Review
Virology
Christian Munz
Summary: This review discusses the role of costimulatory and coinhibitory receptors in EBV and KSHV-associated diseases, revealing the specificities of these receptors in tumor virus immunity, and emphasizing the importance of monitoring EBV and KSHV-specific immune control during immune checkpoint inhibition to prevent adverse events.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Junping Hong, Dongmei Wei, Ling Zhong, Qian Wu, Kaiyun Chen, Wanlin Zhang, Yanbo Yang, Junyu Chen, Ningshao Xia, Xiao Zhang, Yixin Chen
Summary: The study isolates two gB-specific NAbs, 8A9 and 8C12, that completely neutralize B-cell infection, demonstrates their recognition of novel epitopes different from AMMO5, and locates their epitopes in gB D-II. This study highlights the importance of gB D-II as a major neutralizing epitope and provides insights for the rational design of therapeutics or vaccines based on gB.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Cong Sun, Xin-chun Chen, Yin-feng Kang, Mu-sheng Zeng
Summary: EBV is a common human herpesvirus associated with infectious mononucleosis, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases. Despite efforts to develop a prophylactic vaccine, there is currently no EBV vaccine in clinical use. Insights from the COVID-19 pandemic and global vaccine development offer opportunities for designing an effective prophylactic EBV vaccine to control worldwide EBV infection and associated diseases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Victor Omoboyede, Ochapa Ibrahim, Haruna Isiyaku Umar, Taye Bello, Ayodeji Adeola Adedeji, Aqsa Khalid, Emmanuel Sunday Fayojegbe, Adunola Blessing Ayomide, Prosper Obed Chukwuemeka
Summary: The study aimed to develop a multiepitope-based polyvalent vaccine against EBV-associated tumors using an immunoinformatics approach. Thirty viable B-cell and T-cell epitopes were selected and conjugated to form the vaccine construct, showing desirable properties based on in silico evaluation.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Wesley Soo I. Hoo, Kaylie Higa, Alison A. McCormick
Summary: This study successfully developed a mouse B cell line expressing latent membrane protein 1 and demonstrated that vaccination protected mice against B cell tumors expressing latent membrane protein 1. This research provides a potential for studying vaccine immunotherapy in cancer patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samia Afzal, Khadija Fiaz, Afifa Noor, Amira Saleem Sindhu, Asma Hanif, Ayesha Bibi, Muhammad Asad, Saba Nawaz, Saba Zafar, Sidra Ayub, Syeda Bariyyah Hasnain, Muhammad Shahid
Summary: Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease, and recent evidence suggests that viruses may play a significant role in its pathogenesis and development. Although some viruses have been found to be associated with breast cancer, conclusive evidence on whether viruses actually cause breast cancer is still lacking.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kiriakos Koukoulias, Penelope-Georgia Papayanni, Aphrodite Georgakopoulou, Maria Alvanou, Stamatia Laidou, Anastasios Kouimtzidis, Chrysoula Pantazi, Glykeria Gkoliou, Timoleon-Achilleas Vyzantiadis, Alexandros Spyridonidis, Antonios Makris, Anastasia Chatzidimitriou, Nikoletta Psatha, Achilles Anagnostopoulos, Evangelia Yannaki, Anastasia Papadopoulou
Summary: A new steroid-resistant T-cell product, Cb-STs, targeting multiple pathogens has been rapidly generated using CRISPR/CAS9 technology, offering broad benefits for patients, particularly those in need of high-dose steroid treatment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paul J. Farrell, Robert E. White
Summary: The incidence of diseases associated with EBV infection varies greatly in different parts of the world, which may be influenced by the variation in the virus genome. This article describes the main forms of EBV genome sequence variation and the potential contribution of these variations to disease development. Polymorphisms or deletions in the EBV genome can also serve as useful markers for disease monitoring. If certain strains of EBV are proven to be more pathogenic than others, immunization against these pathogenic strains may be valuable.
Article
Immunology
Andrea Aran, Vicente Peg, Rosa Maria Rabanal, Cristina Bernado, Esther Zamora, Elisa Molina, Yago A. Arribas, Joaquin Arribas, Jose Perez, Carme Roura-Mir, Montserrat Carrascal, Javier Cortes, Merce Marti
Summary: The study found a restricted T-cell repertoire in tumor tissue during xenograft progression, while T cells from the TNBC biopsy were expanded after transformation into B-cell line, resulting in a limited TCR repertoire. These results suggest that EBV+ B cells infiltrating the tumor as bystanders may interact with tumor-infiltrating T cells and influence the TCR repertoire.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Julien Lupo, Raphaele Germi, Remi Lancar, Michele Algarte-Genin, Houria Hendel-Chavez, Yassine Taoufik, Nicolas Mounier, Marialuisa Partisani, Fabrice Bonnet, Marie-Caroline Meyohas, Bruno Marchou, Anastasiia Filippova, Sophie Prevot, Dominique Costagliola, Patrice Morand, Caroline Besson
Summary: In the modern cART era, the EBV DNA load in whole blood and plasma at NHL diagnosis does not serve as prognostic markers for HIV-NHL patients.
