Article
Immunology
Prabin Baral, Elumalai Pavadai, Ziyou Zhou, Yang Xu, Christopher K. Tison, Rudramani Pokhrel, Bernard S. Gerstman, Prem P. Chapagain
Summary: This study predicts immunogenic epitopes of Marburgvirus using computational methods and identifies potential candidates for vaccine development. It also investigates the molecular details of epitope-allele complexes, providing valuable information for experimental validation and vaccine design.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Josilene Ramos Pinheiro, Esther Camilo dos Reis, Rayane da Silva Oliveira Souza, Ana Luiza Silva Rocha, Lincoln Suesdek, Vasco Azevedo, Sandeep Tiwari, Beatriz Goncalves Silva Rocha, Alexander Birbrair, Erick Carvalho Mendez, Wilson Barros Luiz, Jaime Henrique Amorim
Summary: This study compared the main anti-dengue virus vaccines, DENGVAXIA®, LAV-TDV, and TAK-003, and found that all three vaccines contain the main B cell epitopes involved in viral neutralization. LAV-TDV and TAK-003 also contain most of the T cell epitopes related to immunological protection, while DENGVAXIA® lacks these T cell epitopes, explaining its limitations as the only licensed dengue vaccine.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sumera Zaib, Fatima Akram, Wania Waris, Syed Talha Liaqat, Zainab Zaib, Imtiaz Khan, Ayed A. Dera, Rami Adel Pashameah, Eman Alzahrani, Abd-ElAziem Farouk
Summary: This study explores potential inhibitors for the replication of dengue virus, using molecular docking, ADMET properties, and molecular dynamic simulation. By observing and validating interactions of various complexes, and conducting preclinical testing, a flavonoid called ladanein from Orthosiphon aristatus was identified as a lead compound with inhibitory potential against major replication protein of dengue virus.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Mohd Ishtiaq Anasir, Chit Laa Poh
Summary: Dengue is a significant burden on the healthcare system in tropical and subtropical regions, with no effective vaccine currently available. This review discusses the identification of B-cell epitopes in the envelope protein of dengue and the therapeutic potential of monoclonal antibodies. These findings can inform the development of dengue therapies in the future.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Scott B. Biering, Eva Harris
Summary: The compound JNJ-A07 shows promising activity against the dengue virus in mouse models, offering hope for a treatment for this prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease in humans.
Article
Immunology
Yan Ding, Zining Zhou, Xingyu Li, Chen Zhao, Xiaoxiao Jin, Xiaotao Liu, Yandan Wu, Xueyin Mei, Jian Li, Jie Qiu, Chuanlai Shen
Summary: This study functionally validated 62 T cell epitopes from HBV main proteins and elucidated their HLA-A restrictions. It provides important insights for the development of T cell epitope-based vaccines and therapies, as well as the evaluation of HBV-specific T cell function.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Sunil R. Vaidya, Sunitha M. Kasibhatla, Madhukar B. Kamble, Ashok Munivenkatappa, Neelakshi S. Kumbhar, Manjunatha M. Jayaswamy, Mukund R. Ramtirthkar, Mohan M. Kale, Urmila Kulkarni-Kale
Summary: Rubella is a contagious disease caused by Rubella virus, and WHO has set a target for its elimination by 2023. Research found that mutations in structural proteins of Indian Rubella viruses do not have a major impact on their 3D structure, function, and antigenicity when compared with global isolates and vaccine strains.
Article
Immunology
Peter A. Barry, Smita S. Iyer, Laura Gibson
Summary: Traditionally, vaccine development for Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has focused on viral antigens that are identified as key targets of neutralizing antibody and/or T cell responses in healthy adults. However, there is currently no licensed HCMV vaccine that reduces the risk of infection in pregnant women. This study suggests that HCMV proteins recognized by only a small minority of participants may contain important vaccine antigens.
