Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Stefani, Antonella Sangalli, Elena Locatelli, Tania Federico, Giovanni Malerba, Maria Grazia Romanelli, Gustavo Adolfo Arganaraz, Bosco Christiano Maciel Da Silva, Alberto Jose Duarte Da Silva, Jorge Casseb, Enrique Roberto Arganaraz, Alessandra Ruggiero, Donato Zipeto
Summary: This study found a correlation between unstable HLA-C variants and rapid progression to AIDS, providing new insights into the impact of host genetic factors on AIDS progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Erick Velastegui, Edwin Vera, Wim Vanden Berghe, Mindy S. Munoz, Andrea Orellana-Manzano
Summary: HLA-C, located within the major histocompatibility complex, has become a prominent target in biomedical research due to its involvement in various diseases. The interaction between HLA-C and KIR is crucial for immune responses, particularly in viral infections. This review provides an overview of the structure, origin, function, and pathological implications of HLA-C, highlighting its genetic variations and susceptibility to epigenetic modifications.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Anastasia Thoma, Kate E. Earl, Katarzyna Goljanek-Whysall, Adam P. Lightfoot
Summary: MHC I overexpression may play an important role in the development of autoimmune diseases such as myositis, possibly through the activation of the ER stress pathway.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guan K. Tay, Halima Alnaqbi, Sarah Chehadeh, Braulio Peramo, Farah Mustafa, Tahir A. Rizvi, Bassam H. Mahboub, Maimunah Uddin, Nawal Alkaabi, Eman Alefishat, Herbert F. Jelinek, Habiba Alsafar
Summary: This study found that certain Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles are associated with the severity of COVID-19. These alleles may influence the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study supports the potential use of HLA testing in prioritizing public healthcare interventions for COVID-19 patients at risk and providing personalized immunotherapeutic targets.
Article
Ecology
Emily A. O'Connor, Helena Westerdahl
Summary: The study examines the relationship between genomic and expressed MHC diversity in songbirds, revealing that fewer MHC-I alleles are expressed than the number available, suggesting optimal MHC-I diversity might be achieved through modulating gene expression. Understanding this relationship is crucial for interpreting variation in MHC diversity in an evolutionary context.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuying Sun, Fang Yuan, Ling Wang, Dongfa Dai, Zhijian Zhang, Fei Liang, Nan Liu, Juan Long, Xiao Zhao, Yongzhi Xi
Summary: This study generated fine-scale maps of MHC recombination and de novo mutations in Han Chinese families, revealing recombination hotspots and Han-specific breakpoints. The MHC de novo mutation rate was found to be higher than the genome-wide de novo mutation rate, and the polymorphisms generated by mutation and recombination were located within and outside linkage disequilibrium regions of the MHC, respectively. The evolution of the MHC locus was mainly controlled by positive selection.
JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Luca D. Bertzbach, Clive A. Tregaskes, Rebecca J. Martin, Undine-Sophie Deumer, Lan Huynh, Ahmed M. Kheimar, Andele M. Conradie, Jakob Trimpert, Jim Kaufman, Benedikt B. Kaufer
Summary: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is crucial for appropriate immune responses against invading pathogens in chickens. VALO specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens possess MHC haplotypes that include B9, B9:02, B15, B19, and B21 at various frequencies. The study found that B15 homozygotes had the lowest tumor incidence while B21 homozygotes had the lowest number of organs with tumors. The data have immediate implications for the use of VALO SPF chickens and eggs in the life sciences.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fengwen Zhang, Trinity M. Zang, Eva M. Stevenson, Xiao Lei, Dennis C. Copertino, Talia M. Mota, Julie Boucau, Wilfredo F. Garcia-Beltran, R. Brad Jones, Paul D. Bieniasz
Summary: Viruses use various strategies to evade or counteract immune responses, including reducing cell surface MHC-I levels. A study found that the ORF7a protein of SARS-CoV-2 reduces MHC-I levels through multiple mechanisms, and different sarbecoviruses have varying abilities to induce MHC-I downregulation. The ORF7a protein of SARS-CoV-2 physically interacts with the MHC-I heavy chain, inhibiting the assembly of the MHC-I peptide loading complex and causing MHC-I retention in the endoplasmic reticulum.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Izabela Lenart, Linh-Huyen Truong, Dinh Dung Nguyen, Olga Rasiukiene, Edward Tsao, Jonathan Armstrong, Pankaj Kumar, Kirsty McHugh, Branca I. Pereira, Balraj S. Maan, Malgorzata A. Garstka, Paul Bowness, Neil Blake, Simon J. Powis, Keith Gould, Darren Nesbeth, Antony N. Antoniou
Summary: Peptide-loaded Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC) class I molecules can be expressed in a single chain trimeric (SCT) format. Certain MHC class I molecules, including HLA-B27 HC, tend to form aggregates. The folding and dimerization of the single chain complex are determined by specific regions of the HLA-B27 HC.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea T. Nguyen, Christopher Szeto, Stephanie Gras
Summary: Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are cell-surface proteins that present peptides to T cells. The binding specificity of pockets B and F are strong determinants of peptide binding and have been used to classify HLA into supertypes. Peptide binding prediction has become more reliable over the years by using binding affinity and mass spectrometry data.
BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ewa Pikus, Radoslaw Wlodarczyk, Jan Jedlikowski, Piotr Minias
Summary: The study found significant differentiation at the MHC class II gene between the old urban population and other populations. There was also moderate but significant divergence at the MHC between the new urban population and rural populations. The total number of MHC alleles and private alleles was lower in old urban populations compared to rural ones.
Article
Immunology
Marlieke L. M. Jongsma, Antonius A. de Waard, Matthijs Raaben, Tao Zhang, Birol Cabukusta, Rene Platzer, Vincent A. Blomen, Anastasia Xagara, Tamara Verkerk, Sophie Bliss, Xiangrui Kong, Carolin Gerke, Lennert Janssen, Elmer Stickel, Stephanie Holst, Rosina Plomp, Arend Mulder, Soldano Ferrone, Frans H. J. Claas, Mirjam H. M. Heemskerk, Marieke Griffioen, Anne Halenius, Hermen Overkleeft, Johannes B. Huppa, Manfred Wuhrer, Thijn R. Brummelkamp, Jacques Neefjes, Robbert M. Spaapen
Summary: HLA class I glycoproteins play a crucial role in driving immune responses by presenting antigens, but tumors and pathogens often exploit this process for immune evasion. Through genome-wide screens, it was discovered that the cell surface glycosphingolipid repertoire determines effective HLA-I antigen presentation. Inhibition of GSL synthesis may represent a potential therapeutic target in cancer, infection, and autoimmunity, offering a promising avenue for immune modulation.
Article
Pediatrics
Ramesh Radhika, Milind S. Tullu, Sunil Karande, Umair Ahmed Bargir
Summary: Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class II deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in regulatory genes of MHC Class II proteins. This case report describes a 9-month-old girl presenting with repeated pneumonia, lymphocytopenia, and absence of HLA-DR expression on B cells, which led to the diagnosis of MHC Class II deficiency. Genetic analysis identified a homozygous mutation in the RFX-5 gene. Despite the patient's unfortunate outcome, the importance of prenatal diagnosis was emphasized to the parents.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ana Laura M. R. Tomiyama, Luciana Politti Cartarozzi, Liliande Oliveira Coser, Gabriela Bortolanca Chiarotto, Alexandre L. R. Oliveira
Summary: This study investigated the influence of IFN beta treatment on ALS mice. The results showed that low dosage of IFN beta increased the expression of MHC-I, leading to neuroprotection and immunomodulation during the presymptomatic phase of ALS. The treatment also affected synaptic preservation and microglia activation. Additionally, IFN beta treatment decreased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL4.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Richel J. C. Bilderbeek, Maksim V. Baranov, Geert van den Bogaart, Frans Bianchi
Summary: This study reveals the over-presentation of membrane protein fragments in cytolytic and helper T cell responses. It also demonstrates the evolutionary conservation and lower frequency of mutations in transmembrane helices, suggesting that T cells are more tuned to respond to membrane proteins to avoid evasion by pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesca Munari, Luca Mollica, Carlo Valente, Francesca Parolini, Elham Ataie Kachoie, Giorgio Arrigoni, Mariapina D'Onofrio, Stefano Capaldi, Michael Assfalg
Summary: The study reveals that E3 ligase CHIP can ubiquitinate Tau protein at multiple sites, even in the absence of molecular chaperones, providing mechanistic insight into the chaperone-independent engagement of a disordered protein by its E3 ligase.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Gabriel Siracusano, Alessandra Ruggiero, Zeno Bisoffi, Chiara Piubelli, Luca Dalle Carbonare, Maria Teresa Valenti, Martin Mayora-Neto, Nigel Temperton, Lucia Lopalco, Donato Zipeto
Summary: This study examined the long-term kinetics and neutralizing responses of S-specific IgG induced by two administrations of the BTN162b2 vaccine in infection-naive subjects and subjects previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that subjects with previous infection had higher levels of neutralizing antibodies that provided broad-spectrum protection.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefania Cannito, Valeria Bincoletto, Cristian Turato, Patrizia Pontisso, Maria Teresa Scupoli, Giorgia Ailuno, Ilaria Andreana, Barbara Stella, Silvia Arpicco, Claudia Bocca
