-cell subsets holds great promise.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lion F. K. Uhl, Han Cai, Sophia L. Oram, Jagdish N. Mahale, Andrew J. Maclean, Julie M. Mazet, Theo Piccirilli, Alexander J. He, Doreen Lau, Tim Elliott, Audrey Gerard
Summary: This study found that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) coordinates the affinity and differentiation of CD8(+) T cells during infection. IFN-γ promotes the expansion of low-affinity T cells, allowing them to compete with high-affinity T cells, while also enhancing the entry of high-affinity T cells into the memory cell pool. IFN-γ is mainly provided by virtual memory T cells, a subset of T cells with memory features but without antigen experience.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giacomo Della Camera, Dorelia Lipsa, Dora Mehn, Paola Italiani, Diana Boraschi, Sabrina Gioria
Summary: This study provides guidelines for the design and characterization of liposome-based nanomaterials, focusing on their inflammation-inducing potential. Three out of eight different functionalized liposomes passed characterization and bacterial contamination screening, showing varying capacities to activate human blood cells. Accurate characterization and reliable in vitro methods are essential for assessing liposome-induced human inflammatory response.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carla Marusic, Charifa Drissi Touzani, Alessio Bortolami, Marcello Donini, Claudia Zanardello, Chiara Lico, Emile Rage, Siham Fellahi, Mohammed El Houadfi, Calogero Terregino, Selene Baschieri
Summary: This study demonstrated that the engineered VP2 protein (His-pVP2) can self-assemble into virus-like particles in plants, inducing the production of anti-IBDV specific antibodies upon immunization and providing protection when challenged with a high virulent IBDV strain.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Della Rovere, Diego Piacentini, Laura Fattorini, Nicoletta Girardi, Dario Bellanima, Giuseppina Falasca, Maria Maddalena Altamura, Camilla Betti
Summary: Brassinosteroids in the root system of Arabidopsis can counteract the effects of cadmium on different root types and improve root development and auxin localization by modulating nitric oxide.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alex I. Kanno, Diana Boraschi, Luciana C. C. Leite, Dunia Rodriguez
Summary: This study evaluated the ability of a recombinant BCG strain (rBCG-S1PT) to induce innate immune memory. It was found that pre-exposure of naïve murine macrophages to rBCG-S1PT increased their innate/inflammatory response to unrelated pathogens. Mice immunized with rBCG-S1PT also showed higher levels of IFN-gamma and better control of Candida albicans infection compared to mice immunized with wild-type BCG. These findings suggest the potential of recombinant BCG to enhance innate immune memory and non-specific protection.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Diana Boraschi
Editorial Material
Immunology
Aldo Tagliabue, Diana Boraschi, Luciana C. C. Leite, Stefan H. E. Kaufmann
Article
Biology
Diana Boraschi, Laura Canesi, Damjana Drobne, Birgit Kemmerling, Annalisa Pinsino, Petra Prochazkova
Summary: The interaction of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with the immune system primarily occurs in the interface tissues of living organisms, mainly involving cells and molecules of the innate immunity. Immuno-nanotoxicological studies aim to understand the consequences of this interaction, whether it is insignificant or potentially causes irreversible damage. This review focuses on the effector cells of innate immunity, the phagocytes, and their major sensing receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), to evaluate the modes of interaction between ENMs and host defenses, comparing responses in various organisms.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Daniele Chirivi, Camilla Betti
Summary: Extreme temperatures, drought, salinity, and soil pollution are common abiotic stresses that can negatively impact plant productivity and survival in fields. Plant responses to these stresses involve various molecular mechanisms, including perception, signaling, transcriptional reprogramming, and protein modifications. Flowering development is particularly vulnerable to environmental stress, as it affects reproduction and crop profitability. The Poaceae family, comprising important crops like wheat, barley, and rice, experiences stress-induced changes in flowering time and development, leading to yield losses. Understanding the molecular pathways linking flowering control to extreme environmental conditions in monocots can provide insights for biotechnological strategies to ensure agricultural stability in changing climates.
Article
Plant Sciences
Diego Piacentini, Federica Della Rovere, Simone D'Angeli, Laura Fattorini, Giuseppina Falasca, Camilla Betti, Maria Maddalena Altamura
Summary: This study investigates the formation of ectopic xylary elements (EXEs) in Arabidopsis thaliana and its response to the soil pollutant Cadmium (Cd). The results demonstrate that Brassinosteroids (BRs), specifically 24-epibrassinolide (eBL), play a role in promoting EXE formation and alleviating Cd stress. Furthermore, eBL induces a reversal of xylary identity and forms a protective barrier against Cd toxicity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luca Marchetti, Lorena Simon-Gracia, Chiara Lico, Mariateresa Mancuso, Selene Baschieri, Luca Santi, Tambet Teesalu
Summary: In this study, a peptide-guided Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (TBSV)-based nanocarrier platform was developed for affinity targeting. The TBSV-RPAR nanoparticles specifically bound and internalized in cells positive for the peptide receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP-1). Additionally, the RPAR functionalization allowed the TBSV particles to accumulate in the lung tissue following systemic administration in mice. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of the CendR-targeted TBSV platform for precision delivery of payloads.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Paola Sangiorgio, Simona Errico, Alessandra Verardi, Silvia Massa, Riccardo Pagliarello, Carla Marusic, Chiara Lico, Ombretta Presenti, Marcello Donini, Selene Baschieri
Summary: This study analyzes consumer awareness and acceptance of advanced biotechnologies for developing gluten-free products. The results show that 64% of respondents support food biotechnology as long as it benefits health or the environment. The perception of biotechnology varies according to education level and type. The study also reveals a change in public opinion about the usefulness and moral acceptability of food biotechnology compared to 20 years ago.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenjie Yang, Yang Li, Diana Boraschi
Summary: Plastic pollution is a global problem that poses risks to the environment and human health. Discarded plastic degrades into microplastics (MPs) in the environment, which can interact with microorganisms and biomolecules. These interactions can modify the characteristics of microbes and biomolecules, potentially affecting the immune response and leading to risks to human health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giacomo Della Camera, Tinghao Liu, Wenjie Yang, Yang Li, Victor F. Puntes, Sabrina Gioria, Paola Italiani, Diana Boraschi
Summary: The study found that nanoparticles alone cannot generate memory, while LPS induces a tolerance memory response. Nanoparticles have no significant effect on LPS-induced tolerance memory, but may have donor-specific effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
