Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leo Swadling, Mala K. Maini
Summary: Despite the infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2, some individuals resist developing detectable infections, suggesting the occurrence of abortive infections. This type of infection is a desirable outcome as it prevents disease development and allows for the study of highly effective immunity. The identification of abortive infections using sensitive immunoassays and transcriptomic signatures is challenging, but there is evidence supporting their occurrence in various viral infections. Furthermore, the role of T cells in terminating early viral replication in abortive infections needs to be considered.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jennifer Cable, Siddharth Balachandran, Lisa P. Daley-Bauer, Arjun Rustagi, Ferrin Antony, Justin J. Frere, Jamie Strampe, Katherine Kedzierska, Judy L. Cannon, Maureen A. McGargill, Daniela Weiskopf, Robert C. Mettelman, Julia Niessl, Paul G. Thomas, Bryan Briney, Sophie A. Valkenburg, Jesse D. Bloom, Pamela J. Bjorkman, Sho Iketani, C. Garrett Rappazzo, Chelsea M. Crooks, Kali F. Crofts, Stefan Pohlmann, Florian Krammer, Andrea J. Sant, Gary J. Nabel, Stacey Schultz-Cherry
Summary: Millions of people are infected by viruses each year, which pose ongoing threats to global public health. To develop more effective tools against viruses, a comprehensive understanding of the virus itself and our immune system's response to infection is necessary. The Keystone symposium Viral Immunity: Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Applications, held from June 29 to July 2, 2022, brought together researchers to discuss these topics, and this report provides concise summaries from several presenters at the symposium.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isabelle Montgomerie, Thomas W. Bird, Olga R. Palmer, Ngarangi C. Mason, Theresa E. Pankhurst, Blair Lawley, Leonor C. Hernandez, Rhodri Harfoot, Astrid Authier-Hall, Danielle E. Anderson, Kerry L. Hilligan, Kaitlin H. Buick, Naasson M. Mbenza, Gerd Mittelstadt, Samara Maxwell, Shubhra Sinha, Joanna Kuang, Kanta Subbarao, Emily J. Parker, Alan Sher, Ian F. Hermans, James E. Ussher, Miguel E. Quinones-Mateu, Davide Comoletti, Lisa M. Connor
Summary: Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants pose a global threat to human health. A sub-unit vaccine composed of an RBD tandem dimer fused to the NTD of the spike protein has been engineered to overcome the poor immunogenicity of RBD proteins. The inclusion of NTD enhances T cell and anti-RBD response, antibody potency, and cross-reactive neutralization activity against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tiago Fazolo, Karina Lima, Julia C. Fontoura, Priscila Oliveira de Souza, Gabriel Hilario, Renata Zorzetto, Luiz Rodrigues Junior, Veridiane Maria Pscheidt, Jayme de Castilhos Ferreira Neto, Alisson F. Haubert, Izza Gambin, Aline C. Oliveira, Raissa S. Mello, Matheus de Bastos Balbe E Gutierres, Rodrigo Benedetti Gassen, Lais Durco Coimbra, Alexandre Borin, Rafael Elias Marques, Ivaine Tais Sauthier Sartor, Gabriela Oliveira Zavaglia, Ingrid Rodrigues Fernandes, Helder Nakaya, Fernanda Hammes Varela, Marcia Polese-Bonatto, Thiago J. Borges, Sidia Maria Callegari-Jacques, Marcela Santos Correa da Costa, Jaqueline de Araujo Schwartz, Marcelo Comerlato Scotta, Renato T. Stein, Cristina Bonorino
Summary: The study reveals that children with COVID-19 exhibit stronger cellular immunity but higher viral load compared to adults, suggesting a differential response mechanism between children and adults in the disease manifestation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Amber Cardani-Boulton, Brendan T. Boylan, Volodymyr Stetsenko, Cornelia C. Bergmann
Summary: A diverse range of DNA and RNA viruses can invade the central nervous system (CNS) and cause inflammation and injury to cells with limited repair and regeneration capabilities. Although rare, viral encephalitis in humans is often fatal, and survivors can experience permanent neurological sequelae, including seizures. Current treatment options are limited, primarily relying on vaccines, antivirals, or supportive care. Many viral CNS infections are characterized by the presence of antiviral antibodies in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), indicating local maintenance of protective antibody-secreting cells. However, the mechanisms underlying these humoral responses are poorly understood.
IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Takushi Nomura, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Masako Nishizawa, Trang Thi Thu Hau, Shigeyoshi Harada, Hiroshi Ishii, Sayuri Seki, Midori Nakamura-Hoshi, Midori Okazaki, Sachie Daigen, Ai Kawana-Tachikawa, Noriyo Nagata, Naoko Iwata-Yoshikawa, Nozomi Shiwa, Shun Iida, Harutaka Katano, Tadaki Suzuki, Eun-Sil Park, Ken Maeda, Yuriko Suzaki, Yasushi Ami, Tetsuro Matano
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection presents a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, but the direct relationship between CD8(+) T cells and viral replication control remains unclear. This study suggests that CD8(+) T-cell depletion in the subacute phase did not significantly impact SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brock Kingstad-Bakke, Woojong Lee, Shaswath S. Chandrasekar, David J. Gasper, Cristhian Salas-Quinchucua, Thomas Cleven, Jeremy A. Sullivan, Adel Talaat, Jorge E. Osorio, M. Suresh
Summary: The study found that mucosal or parenteral immunization effectively controlled the virus and protected the lungs from damage with or without neutralizing antibodies. The protection provided by mucosal memory CD8 T cells was largely redundant in the presence of neutralizing antibodies, but unhelped mucosal memory CD8 T cells provided no protection against the homologous SARS-CoV-2 without CD4 T cells and neutralizing antibodies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
M. A. Alshaikh, E. Kh Elnahary, A. M. Elaiw
Summary: This paper proposes a mathematical model to describe secondary dengue viral infection in a micro-environment. The model considers the infection of multiple target cell classes by the dengue virus and incorporates heterologous and homologous antibodies. The study establishes the well-posedness of the model, computes threshold parameters for stability conditions, and performs global stability analysis.
ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Ayechu-Muruzabal, Bente Poelmann, Alinda J. Berends, Nienke Kettelarij, Johan Garssen, Belinda van't Land, Linette E. M. Willemsen
Summary: This study explores the protective capacity of bioactive components in human milk against viral infections in early life, specifically in the prevention of enteric viral infections. The effects of 2'FL, abundantly present in human milk, on intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and innate immune cells were studied, shedding light on mucosal host-defense mechanisms upon viral triggers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Jeffrey Seow, Carl Graham, Sadie R. Hallett, Thomas Lechmere, Thomas J. A. Maguire, Isabella Huettner, Daniel Cox, Hataf Khan, Suzanne Pickering, Rebekah Roberts, Anele Waters, Christopher C. Ward, Christine Mant, Michael J. Pitcher, Jo Spencer, Julie Fox, Michael H. Malim, Katie J. Doores
Summary: Although the antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination has mainly been studied using polyclonal immune sera, this study focuses on the antibody response at the monoclonal level. The researchers isolated 44 anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies from an individual who received two doses of the AZD1222 vaccine. They found that Spike-reactive IgG+ B cells were still present 9 months post-vaccination, despite a relatively low serum neutralization titer. The vaccine-elicited monoclonal antibodies showed potent neutralizing activity against different SARS-CoV-2 variants, and their binding epitopes overlapped with neutralizing antibodies elicited by natural infection.