Summary: This study proposes the use of HA- and PEGylated-liposomes as potential treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The up-regulation of CD44 in HCC patients and a murine model suggests the involvement of this receptor in HCC progression. The experimental results show that HA-liposomes are more easily internalized by cells that over-express CD44, while PEG-modified liposomes are rapidly taken up by macrophages and induce M1 polarization in THP1 cells.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Maria Paola Cecchini, Lorenzo Brozzetti, Nicolo Cardobi, Luca Sacchetto, Davide Gibellini, Stefania Montemezzi, Marta Cheli, Paolo Manganotti, Salvatore Monaco, Gianluigi Zanusso
Summary: A 17-year-old female patient experienced long-lasting anosmia after a mild infection, with partial recovery 15 months later. Neuroimaging did not show microvascular injury in olfactory bulbs and brain, and the patient exhibited symptoms of anosmia with parosmia phenomena and gustatory impairment. Immunocytochemistry of olfactory mucosa swabs revealed high expression of ACE2 in sustentacular cells and lower expression in neuronal-shaped cells. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the persistence of chemosensory impairment.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanna Butera, Marcello Manfredi, Alessandra Fiore, Jessica Brandi, Raffaella Pacchiana, Veronica De Giorgis, Elettra Barberis, Virginia Vanella, Marilisa Galasso, Maria Teresa Scupoli, Emilio Marengo, Daniela Cecconi, Massimo Donadelli
Summary: The study of the cancer secretome is essential for understanding the role of wild-type p53 in the cancer microenvironment. This research demonstrates the tumor suppressive effects of wild-type p53 on cancer cell secretome in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). By using high-resolution SWATH-MS technology, the researchers identified several secreted proteins that are involved in cancer-related processes, with their secretion levels altered in response to p53 silencing.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Parolini, Roberto Tira, Carlo Giorgio Barracchia, Francesca Munari, Stefano Capaldi, Mariaina D'Onofrio, Michael Assfalg
Summary: The formation of biomolecular condensates plays a crucial role in neuronal physiology and neurodegeneration. This study reveals that ubiquitination can regulate the behavior of tau protein during condensate formation and potentially influence the physiological and pathological states of tau in cellular condensates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alessandra Ruggiero, Chiara Piubelli, Lucia Calciano, Simone Accordini, Maria Teresa Valenti, Luca Dalle Carbonare, Gabriel Siracusano, Nigel Temperton, Natalia Tiberti, Silvia Stefania Longoni, Massimo Pizzato, Silvia Accordini, Tobia Fantoni, Lucia Lopalco, Alberto Beretta, Zeno Bisof, Donato Zipeto, Donato A.M.S.L.V group
Summary: A longitudinal study was conducted on healthcare workers who received the BNT162b2 vaccine to quantify anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM levels. It was found that coordinated expression of IgG-S and IgM-S after vaccination was associated with a more efficient response in both antibody levels and virus-neutralizing activity. The unconventional responses may suggest a recruitment of cross coronaviruses immunity by vaccination, warranting further investigation.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Carlo Giorgio Barracchia, Francesca Parolini, Angela Volpe, Daniele Gori, Francesca Munari, Stefano Capaldi, Mariapina D'Onofrio, Michael Assfalg
Summary: Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), such as the protein tau, are associated with irreversible neurodegenerative disorders. This study investigates the potential of dye-doped silica nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with tau molecules for probing protein fibrillation mechanisms and targeting tau assemblies and condensates. The results show that the prepared NP-tau conjugates can associate with tau filaments and participate in the formation of liquid droplets through multivalent electrostatic interactions. Moreover, these conjugates can enter human neuroglioma cells without causing cytotoxicity.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisabetta Pilotti, Attilio Cannata, Giacomo Magnani, Fabio Bignami, Andrea Corsi, Maria Teresa Valenti, Mariam Shallak, Greta Forlani, Maria Grazia Romanelli
