Article
Immunology
Julia Li, Sabine Wellnitz, Xiaoyuan S. Chi, Yujuan Yue, Kimberli A. Schmidt, Nancy Nguyen, Wei Chen, Irina Yurgelonis, Eduardo Rojas, Yuhang Liu, Jakob Loschko, Eneida Pollozi, Yury Matsuka, Elie Needle, Eugene Vidunas, Robert G. K. Donald, Justin Moran, Kathrin U. Jansen, Philip R. Dormitzer, Peter A. Barry, Xinzhen Yang
Summary: Rhesus CMV prototypes of HCMV vaccine candidates were tested in a seronegative macaque oral challenge model. Adjuvanted pentameric complex and postfusion gB subunits with pp65-2-encoding DNA elicited strong serum neutralizing and T-cell responses but were insufficient to prevent infection.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Bhavna Hora, Hui Li, Xiaoying Shen, Mitchell Martin, Yue Chen, Madison Berry, Tyler Evangelous, Andrew N. Macintyre, Aria Arus-Altuz, Shuyi Wang, Ajay Singh, Chengyan Zhao, Nicole De Naeyer, Todd DeMarco, Cindy Kuykendall, Thaddeus Gurley, Kevin O. Saunders, Thomas Denny, M. Anthony Moody, John Misamore, Mark G. Lewis, Kevin Wiehe, Derek W. Cain, David C. Montefiori, George M. Shaw, Wilton B. Williams
Summary: A neonatal model for the induction of heterologous HIV-1 nAbs was established in infected rhesus macaques, showing the development of potent and polyclonal heterologous nAbs over time.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peng Zhang, Samantha Falcone, Yaroslav Tsybovsky, Mamta Singh, Vinay Gopan, Huiyi Miao, Yuna Seo, Denise Rogers, Isabella Renzi, Yen-Ting Lai, Elisabeth Narayanan, Guillaume Stewart-Jones, Sunny Himansu, Andrea Carfi, Anthony S. Fauci, Paolo Lusso
Summary: Researchers developed an mRNA vaccine that forms virus-like particles to prevent coronavirus. The vaccine induced neutralizing antibodies in mice and showed effectiveness against different variants of the virus. This study is important for the prevention of global infectious diseases.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Danting Jiang, Ria Goswami, Maria Dennis, Holly Heimsath, Pamela A. Kozlowski, Amir Ardeshir, Koen K. A. Van Rompay, Kristina De Paris, Sallie R. Permar, Neeraj K. Surana
Summary: The composition of early-life gut microbial communities in nursery-reared rhesus macaques is influenced by age, birth year, and vaccination status. The study identified a positive correlation between certain microbial species, such as Sutterella and Rodentibacter, and vaccine-elicited antibody responses. Metagenomic analysis revealed metabolic pathways associated with improved antibody responses following HIV vaccination. The findings suggest a bidirectional relationship between the microbiota and vaccines, highlighting the importance of understanding this interplay in developing more effective vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kim J. Hasenkrug, Friederike Feldmann, Lara Myers, Mario L. Santiago, Kejun Guo, Bradley S. Barrett, Kaylee L. Mickens, Aaron Carmody, Atsushi Okumura, Deepashri Rao, Madison M. Collins, Ronald J. Messer, Jamie Lovaglio, Carl Shaia, Rebecca Rosenke, Neeltje van Doremalen, Chad Clancy, Greg Saturday, Patrick Hanley, Brian J. Smith, Kimberly Meade-White, W. Lesley Shupert, David W. Hawman, Heinz Feldmanne
Summary: The study suggests that T cells are not critical for recovery from acute SARS-CoV-2 infections in rhesus macaques. Instead, B cell responses and antibodies are likely the essential mediators of protection from re-exposure.
Article
Immunology
Liuzhe Li, Ann J. Hessell, Xiang-Peng Kong, Nancy L. Haigwood, Miroslaw K. Gorny
Summary: This study investigated the repertoire of antibodies produced upon vaccination against a particular antigenic site in rhesus macaques. The results showed strong and dynamic antibody responses with multiple immunizations, indicating the potent targeting ability of vaccine-induced immune responses.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jordan H. Salas, Richard A. Urbanowicz, Johnathan D. Guest, Nicole Frumento, Alexis Figueroa, Kaitlyn E. Clark, Zhenyong Keck, Vanessa M. Cowton, Sarah J. Cole, Arvind H. Patel, Thomas R. Fuerst, Heidi E. Drummer, Marian Major, Alexander W. Tarr, Jonathan K. Ball, Mansun Law, Brian G. Pierce, Steven K. H. Foung, Justin R. Bailey
Summary: This study describes the selection and validation of a genetically and antigenically diverse reference panel of 15 HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpps) for neutralization assays. It suggests that measuring neutralizing breadth of HCV antibodies should involve viruses spanning multiple tiers of neutralization sensitivity rather than panels selected solely for genetic diversity.