Article
Cell Biology
Hiromitsu Asashima, Subhasis Mohanty, Michela Comi, William E. Ruff, Kenneth B. Hoehn, Patrick Wong, Jon Klein, Carolina Lucas, Inessa Cohen, Sarah Coffey, Nikhil Lele, Leissa Greta, Khadir Raddassi, Omkar Chaudhary, Avraham Unterman, Brinda Emu, Steven H. Kleinstein, Ruth R. Montgomery, Akiko Iwasaki, Charles S. Dela Cruz, Naftali Kaminski, Albert C. Shaw, David A. Hafler, Tomokazu S. Sumida
Summary: T cell-B cell interaction is crucial for immune response against severe viral infection, but its role in supporting protective humoral immunity in humans is not well understood. This study investigates CD4+ T cell subsets associated with plasma-blast expansion and clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients. The findings reveal that peripheral helper T cells (Tph cells) are increased and exhibit B cell help signatures, promoting plasmablast differentiation. Expanded plasmablasts express higher levels of CXCR3, positively correlated with activated Tph cells and better clinical outcome. This study uncovers a role for Tph cells in regulating protective B cell response during acute viral infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kai Deng, Qing Zhou, Zhanxue Xu, Yuhao Yang, Xi Liu, Chunna Li, Mingxiao Chen, Zhenzhen Zhang, Haihang Chen, Ling Ma, Muhammad Ikram Anwar, Changlong Zheng, Liang Rong, Mingxing Huang, Jinyu Xia, Yuanping Zhou, Yi-Ping Li
Summary: In this study, it was found that IgG antibodies from two chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients could effectively control HCV infection, with the 1bHVR1 antibody playing a key role. Furthermore, it was discovered that the 1bHVR1 peptide was able to elicit antibodies that neutralized multiple HCV genotypes. The neutralization effect of 1bHVR1 IgG could be enhanced by the HH-1 antibody. Mechanistic studies revealed that the 1bHVR1 antibodies disrupted the interaction of the E2-SR-B1 receptor. This study highlights the importance of HVR1 antibodies generated by CHC patients and HVR1 immunization in neutralizing various HCV genotypes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurelien Sokal, Pascal Chappert, Giovanna Barba-Spaeth, Anais Roeser, Slim Fourati, Imane Azzaoui, Alexis Vandenberghe, Ignacio Fernandez, Annalisa Meola, Magali Bouvier-Alias, Etienne Crickx, Asma Beldi-Ferchiou, Sophie Hue, Laetitia Languille, Marc Michel, Samia Baloul, France Noizat-Pirenne, Marine Luka, Jerome Megret, Mickael Menager, Jean-Michel Pawlotsky, Simon Fillatreau, Felix A. Rey, Jean-Claude Weill, Claude-Agnes Reynaud, Matthieu Mahevas
Summary: Memory B cells play a crucial role in host defense against SARS-CoV-2, with distinct B cell clone responses to the virus contributing to long-lasting immune protection. The study also highlights the significance of somatic mutations in the variable region genes of memory B cells over time, indicating continued maturation and long-term immune memory post-infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pinja Jalkanen, Pekka Kolehmainen, Hanni K. Hakkinen, Moona Huttunen, Paula A. Tahtinen, Rickard Lundberg, Sari Maljanen, Arttu Reinholm, Sisko Tauriainen, Sari H. Pakkanen, Iris Levonen, Arttu Nousiainen, Taru Miller, Hanna Valimaa, Lauri Ivaska, Arja Pasternack, Rauno Naves, Olli Ritvos, Pamela Osterlund, Suvi Kuivanen, Teemu Smura, Jussi Hepojoki, Olli Vapalahti, Johanna Lempainen, Laura Kakkola, Anu Kantele, Ilkka Julkunen