Summary: This study identified a signature of eight miRNAs associated with HTLV-2 infection and found that altered miRNA expression patterns were correlated with impaired Th cell differentiation and cytokine signaling pathways. Additionally, the study showed that the RUNX2 protein was significantly more expressed in the presence of HTLV-2 infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Stefani, Antonella Sangalli, Elena Locatelli, Tania Federico, Giovanni Malerba, Maria Grazia Romanelli, Gustavo Adolfo Arganaraz, Bosco Christiano Maciel Da Silva, Alberto Jose Duarte Da Silva, Jorge Casseb, Enrique Roberto Arganaraz, Alessandra Ruggiero, Donato Zipeto
Summary: This study found a correlation between unstable HLA-C variants and rapid progression to AIDS, providing new insights into the impact of host genetic factors on AIDS progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Corsi, Cristina Bombieri, Maria Teresa Valenti, Maria Grazia Romanelli
Summary: Tau microtubule-associated proteins play important roles in neurons and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have focused on understanding the regulation of Tau splicing to develop new treatment approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giovanna Viola, Carlo Giorgio Barracchia, Roberto Tira, Francesca Parolini, Giulia Leo, Massimo Bellanda, Francesca Munari, Stefano Capaldi, Mariapina D'Onofrio, Michael Assfalg
Summary: Understanding the interactions between nanoparticles and proteins is crucial for their successful application in biology. This study reveals a new type of nano-bio interaction, where ultrasmall gold nanoparticles form stable multimolecular assemblies with intrinsically disordered proteins. This finding has important implications for the targeting of aberrant protein aggregation in cells.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chiara Piubelli, Alessandra Ruggiero, Lucia Calciano, Cristina Mazzi, Concetta Castilletti, Natalia Tiberti, Sara Caldrer, Matteo Verze, Silvia Stefania Longoni, Simone Accordini, Zeno Bisof, Donato Zipeto
Summary: The development of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM after vaccination is associated with higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing IgG. This study aims to assess whether IgM development is also associated with longer-lasting immunity. The results show that IgM development after vaccination is associated with higher levels of IgG antibodies in the short and long term, and most individuals who developed IgM antibodies did not experience infection, suggesting a lower risk of infection.
Review
Cell Biology
Luca Dalle Carbonare, Arianna Minoia, Sharazed Zouari, Francesca Cristiana Piritore, Anna Vareschi, Maria Grazia Romanelli, Maria Teresa Valenti
Summary: Bone-muscle crosstalk is vital for maintaining the homeostasis of skeletal and muscle tissue, and is facilitated by different molecular signals including osteokines and myokines. The recent discovery of non-coding RNAs has further emphasized their role in promoting crosstalk between bone and muscle. Physical activity not only influences the bone and muscular systems individually, but also enhances their crosstalk by modulating the production of circulating molecular factors. In this review, we will discuss the effects of physical activity on bone and muscle cells, focusing on the biomolecular mechanisms that regulate their cellular interactions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisa Orlandi, Elisa De Tomi, Rachele Campagnari, Francesca Belpinati, Monica Rodolfo, Elisabetta Vergani, Giovanni Malerba, Macarena Gomez-Lira, Marta Menegazzi, Maria Grazia Romanelli
Summary: This study investigates the influence of sex hormones on the expression of RNASEL and miR-146a genes in melanoma cells. The results suggest that miR-146a overexpression promotes melanoma by suppressing RNase-L protein expression and inducing high levels of ERK1/2. Additionally, testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol have differential effects on the endogenous expression of RNASEL and miR-146a genes.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)