Article
Immunology
Yiran Qu, Bingyang Zhang, Yingli Wang, Shuang Yin, Jordan L. Pederick, John B. Bruning, Yan Sun, Anton Middelberg, Jingxiu Bi
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between insertion sites in ferritin (N-terminus and C-terminus) and immune responses, finding that C-terminus insertion resulted in a stronger cell-mediated immune response than N-terminus insertion. This research provides new insights into the development of ferritin nanoparticle vaccines.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isobel C. Mouat, Jessica R. Allanach, Naomi M. Fettig, Vina Fan, Anna M. Girard, Iryna Shanina, Lisa C. Osborne, Galina Vorobeychik, Marc S. Horwitz
Summary: This study compares the phenotypic changes of age-associated B cells (ABCs) in viral infection and autoimmunity in humans and mice, and identifies ABCs as functional mediators of viral-enhanced autoimmunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mireya Fernandez-Fournier, Maripaz Lopez-Molina, Gabriel Torres Iglesias, Lucia Botella, Beatriz Chamorro, Fernando Laso-Garcia, Inmaculada Puertas, Antonio Tallon Barranco, Laura Otero-Ortega, Ana Frank-Garcia, Exuperio Diez-Tejedor
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the presence of antibodies against EBV antigens in EVs and their potential as diagnostic and disease activity blood biomarkers in RRMS. The results showed that patients with RRMS had higher levels of anti-VCA antibodies in EVs and plasma compared to healthy controls. Patients with active disease also had higher levels of anti-EBNA1 antibodies in EVs. Furthermore, the levels of EV anti-VCA correlated with disease duration and decreased brain volume structures in RRMS.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Hung-Lin Liu, Shao-Wen Weng, Chih-Chi Chou, Huey-Ling You, Ming-Chung Wang, Ming-Chun Ma, Wan-Ting Huang
Summary: This study found that the level of FOXP3 expression is closely related to the clinical features and prognosis of AITL patients. Low FOXP3 expression is associated with increased risk of disease progression and recurrence. Therefore, the expression level of FOXP3 is of great significance for risk stratification and determination of treatment strategies for AITL patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yin-Feng Kang, Xiao Zhang, Xiao-Hui Yu, Qingbing Zheng, Zhe Liu, Jiang-Ping Li, Cong Sun, Xiang-Wei Kong, Qian-Ying Zhu, Hai-Wen Chen, Yang Huang, Miao Xu, Qian Zhong, Yi-Xin Zeng, Mu-Sheng Zeng
Summary: This study utilized self-assembled nanoparticles presenting copies of gp350 to design a promising EBV vaccine candidate that could induce higher neutralizing antibody titers compared to monomeric gp350 vaccines. Results from animal experiments showed that this vaccine design could effectively trigger neutralizing antibody production, and in nonhuman primate models, it demonstrated potential protection against EBV infection.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kouharu Otsuki, Mi Zhang, Takashi Kikuchi, Minami Tsuji, Miyuko Tejima, Zi-Song Bai, Di Zhou, Li Huang, Chin-Ho Chen, Kuo-Hsiung Lee, Ning Li, Kazuo Koike, Wei Li
Summary: This study conducted the first chemical investigation on Wikstroemia ligustrina and identified several daphnane diterpenoids with potential anti-HIV activity, especially the MDOs. The MS/MS fragmentation pathway of the isolated MDO (1) was also elucidated in this study.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL MEDICINES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mi Zhang, Kouharu Otsuki, Takashi Kikuchi, Zi-Song Bai, Di Zhou, Li Huang, Chin-Ho Chen, Susan L. Morris-Natschke, Kuo-Hsiung Lee, Ning Li, Kazuo Koike, Wei Li
Summary: Structurally diverse tigliane diterpenoids, including two new compounds, were isolated from the first phytochemical investigation on Wikstroemia lamatsoensis using LC-MS-guided fractionation and separation. The new structures were elucidated based on extensive physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses. Three compounds showed the most potent anti-HIV activity among the isolated tiglianes.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mi Zhang, Kouharu Otsuki, Shizuka Kato, Yuito Ikuma, Takashi Kikuchi, Ning Li, Kazuo Koike, Wei Li
Summary: A novel feruloylated acylglycerol derivative was isolated from Wikstroemia pilosa, and its structure was determined through extensive physiochemical and spectroscopic analysis. The contents of the derivative in ten Wikstroemia species were quantitatively analyzed using high-resolution accurate mass LC-MS.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL MEDICINES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Di Zhou, Fengjiao Zhang, Takashi Kikuchi, Miao Yao, Kouharu Otsuki, Gang Chen, Wei Li, Ning Li
Summary: A phytochemical investigation of Euphorbia helioscopia yielded 27 macrocyclic diterpenoids, including three previously unreported lathyrane derivatives. Three of these compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against a paclitaxel-resistant lung cancer cell line, but showed no activity against the parent cancer cell line. It was observed that compounds with benzoyloxy or nicotinoyloxy substituents at a specific position displayed enhanced cytotoxic activity.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Takeshi Yamada, Kanoko Yoshida, Takashi Kikuchi, Tomoya Hirano
Summary: Two new cytotoxic metabolites, named halosmysin B and C, have been discovered from a fungus isolated from a marine alga. The chemical structures and absolute stereostructures of these compounds were determined. Halosmysin B exhibited potent cytotoxicity against leukemia cell lines.