Summary: The study shows that the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine can induce cross-neutralization to some extent of SARS-CoV-2 variants, providing partial protection. Despite the reduced neutralization effect on the B.1.351 variant, the majority of vaccinees still have some level of protection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Taru S. Dutt, Stephanie M. LaVergne, Tracy L. Webb, Bridget A. Baxter, Sophia Stromberg, Kim McFann, Kailey Berry, Madison Tipton, Omar Alnachoukati, Linda Zier, Greg Ebel, Julie Dunn, Marcela Henao-Tamayo, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: Immune response dysregulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The study evaluated immune and endothelial blood cell profiles of COVID-19 patients, revealing depletion of T cell subsets and an increase in CD56(+) monocytes in severe cases. Age, obesity, and hypertension were found to synergistically impact immune markers and disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Brigitte A. Pfluger, Hillary V. Smith, Annika M. Weber, Hend Ibrahim, Lassina Doumbia, Abdoulaye Bore, Alima Cissoko, Seydou Douyon, Karim Kone, Lansana Sangare, Ababacar Maiga, Ousmane A. Koita, Kelli Goodman, Anne M. Evans, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: Rice bran supplementation during infant weaning effectively improves weight and length and modulates metabolites associated with antioxidant and neuroactive properties. This study provides evidence supporting the use of dried blood spots as a cost-effective tool for detecting infant biomarkers of nutrition and metabolic status.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Allison C. Vilander, Ann Hess, Zaid Abdo, Hend Ibrahim, Lassina Doumbia, Seydou Douyon, Karim Kone, Abdoulaye Bore, Luis E. Zambrana, Samuel Vilchez, Ousmane Koita, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: This study found that rice bran supplementation can reduce environmental enteric dysfunction in infants at high risk of malnutrition, affecting fecal secretory IgA levels and gut microbiota diversity.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evert Njomen, Allison Vanecek, Theresa A. Lansdell, Ya-Ting Yang, Peter Z. Schall, Christi M. Harris, Matthew P. Bernard, Daniel Isaac, Omar Alkharabsheh, Anas Al-Janadi, Matthew B. Giletto, Edmund Ellsworth, Catherine Taylor, Terence Tang, Sarah Lau, Marc Bailie, Jamie J. Bernard, Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, Jetze J. Tepe
Summary: This article introduces a treatment method for multiple myeloma that reduces MYC protein levels by enhancing the activation of 20S proteasome, thereby reducing cancer cell growth and improving apoptotic signaling. The experiments demonstrate the potential of this method in in vitro and in vivo models.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robin Kumar, Akhilendra K. Maurya, Kristopher D. Parker, Rama Kant, Hend Ibrahim, Md Imtiazul Kabir, Dileep Kumar, Annika M. Weber, Rajesh Agarwal, Kristine A. Kuhn, Elizabeth P. Ryan, Komal Raina
Summary: Dietary rice bran can influence metabolism by modulating gut microbiota, reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. The protective effects of dietary rice bran against colorectal cancer are associated with both microbiota-dependent and independent mechanisms.
MOLECULAR CARCINOGENESIS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Kendra M. Quicke, Bridget A. Baxter, Sophia Stromberg, Emily N. Gallichotte, Emily Fitzmeyer, Michael C. Young, Kristy L. Pabilonia, Nicole Ehrhart, Julie Dunn, Gregory D. Ebel, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: This retrospective study found that concurrent respiratory coinfections were uncommon in COVID-19 cases, and they may not be responsible for the severity of the disease and the duration of infection. Mask wearing and other public health measures implemented in Colorado likely contributed to the low rates of coinfection.
