Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marcel Renn, Eva Bartok, Thomas Zillinger, Gunther Hartmann, Rayk Behrendt
Summary: The global spread of infections caused by the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the urgent need for novel prophylactic and therapeutic interventions to reduce health risks associated with the pandemic. Animal models are crucial for assessing the efficacy and safety of potential new antivirals and vaccines.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angus Watson, Jacinta Agius, Danielle Ackerly, Travis Beddoe, Karla Helbig
Summary: Molluscs have limited understanding of their immune systems due to lack of access to draft genomes and divergence from model organisms. They rely on innate immunity and have limited knowledge of their antiviral capabilities. Only a few major effector molecules have shown antiviral activity. Further research on these molecules may enhance molluscs' antiviral defense and result in novel antimicrobial treatments for a broad range of animal species.
Review
Virology
Ching-Hsuan Liu, Yee-Tung Hu, Shu Hui Wong, Liang-Tzung Lin
Summary: Since the 2014-2016 epidemic, Ebola virus has become a major threat to global health. Despite the approval of several anti-Ebola vaccines and therapeutics, the high fatality rate highlights the need for continuous development of antiviral strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sukmo Kang, Yujin Kim, Yumi Shin, Ji-Joon Song, Sangyong Jon
Summary: The BP26-M2e nanobarrel induced a strong M2e-specific humoral immune response and effectively protected mice from influenza virus infection-associated death, even without the use of a conventional adjuvant, highlighting its potential as a versatile vaccine platform against various viral infections.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tirosh Shapira, I. Abrrey Monreal, Sebastien P. Dion, David W. Buchholz, Brian Imbiakha, Andrea D. Olmstead, Mason Jager, Antoine Desilets, Guang Gao, Mathias Martins, Thierry Vandal, Connor A. H. Thompson, Aaleigha Chin, William D. Rees, Theodore Steiner, Ivan Robert Nabi, Eric Marsault, Julie Sahler, Diego G. Diel, Gerlinde R. Van de Walle, Avery August, Gary R. Whittaker, Pierre-Luc Boudreault, Richard Leduc, Hector C. Aguilar, Francois Jean
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still a global public health crisis, with reduced efficacy of vaccination campaigns due to emerging variants of concern. Development of host-directed therapeutics and prophylactics can limit resistance and provide urgently needed protection against these variants.
Article
Microbiology
Austin Royster, Songyang Ren, Yutian Ma, Melissa Pintado, Eunice Kahng, Sean Rowan, Sheema Mir, Mohammad Mir
Summary: A novel compound called K31 has been discovered to bind to the highly conserved N protein of SARS-CoV-2, inhibiting its replication. This finding suggests that targeting the viral nucleocapsid protein may be a potential approach for developing therapeutic drugs against coronaviruses.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Jing Cai, Bodou Zhang, Yuqi Li, Wanfang Zhu, Toshihiro Akihisa, Wei Li, Takashi Kikuchi, Wenyuan Liu, Feng Feng, Jie Zhang
Summary: The lack of approved EBV vaccines can be attributed to the complexity of the virus life cycle, the absence of suitable animal models, and limited understanding of adjuvant selection and immune responses. Continuous research and trials show that combined immunization could be crucial for the future success in developing EBV vaccines.