Article
Plant Sciences
Di Zhou, Kouharu Otsuki, Mi Zhang, Gang Chen, Zi-Song Bai, Haotian Yu, Takashi Kikuchi, Li Huang, Chin-Ho Chen, Wei Li, Ning Li
Summary: Tigliane-type diterpenoids have significant biological effects, including antineoplastic and anti-HIV activities. In this study, new tigliane-type diterpenoids were isolated from Wikstroemia lichiangensis for the first time, and their structures were determined. These compounds exhibited potent anti-HIV activity against HIV-1 infection.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Cai, Bo-Dou Zhang, Yu-Qi Li, Wan -Fang Zhu, Toshihiro Akihisa, Takashi Kikuchi, Jian Xu, Wen -Yuan Liu, Feng Feng, Jie Zhang
Summary: This study reports the inhibitory activity of cardiac glycosides (CGs) isolated from the roots of Streblus asper Lour. against EBV, with potential structure activity relationships and mechanism of action elucidated. The findings provide valuable insights for the development of anti-EBV drugs.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akifumi Nagatomo, Kiyofumi Ninomiya, Shinsuke Marumoto, Chie Sakai, Shuta Watanabe, Wakana Ishikawa, Yoshiaki Manse, Takashi Kikuchi, Takeshi Yamada, Reiko Tanaka, Osamu Muraoka, Toshio Morikawa
Summary: This study found that gedunin-type limonoids from Andiroba can reduce triglyceride levels in liver cells and that this effect is mediated by autophagy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lingjian Tan, Kouharu Otsuki, Mi Zhang, Takashi Kikuchi, Misaki Okayasu, Isao Azumaya, Di Zhou, Ning Li, Li Huang, Chin-Ho Chen, Wei Li
Summary: Twelve macrocyclic daphnane diterpenoids, including six new compounds, were isolated from the whole plant of Daphne pedunculata. Their structures were determined using various methods, and their anti-HIV activity was evaluated. The compounds showed significant activity against HIV, providing further insights into the structure-activity relationships of macrocyclic daphnane diterpenoids.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takashi Kikuchi, Daichi Anami, Shota Morikawa, Yuki Nakagawa, Takeshi Yamada, Wei Li, Tomoya Hirano
Summary: In this study, five types of steroids were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus: one 8,14-secoergostane-type, one 9,11-secoergostane-type, and three ergostane-type. Their structures were determined through various spectroscopic analyses. Three of the compounds exhibited inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, with IC50 values of 21.3, 17.6, and 23.1 μM, respectively.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ling Ma, Mi Zhang, Kouharu Otsuki, Yan Lei, Takashi Kikuchi, Yinghua Wang, Wei Li
Summary: This study aimed to establish a fast, simple, and reliable LC-ESI-MS analysis method for simultaneous quantization of the major triterpenoid saponins in Ardisia japonica. The validation investigation found that the analysis method was accurate, recoverable, and sensitive for quantification of the six triterpenoid saponins. The present study established a highly efficient analytical technique to quantify the triterpenoid saponins in A. japonica, and it could be further applied in the quality control of A. japonica.
PHARMACOGNOSY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaori Ito, Takashi Kikuchi, Kanako Ikube, Kouharu Otsuki, Kazuo Koike, Wei Li
Summary: A total of 147 oral Kampo prescriptions were evaluated for their anti-glycation activity, and Kakkonto showed significant activity. Analysis of the chemical constituents of Kakkonto revealed the presence of various compounds, and further analysis identified ephedrine as the key component responsible for its anti-glycation activity. The extract of Ephedrae herba, which contains ephedrine, also exhibited strong anti-glycation activity.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mi-xue Zhao, Jing Cai, Ying Yang, Jian Xu, Wen-yuan Liu, Toshihiro Akihisa, Wei Li, Takashi Kikuchi, Feng Feng, Jie Zhang
Summary: This review provides a detailed description of the botanical properties, traditional uses, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of the genus Alstonia, analyzing its value in clinical applications.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mi Zhang, Kouharu Otsuki, Reo Takahashi, Takashi Kikuchi, Di Zhou, Ning Li, Wei Li
Summary: Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a powerful tool for the rapid identification of compounds within natural resources. This study used LC-MS/MS analysis to investigate the presence of structurally diverse daphnane diterpenoids in Wikstroemia indica, significantly contributing to our understanding of bioactive diterpenoids in plants within the Thymelaeaceae family.