Review
Microbiology
Fenghao Peng, Naijing Hu, Yingjun Liu, Cong Xing, Longlong Luo, Xinying Li, Jing Wang, Guojiang Chen, He Xiao, Chenghua Liu, Beifen Shen, Jiannan Feng, Chunxia Qiao
Summary: Smallpox is an infectious disease caused by the variola virus, with a high mortality rate. Although smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, the potential threat of bioterrorism has led to resumed research on the treatment and prevention of smallpox.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Mira A. M. Behnam, Christian D. Klein
Summary: The study describes a highly potent antiviral compound against dengue with promising efficacy in mice, and explores its potential as orally available drugs for the prevention and treatment of dengue.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Wajdi Alghamdi, Muhammad Attique, Ebraheem Alzahrani, Malik Zaka Ullah, Yaser Daanial Khan
Summary: The identification of B-cell epitopes is crucial for therapeutics, vaccine development, and antibody production. Experimental approaches are challenging and time-consuming, leading to the development of computational methods. LBCEPred, a python-based web-tool, outperforms existing sequence-based models in predicting B-cell epitopes.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thippayawan Ratanakomol, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Nitwara Wikan, Duncan R. Smith
Summary: Berberine has virucidal activity against dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, potentially through AMPK activation and disruption of lipid metabolism.
Article
Allergy
Marlon Munera, Dalgys Martinez, Judith Wortmann, Josefina Zakzuk, Walter Keller, Luis Caraballo, Leonardo Puerta
Summary: The study identified LvFABP as a shrimp allergen that cross-reacts with the house dust mite allergen Blo t 13, and has allergenic activity in shrimp allergic patients. The structure of LvFABP was characterized, showing a beta-barrel fold with two alpha-helices and ten beta-strands. Epitope mapping revealed two IgE-binding antigenic regions and inhibition assays demonstrated high cross-reactivity between LvFABP and Blo t 13.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ming-Quan Pang, Yue-Qing Lu, Feng Tang, Hai-Jiu Wang, Ying Zhou, Li Ren, Run-Le Li, Hu Zhou, Chen-Fei Wan, Chuan-Chuan Liu, Dawa Luosang, Cairang Yangdan, Hai-Ning Fan
Summary: This study predicted B-cell and T-cell epitopes of the Em antigen protein TSP3 using bioinformatics software and identified dominant epitopes with good immunogenicity. These results may contribute to the development of a dominant epitope vaccine.
TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH CARE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Sundy N. Y. Yang, Belinda Maher, Chunxiao Wang, Kylie M. Wagstaff, Johanna E. Fraser, David A. Jans
Summary: This study identifies two drugs that can inhibit the replication of dengue virus and other flaviviruses by directly binding to a viral protein.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
James DeCuir, Weihong Tu, Eric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera
Summary: Chagas disease is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affecting over 6 million people in the Americas. The genome sequence of a hybrid strain SC43cl1 belonging to the TcV discrete typing unit (DTU) was reported, showing extensive synteny with closely related TcV and TcVI genomes. Comparative analysis of nuclear and kinetoplast sequences clearly distinguished TcV from TcVI strains, supporting the current DTU classification.
Article
Parasitology
MJ. Rovirosa-Hernandez, A. Lopez-Monteon, F. Garcia-Orduna, J. Torres-Montero, D. Guzman-Gomez, E. Dumonteil, E. Waleckx, O. Lagunes-Merino, D. Canales-Espinoza, A. Ramos-Ligonio
Summary: The study in southeastern Mexico found prevalence rates of T. cruzi infection in Alouatta palliata, Alouatta pigra, and Ateles geoffroyi to be 23.39%, 21.40%, and 16.27%, respectively. Different DTUs (TcI, TcII, TcIII, TcV, and TcVI) were identified in these monkeys.
Article
Parasitology
Caty Carrera Vargas, Luis Solorzano, Doris Guale, Claudia Herrera, Eric Dumonteil
Summary: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a vector-borne disease with a major disease burden in the Americas. A study in Ecuador found a seroprevalence of 0.77% among 516 schoolchildren in the Napo province, indicating ongoing transmission of the parasite and the need for strengthened epidemiological surveillance and patient care.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Abel Ramos-Vega, Elizabeth Monreal-Escalante, Eric Dumonteil, Bernardo Banuelos-Hernandez, Carlos Angulo
Summary: Plant-made vaccines have been shown to be a cost-effective and successful platform for producing and delivering vaccines against parasitic diseases. The technology has the potential to play a significant role in fighting neglected tropical diseases like Chagas disease.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Eric Dumonteil, Dahlene Fusco, Arnaud Drouin, Claudia Herrera
Summary: Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants in patients revealed four well-resolved clades with different mortality rates, and identified ten SNPs associated with patient mortality. Three SNPs remained significantly associated with mortality in a generalized linear model, indicating their potential as targets for assessing COVID-19 disease severity and warranting further validation in functional studies.