ADVANCES IN VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Parveen Parasar, Matthew Bernard, Soo Hyun Ahn, Sarika K. Kshirsagar, Sean L. Nguyen, Geoffrey R. Grzesiak, Mathew Vettathu, Denny Martin, Margaret G. Petroff
Summary: The study showed that sufficient numbers of intrauterine leukocytes, especially CD16(-)CD56(++) NK cells, can be collected using a non-invasive method of sampling the uterine cavity postdelivery with surgical gauze. Higher percentages of CD16(-)CD56(++), characterized as uterine NK (uNK) cells, were observed in UBMC samples compared to PBMC samples, suggesting enrichment of these cells in the former.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Bridget A. Baxter, Katherine J. Li, Iman Zarei, Linxing Yao, Sangeeta Rao, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: This study examined the biomarkers of navy beans and rice bran in children and adults using metabolomics analysis of plasma, urine, stool, and study foods. The results showed that certain metabolites, such as trigonelline and pipecolate, increased after consuming navy beans and rice bran for a certain period of time. The study also highlighted the limitations and suggested further validation.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sophia Stromberg, Bridget A. A. Baxter, Gregory Dooley, Stephanie M. M. LaVergne, Emily Gallichotte, Taru Dutt, Madison Tipton, Kailey Berry, Jared Haberman, Nicole Natter, Tracy L. L. Webb, Kim McFann, Marcela Henao-Tamayo, Greg Ebel, Sangeeta Rao, Julie Dunn, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: This study investigated the association between plasma fatty acid levels and disease severity and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) in adults. The results showed significant differences in plasma fatty acid profiles among individuals with different disease severities. Modulating fatty acids may be beneficial for modifying the course of COVID-19, especially for overweight and severely ill adults.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Petronella R. Hove, Nora Jean Nealon, Siu Hung Joshua Chan, Shea M. Boyer, Hannah B. Haberecht, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: By using 'omics' profiling and metabolic network analysis, this study identified that probiotics can produce antimicrobials that act as alternatives to conventional antibiotics, inhibiting growth of antimicrobial resistant pathogens.
JOURNAL OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Millena Cristina Barros Santos, Nathalie Barouh, Valerie Lullien-Pellerin, Valerie Micard, Pierre Villeneuve, Bingqing Zhou, Camille Oger, Claire Vigor, Thierry Durand, Mariana Simoes Larraz Ferreira, Claire Bourlieu-Lacanal, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: The purpose of this study is to characterize the chemical diversity in rice bran lipidome and investigate the effect of rice bran consumption on plasma lipid profiles in children. Using untargeted and targeted lipidomics, bioactive lipids in rice bran from different varieties are identified. A secondary analysis of plasma lipidome is conducted to determine the impact of rice bran supplementation on plasma lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic children. The study reveals the presence of polar lipids and oxylipins in children's plasma after rice bran consumption, suggesting potential health benefits for individuals at risk for cardiometabolic disease.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Bridget A. Baxter, Michaela G. Ryan, Stephanie M. LaVergne, Sophia Stromberg, Kailey Berry, Madison Tipton, Nicole Natter, Nikiah Nudell, Kim McFann, Julie Dunn, Tracy L. Webb, Michael Armstrong, Nichole Reisdorph, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: This study investigates the association between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 severity among survivors. The findings show a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and severe cases, as well as the presence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) among survivors. Gender and BMI are also found to be related to vitamin D levels, but not to the presence of PASC.
Article
Oncology
Annika M. Weber, Hend Ibrahim, Bridget A. Baxter, Robin Kumar, Akhilendra K. Maurya, Dileep Kumar, Rajesh Agarwal, Komal Raina, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: Heat-stabilized rice bran is a nutrient-dense food ingredient with potential colorectal cancer control and prevention properties. This study discovered novel mechanisms by which rice bran metabolism in feces may contribute to its anti-cancer activity. The findings suggest that certain fecal metabolites may serve as dietary biomarkers for colorectal cancer prevention.
Article
Immunology
Gloria I. Perez, Matthew P. Bernard, Daniel Vocelle, Ahmed A. Zarea, Najla A. Saleh, Matthew A. Gagea, Doug Schneider, Maxine Bauzon, Terry Hermiston, Masamitsu Kanada
Summary: Under physiological conditions, PS predominantly localizes to the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane. However, during apoptosis and in tumor cell-derived EVs, PS is exposed on the cell surface. This study demonstrates the importance of PS-exposing EVs as a potential biomarker for early cancer detection, and provides insights into different EV subtypes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Brooke Sayre-Chavez, Bridget Baxter, Corey D. Broeckling, Maria Munoz-Amatriain, Mark Manary, Elizabeth P. Ryan
Summary: This study analyzed the composition of cowpea, pigeon pea, and common bean using UPLC-MS technology. It identified several metabolites that can differentiate these legumes, with cowpea having higher abundance of novel metabolites compared to other legumes. Additionally, specific metabolite markers were found in different cowpea varieties.
FOOD CHEMISTRY: MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)