Article
Immunology
Jiao Tong, Chenxi Zhu, Hanyu Lai, Chunchao Feng, Dapeng Zhou
Summary: The study investigated the efficacy of a recombinant trimeric Spike protein as a potential COVID-19 vaccine candidate, showing it induced Spike protein-specific antibodies with high titers and neutralizing capabilities. The identified immunodominant receptor-binding domain (RBD) and linear epitopes in different regions contribute to its potential effectiveness against the virus.
Article
Immunology
Wei Wang, Esmeralda Alvarado-Facundo, Russell Vassell, Limone Collins, Rhonda E. Colombo, Anuradha Ganesan, Casey Geaney, David Hrncir, Tahaniyat Lalani, Ana Elizabeth Markelz, Ryan C. Maves, Bruce McClenathan, Katrin Mende, Stephanie A. Richard, Christina Schofield, Srihari Seshadri, Christina Spooner, Gregory C. Utz, Tyler E. Warkentien, Min Levine, Christian L. Coles, Timothy H. Burgess, Maryna Eichelberger, Carol D. Weiss
Summary: This study found that egg- and cell-derived influenza vaccines in the 2018-2019 season elicited similar neutralizing antibody titers and response rates against A(H3N2) viruses, while rHA vaccine generated the strongest response. All vaccines boosted titers to HA with egg-adaptive substitutions, but showed poor neutralization against wild-type viruses.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eric S. Geanes, Cas LeMaster, Elizabeth R. Fraley, Santosh Khanal, Rebecca McLennan, Elin Grundberg, Rangaraj Selvarangan, Todd Bradley
Summary: This study found that individuals who had previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or were vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine produced antibody responses that cross-reacted with related betacoronaviruses. A peptide-conjugate vaccine was also designed to induce cross-reactive antibody binding to SARS-CoV-2 and other related coronaviruses. These findings suggest that conserved epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 can elicit cross-reactive immune responses to both related coronaviruses and host bacteria.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Inbal Farkash, Tali Feferman, Noy Cohen-Saban, Yahel Avraham, David Morgenstern, Grace Mayuni, Natasha Barth, Yaniv Lustig, Liron Miller, Dror S. Shouval, Asaf Biber, Ilya Kirgner, Yishai Levin, Rony Dahan
Summary: mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines induce strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses with unique and dynamic Fc compositions. The vaccine-induced antibodies exhibit differences in Fab and Fc-mediated functions between age groups and natural infection-generated antibodies. These findings suggest heterogeneity in Fc responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination may support long-lasting protection differently.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Noemia S. Lima, Maryam Musayev, Timothy S. Johnston, Danielle A. Wagner, Amy R. Henry, Lingshu Wang, Eun Sung Yang, Yi Zhang, Kevina Birungi, Walker P. Black, Sijy O'Dell, Stephen D. Schmidt, Damee Moon, Cynthia G. Lorang, Bingchun Zhao, Man Chen, Kristin L. Boswell, Jesmine Roberts-Torres, Rachel L. Davis, Lowrey Peyton, Sandeep R. Narpala, Sarah O'Connell, Leonid Serebryannyy, Jennifer Wang, Alexander Schrager, Chloe Adrienna Talana, Geoffrey Shimberg, Kwanyee Leung, Wei Shi, Rawan Khashab, Asaf Biber, Tal Zilberman, Joshua Rhein, Sara Vetter, Afeefa Ahmed, Laura Novik, Alicia Widge, Ingelise Gordon, Mercy Guech, I-Ting Teng, Emily Phung, Tracy J. Ruckwardt, Amarendra Pegu, John Misasi, Nicole A. Doria-Rose, Martin Gaudinski, Richard A. Koup, Peter D. Kwong, Adrian B. McDermott, Sharon Amit, Timothy W. Schacker, Itzchak Levy, John R. Mascola, Nancy J. Sullivan, Chaim A. Schramm, Daniel C. Douek