Article
Microbiology
Alicia Majeau, Laura Murphy, Claudia Herrera, Eric Dumonteil
Summary: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important vector-borne neglected tropical disease with diverse genetic strains that may contribute to poor diagnostic performance. Most markers are suitable for estimating parasite diversity at the DTU level, while some are particularly useful for assessing intra-DTU diversity. Antigenic diversity is likely a key factor in the limited diagnostic performance in Central and North America.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Roy Polonio, Jaime Lopez-Dominguez, Claudia Herrera, Eric Dumonteil
Summary: This study in southern Belize identified significant risk of T. cruzi infection in humans through investigating blood meal sources, parasite genotypes, and microbial diversity of T. dimidiata. The differentiation of TcI and TcIV parasite discrete typing units in Belize suggests local strain diversity. There is a need for better characterization of parasite strains in the region and their impact on disease epidemiology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Carine Truyens, Eric Dumonteil, Jackeline Alger, Maria Luisa Cafferata, Alvaro Ciganda, Luz Gibbons, Claudia Herrera, Sergio Sosa-Estani, Pierre Buekens
Summary: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites, is a neglected disease with diagnosis mainly relying on serological tests. Variations in test performance were observed among different countries in a study, with Argentina showing the highest reactivity and Mexico the lowest.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Eric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera, Preston A. Marx
Summary: This study tested the safety and efficacy of a therapeutic DNA vaccine for preventing cardiac alterations in experimentally infected macaques. The results showed that the vaccine was safe and prevented the onset of cardiac alterations.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hans Desale, Pierre Buekens, Jackeline Alger, Maria Luisa Cafferata, Emily Wheeler Harville, Claudia Herrera, Carine Truyens, Eric Dumonteil
Summary: The study assessed the epigenetic effects of in utero exposure to maternal Trypanosoma cruzi infection. By comparing the DNA methylation patterns of umbilical cord blood cells from uninfected babies with chagasic and uninfected mothers, a differential DNA methylation signature was identified. The genes affected are related to hematopoietic cell differentiation, immune response, and developmental disorders.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Evan M. Teal, Claudia M. Herrera, Eric M. Dumonteil
Summary: This study investigated the differences in gut microbiota between nymph and adult Triatoma sanguisuga, a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southeastern US. The results showed significant differences in microbiota composition and diversity between the two developmental stages. Laboratory-raised nymphs had a higher taxonomic diversity, while field-caught adults had a lower bacterial diversity. These differences in composition were associated with differences in metabolism, with nymphs metabolizing a limited diversity of carbon sources and producing lactic acid, while adults had a broader diversity of carbon sources and produced a variety of products. These findings provide insights into the metabolic interactions between triatomines and their gut microbiota, potentially leading to new vector control strategies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alvaro Proano, Eric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera
Summary: Chagas disease is a major public health problem in the Americas, affecting 7 million people with at least 65 million at risk. Our study in New Orleans, Louisiana found a low level of disease surveillance and a need for increased awareness and education among healthcare workers.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Eric Dumonteil, Hans Desale, Weihong Tu, Nora Hernandez-Cuevas, Monica Shroyer, Kelly Goff, Preston A. Marx, Claudia Herrera
Summary: In this study, the dynamics and pathogenesis of Trypanosoma cruzi parasite in naturally infected rhesus macaques were assessed over a 2.5-year period. It was found that parasite diversity influenced the progression of the disease, with individuals controlling parasite levels having a greater diversity of parasite strains. Additionally, the rate of parasite multiplication decreased with increasing parasite diversity, suggesting competition or a stronger immune response in multiple infections. The study also observed significant differences in electrocardiographic profiles between Chagasic macaques and uninfected controls, with changes in ECG patterns over time only occurring in macaques with increasing parasite levels and lower parasite diversity. Disease progression was associated with plasma fibronectin degradation, which may serve as a biomarker. These findings provide a new framework for understanding the pathogenesis of Chagas disease.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Eric Dumonteil, Hans Desale, Weihong Tu, Brandy Duhon, Wendy Wolfson, Gary Balsamo, Claudia Herrera
Summary: Trypanosoma cruzi, a zoonotic parasite endemic in the southern US and the Americas, was found to infect cats in Southern Louisiana at a seropositivity rate of at least 7.3% and a PCR positivity rate of 24.6%. Cats were mainly infected with parasites from TcI and TcVI DTUs, indicating a need for veterinarians to be more aware of T. cruzi infection in pets and the potential risk for spillover infections in humans.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Eric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera
Summary: Chagas disease, transmitted by triatomine insect vectors, has become a global disease with limited drug treatment options. The development of a vaccine is crucial for better disease control. Recent pre-clinical studies have shown progress and challenges in vaccine development, including expanding vaccine platforms, understanding immune protection, and assessing vaccine effects on cardiac function.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Mohamed S. H. Hassan, Ahmed Ali, Motamed Elsayed Mahmoud, Danah Altakrouni, Shahnas M. Najimudeen, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem
Summary: This study compared the efficacy of different vaccination programs against Canadian DMV/1639 IBV and found that the autogenous inactivated DMV/1639 vaccine was more effective in reducing viral loads and boosting virus neutralization titers. Both vaccination programs provided significant protection against pathological effects.
Article
Virology
Wanda Christ, Jonas Klingstrom, Janne Tynell
Summary: The integrated stress response (ISR) is activated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, triggering translational arrest and inhibiting stress granule formation. However, the stress-responsive transcription factors ATF4 and CHOP are not induced. Different SARS-CoV-2 variants show variant-specific differences in ISR activation, suggesting potential impacts on pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
Article
Virology
Xiao Han, Hankun Xu, Yifan Weng, Rong Chen, Jidong Xu, Tong Cao, Renjie Sun, Ying Shan, Fang He, Weihuan Fang, Xiaoliang Li
Summary: Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) can inhibit the host innate immunity by decreasing the level of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and CSFV Npro can evade host antiviral immune response through upregulating HMGB1 acetylation.
Article
Virology
Sunjian Lyu, Fulei Xiong, Tianpeng Qi, Weifeng Shen, Qi Guo, Mingming Han, Li Liu, Weishao Bu, Julin Yuan, Bao Lou
Summary: This study identified and characterized a novel temperate A. hydrophila phage, P05B, which has strong lytic ability and stability across different temperatures and pH values.
Article
Virology
Siyuan Liu, Wei Chen, Raphael Nyaruaba, Shunlong Wang, Cihan Yang, Qun Wu, Ying Liu, Puyu Liu, Fei Wang, Jingling Wang, Zhiming Yuan, Dingwei Sun, Han Xia
Summary: Specific, sensitive, and reliable RT-qPCR assays for the detection of OYAV and EBIV have been successfully developed in this study. These assays hold great promise for their potential application in clinical and field samples in the future.
Article
Virology
Rui Wang, Qiang Sun, Jinbo Xiao, Congcong Wang, Xiaoliang Li, Jichen Li, Yang Song, Huanhuan Lu, Ying Liu, Shuangli Zhu, Zhijun Liu, Yong Zhang
Summary: Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) has emerged as an important agent causing hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Mutations in residue 64 of the virus have been found to increase resistance to ribavirin and decrease sensitivity to guanidine hydrochloride. This mutation also leads to increased replication fidelity and reduced pathogenicity. These findings provide a foundation for the development of a safe and effective live attenuated CVA6 vaccine.
Article
Virology
Yao Xiong, Keran Ma, Xiao Zou, Yantao Liang, Kaiyang Zheng, Tiancong Wang, Hong Zhang, Yue Dong, Ziyue Wang, Yundan Liu, Hongbing Shao, Andrew Mcminn, Min Wang
Summary: This study isolated a novel virus, vB_VviC_ZQ26, infecting Vibrio cyclitrophicus from coastal waters near Qingdao, China. It was found that vB_VviC_ZQ26 belongs to a new vibriophage-specific family, Coheviridae, and is mainly found in temperate and tropical epipelagic zones.