Summary: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants leads to protective humoral immunity against other variants. The molecular basis for this cross-protection is not fully understood. This study reveals that infection with different variants elicits similar antibody responses and convergent V gene usage, which may explain the continued efficacy of vaccines based on a single ancestral variant.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yueh-Ming Loo, Patrick M. McTamney, Rosalinda H. Arends, Michael E. Abram, Anastasia A. Aksyuk, Seme Diallo, Daniel J. Flores, Elizabeth J. Kelly, Kuishu Ren, Richard Roque, Kim Rosenthal, Katie Streicher, Kevin M. Tuffy, Nicholas J. Bond, Owen Cornwell, Jerome Bouquet, Lily Cheng, James Dunyak, Yue Huang, Anton Rosenbaum, Venkatesh Pilla Reddy, Hanne Andersen, Robert H. Carnahan, James E. Crowe, Ana Kuehne, Andrew S. Herbert, John M. Dye, Helen Bright, Nicole L. Kallewaard, Menelas N. Pangalos, Mark T. Esser
Summary: AZD7442, a combination of two monoclonal antibodies, has the potential to prevent and treat COVID-19 by neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has shown encouraging results in preventing infection and accelerating virus clearance in animal models. The ongoing phase 1 study has also demonstrated its ability to provide long-lasting protection in healthy participants. This research is significant in providing additional options for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ping-Han Huang, Hsiao-Han Tsai, Bo-Hung Liao, Yi-Ling Lin, Jia-Tsrong Jan, Mi-Hua Tao, Yu-Chi Chou, Che-Ming Jack Hu, Hui-Wen Chen
Summary: The study demonstrates that immunization with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein in mice can induce a strong antibody response and potent neutralizing capability against the virus.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Shuai Lu, Xi-xiu Xie, Lei Zhao, Bin Wang, Jie Zhu, Ting-rui Yang, Guang-wen Yang, Mei Ji, Cui-ping Lv, Jian Xue, Er-hei Dai, Xi-ming Fu, Dong-qun Liu, Lun Zhang, Sheng-jie Hou, Xiao-lin Yu, Yu-ling Wang, Hui-xia Gao, Xue-han Shi, Chang-wen Ke, Bi-xia Ke, Chun-guo Jiang, Rui-tian Liu
Summary: The study reveals that predicted epitopes on SARS-CoV-2 effectively induce antibody production, with some being immunodominant. There are differences in immunodominant epitopes between individuals with domestic and imported SARS-CoV-2, possibly due to mutations on the proteins. Several epitopes on the S protein elicit neutralizing antibodies against different variants of SARS-CoV-2, showing potential for vaccine design against coronaviruses.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Peng Zhao, Yuanzhong Xu, Xuejun Fan, Leike Li, Xin Li, Hisashi Arase, Qingchun Tong, Ningyan Zhang, Zhiqiang An
Summary: This study engineered a bispecific antibody that can activate TREM2 and enter the brain, improving microglia clearance of amyloid plaques. The research suggests the potential of this antibody as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Article
Oncology
Summer Y. Y. Ha, Yasuaki Anami, Chisato M. Yamazaki, Wei Xiong, Candice M. Haase, Scott D. Olson, Jangsoon Lee, Naoto T. Ueno, Ningyan Zhang, Zhiqiang An, Kyoji Tsuchikama
Summary: The glutamic acid-glycine-citrulline (EGCit) linker has been found to address the stability issues of Valine-citrulline linker in drug delivery, without compromising drug release and ADC therapeutic efficacy. EGCit conjugates resist degradation by neutrophil proteases and show potent antitumor activity with minimal blood and liver toxicity.
MOLECULAR CANCER THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Peng Zhao, Yuanzhong Xu, Lu-Lin Jiang, Xuejun Fan, Zhiqiang Ku, Leike Li, Xiaoye Liu, Mi Deng, Hisashi Arase, Jay-Jiguang Zhu, Timothy Y. Huang, Yingjun Zhao, Chengcheng Zhang, Huaxi Xu, Qingchun Tong, Ningyan Zhang, Zhiqiang An
Summary: This study elucidated the molecular mechanisms of LILRB2-mediated inhibition of TREM2 signaling in microglia and demonstrated a novel approach to enhance microglial functions by blocking LILRB2-ligand interactions. The LILRB2 antagonist antibody rescued the inhibition of TREM2 signaling by LILRB2, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for improving microglial functions.