Article
Virology
Xing Li, Zhiping Ye, Ewan P. Plant
Summary: By analyzing clinical and cultured samples using the same bioinformatic pipeline, it was found that 5' copyback DVGs are prevalent in human clinical samples but not in cultured samples. Furthermore, there are differences in DVG production and composition between in vivo and in vitro infections.
Article
Virology
Shreya Banerjee, Rakesh Sarkar, Arpita Mukherjee, Suvrotoa Mitra, Animesh Gope, Mamta Chawla-Sarkar
Summary: Rotavirus is a major cause of viral gastroenteritis in infants and continues to be a severe issue in underdeveloped nations. Recent research has shown that a long non-coding RNA called SLC7A11-AS1 is upregulated during rotavirus infection and plays a role in facilitating the virus's propagation by regulating intracellular glutathione and lipid peroxidation.
Article
Virology
Eiichi Hondo, Tetsufumi Katta, Ayato Sato, Naoya Kadofusa, Tomoki Ishibashi, Hiroshi Shimoda, Hirokazu Katoh, Atsuo Iida
Summary: Bat-borne emerging viruses, such as the Ebola virus and Nipah virus, pose a significant threat to public health. In this study, we identified micafungin as a potential antiviral drug against Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) and found that it inhibits viral release in human cells through activating the endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathway. This research provides valuable insights into the development of effective treatments for future virus pandemics.
Article
Virology
M. Joubert, N. van den Berg, J. Theron, V. Swart
Summary: This study investigated the host gene expression in asymptomatic avocado nursery trees infected with Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) using RNA sequencing. The results showed that 631 genes were differentially expressed during infection, with 63% upregulated. ASBVd infection significantly affected plant defence responses, phytohormone networks, gene expression pathways, secondary metabolism, cellular transport, as well as protein modification and degradation. This study provides insights into the molecular interactions underlying avsunviroid-host interactions.
Article
Virology
Wanling Zhang, Haiyan Yang, Zhengyun Liu, Shengyu Wang, Tianyang Chen, Hong Song, Yunbin Xu, Fajin Li, Guo Luo, Huan Wang
Summary: EV71 infection leads to changes in mitochondrial morphology and dynamics in human neuroblastoma cells, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction that may contribute to nervous system dysfunction.
Article
Virology
Mikhail Oliveira Leastro, Elliot Watanabe Kitajima, Vicente Pallas, Jesus Angel Sanchez- Navarro
Summary: This study reports the construction and validation of an infectious cDNA clone of Citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C) based on an agroinfection system. Agro-injected Nicotiana benthamiana plants showed localized lesions similar to the natural infection process. The virus recovered from the infected plant tissue could be mechanically transmitted between plants. The CiLV-C reverse genetic system provides a powerful molecular tool for unraveling the peculiarities of the citrus leprosis pathosystem.
Article
Virology
Manel Essaidi-Laziosi, Francisco J. Perez-Rodriguez, Catia Alvarez, Pascale Sattonnet-Roche, Giulia Torriani, Meriem Bekliz, Kenneth Adea, Matthias Lenk, Tasnim Suliman, Wolfgang Preiser, Marcel A. Mueller, Christian Drosten, Laurent Kaiser, Isabella Eckerle
Summary: This study found that the Omicron variant has different replication characteristics compared to other variants of concern, being able to efficiently produce infectious virus in nasal cells but not lung cells. In addition, the Delta and Omicron variants showed increased infection efficiency in A549 cells. These findings suggest that the variants of concern have better adaptation to humans but do not have an extended host range.
Article
Virology
Martin Faye, Modeste Name Faye, Babacar Ndiaye, Moussa Moise Diagne, Safietou Sankhe, Ndeye Marieme Top, Amadou Diallo, Cheikh Loucoubar, Ndongo Dia, Amadou Alpha Sall, Ousmane Faye
Summary: Genomic surveillance in Senegal since March 2020 has detected the emergence of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sublineages in June 2022. Next-generation sequencing and phylogeny analysis of isolates from a cluster of cases in Northern Senegal in July 2022 revealed that the BA.4 cases originated from a XAS recombinant, marking the first reported sequence of this variant from Senegal. Continuous genomic surveillance of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples is crucial.