MOLECULAR NEURODEGENERATION
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yaxian Mei, Yuanzhi Chen, Jwala P. P. Sivaccumar, Zhiqiang An, Ningshao Xia, Wenxin Luo
Summary: This paper introduces the construction methods, potential functions, and applications of nanobodies in human infectious diseases. Nanobodies, with their high stability and ease of modification, can be used as a therapeutic tool against infectious diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mason Ruiz, Ningyan Zhang, Anil K. Sood, Zhiqiang An
Summary: This article provides an overview of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and discusses the challenges in its treatment. The use of antibody therapeutics in targeting ovarian cancer-associated proteins and the role of novel proteins in adaptive resistance are explored. Experts believe that antibody therapeutics have the potential to revolutionize the treatment outcomes for ovarian cancer patients, but there is a need for the discovery of new targetable proteins and predictive biomarkers to guide treatment decisions.
EXPERT OPINION ON BIOLOGICAL THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vikas Chonira, Young D. Kwon, Jason Gorman, James Brett Case, Zhiqiang Ke, Rudo Simeon, Ryan G. Cosner, Darcy R. Harris, Adam S. Olia, Tyler Stephens, Lawrence Shapiro, Michael F. Bender, Hannah Boyd, I-Ting Teng, Yaroslav Tsybovsky, Florian Krammer, Ningyan Zhang, Michael S. Diamond, Peter D. Kwong, Zhiqiang An, Zhilei Chen
Summary: We report the engineering and selection of two synthetic proteins, FSR16m and FSR22, for the potential treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These proteins exhibit broad-spectrum neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 strains and show promising results in mice, reducing viral burden and weight loss.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joshua W. W. Morse, Margarita Rios, John Ye, Adan Rios, Cheng Cheng Zhang, Naval G. G. Daver, Courtney D. D. DiNardo, Ningyan Zhang, Zhiqiang An
Summary: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common and deadly leukemia in adults, which is currently managed with non-targeted chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. The identification of tumor-specific cell surface receptors has led to the development of targeted antibody therapies, which are expected to provide personalized and safe treatment options for AML patients.
EXPERT OPINION ON INVESTIGATIONAL DRUGS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher J. LaFargue, Paola Amero, Kyunghee Noh, Lingegowda S. Mangala, Yunfei Wen, Emine Bayraktar, Sujanitha Umamaheswaran, Elaine Stur, Santosh K. Dasari, Cristina Ivan, Sunila Pradeep, Wonbeak Yoo, Chunhua Lu, Nicholas B. Jennings, Vinod Vathipadiekal, Wei Hu, Anca Chelariu-Raicu, Zhiqiang Ku, Hui Deng, Wei Xiong, Hyun-Jin Choi, Min Hu, Takae Kiyama, Chai-An Mao, Rouba Ali-Fehmi, Michael J. Birrer, Jinsong Liu, Ningyan Zhang, Gabriel Lopez-Berestein, Vittorio de Franciscis, Zhiqiang An, Anil K. Sood
Summary: This study identifies CD5L as an important gene that is upregulated in response to antiangiogenic therapy, leading to adaptive resistance. By targeting CD5L with an RNA-aptamer and monoclonal antibody, the researchers successfully inhibit the pro-angiogenic effects of CD5L in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Furthermore, increased expression of vascular CD5L is associated with bevacizumab resistance and worse overall survival in cancer patients.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Zhuan Zhang, Gerald F. Bills, Zhiqiang An
Summary: Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) cause over 300 million severe cases and 1.5 million deaths annually, posing a significant burden on global health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 19 fungal pathogens as priority organisms due to their public health importance. Most IFDs occur in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV infection, cancer, chemotherapy, transplantation, and immune suppressive therapy. However, the limited antifungal therapies, drug resistance, and increasing vulnerable population contribute to the rising morbidity and mortality of IFDs. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the IFD threat by increasing susceptibility to secondary life-threatening fungi. This mini-review discusses advancements and strategies in antifungal therapy for combating IFDs.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yu A. An, Wei Xiong, Shiuhwei Chen, Dawei Bu, Joseph M. Rutkowski, Joel P. Berger, Christine M. Kusminski, Ningyan Zhang, Zhiqiang An, Philipp E. Scherer
Summary: This study demonstrates that neutralizing endotrophin antibody treatment can effectively alleviate renal fibrosis, improving transcriptional, morphological, and functional levels. It restores normal renal structures, decreases collagen deposition, and improves proteinuria and renal function. The study also confirms that neutralizing endotrophin enhances podocyte regeneration. Overall, this pre-clinical evidence supports neutralizing endotrophin as a potential therapy for chronic kidney disease-related renal fibrosis.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)