Review
Cell Biology
Hara Kang, Yun Ji Ga, Soo Hyun Kim, Young Hoon Cho, Jung Won Kim, Chaeyeon Kim, Jung-Yong Yeh
Summary: RNA has become a revolutionary tool in battling emerging infectious diseases, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. RNAi therapeutics have shown potential in reducing disease-associated genes, and nucleic acid-based therapies have emerged as alternative treatments. However, there are obstacles to overcome in the use of siRNA-based antiviral therapies, including off-target effects and drug resistance.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Eun-Bin Kwon, You-Chang Oh, Youn-Hwan Hwang, Wei Li, Seok-Man Park, Ryong Kong, Young Soo Kim, Jang-Gi Choi
Summary: OCD20015-V009 modulates murine innate immune response by regulating macrophages to inhibit influenza A virus replication, reducing mortality in infected mice. Chlorogenic acid and ginsenoside Rd are identified as antiviral components in this herbal mix, enhancing mice's resistance to viral infections. Further studies are needed to clarify the protective effects of active components in OCD20015-V009 against influenza A viruses.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Qi Li, Fiachra Humphries, Roxie C. Girardin, Aaron Wallace, Monir Ejemel, Alla Amcheslavsky, Conor T. McMahon, Zachary A. Schiller, Zepei Ma, John Cruz, Alan P. Dupuis, Anne F. Payne, Arooma Maryam, Nese Kurt Yilmaz, Kathleen A. McDonough, Brian G. Pierce, Celia A. Schiffer, Andrew C. Kruse, Mark S. Klempner, Lisa A. Cavacini, Katherine A. Fitzgerald, Yang Wang
Summary: This study describes the development of VHH-IgA1.1, a nanobody IgA fusion molecule, as an affordable and less invasive inhalable treatment for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. VHH-IgA1.1 shows potent neutralization activity against major global SARS-CoV-2 variants and provides effective mucosal immunity against Omicron infection. Intranasal administration of VHH-IgA1.1 offers significant protection from severe respiratory disease in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants. Moreover, VHH-IgA1.1 produced in Pichia pastoris is cost-effective and comparable in potency to mammalian-produced antibodies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shoaib Shoaib, Mohammad Azam Ansari, Geetha Kandasamy, Rajalakshimi Vasudevan, Umme Hani, Waseem Chauhan, Maryam S. Alhumaidi, Khadijah A. Altammar, Sarfuddin Azmi, Wasim Ahmad, Shadma Wahab, Najmul Islam
Summary: This article describes the discovery of a novel pathogenic virus in Wuhan, China in December 2019, which quickly spread worldwide. Further analysis revealed that the virus was a distinct strain of coronavirus, named 2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2. The lack of effective treatment strategies has posed a burden on health and socio-economic well-being. Rating: 8 out of 10.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sumin Son, Soo Bin Ahn, Geonyeong Kim, Yejin Jang, Chunkyu Ko, Meehyein Kim, Sang Jick Kim
Summary: Influenza A virus continuously infects humans and the antigenic shifts of this respiratory virus threaten public health. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) targeting the antigenic surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) protect against various subtypes of influenza A virus. Two human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), G1 and G2, were identified in this study, which target HA proteins of H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes, respectively. In cell culture-based assays, G1 and G2 efficiently suppressed infection of H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes. Mode-of-action studies showed that G1 blocked membrane fusion while G2 inhibited viral attachment to host cells. Both antibodies also elicited antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activities. In mouse challenge models, single-shot administration of G1 and G2 antibodies completely protected mice from viral infections. The newly identified bnAbs, G1 and G2, provide insight into the development of broad-spectrum antivirals against future pandemic influenza A viruses.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Ying Li, Jie Cai, Chunyu Du, Yuhua Lin, Sheng Li, Anping Ma, Yiru Qin
Summary: This study discovered multiple antimicrobial peptide genes in the genome of Periplaneta americana, and predicted five novel PaDefensins. Experimental evidence showed that one of the antimicrobial peptides, PaDefensin5, has strong antiviral effects, suggesting it as a promising antiviral drug.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandr Ianevski, Shahzaib Ahmad, Kraipit Anunnitipat, Valentyn Oksenych, Eva Zusinaite, Tanel Tenson, Magnar Bjoras, Denis E. Kainov
Summary: Viral epidemics and pandemics have driven the development and discovery of both known and novel antiviral agents. Over a hundred mono- and combination antiviral drugs have been approved, with thousands more in development. Interferons and certain small molecules show broad-spectrum antiviral activity alone or in combination, which could be beneficial for treating emerging and re-emerging viral infections.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Andris Dishlers, Ivars Petrovskis, Dace Skrastina, Ieva Zarina, Ilva Lieknina, Juris Jansons, Inara Akopjana, Jelena Zakova, Velta Ose, Irina Sominskaya
Summary: The currently available HBV vaccines based on HBV surface protein manufacturing by yeasts are effective in preventing but not treating chronic HBV infection. This study utilized different HBV core proteins to create modified virus-like particles (VLPs) with high expression and immunogenicity. The incorporation of oligonucleotide ODN 1668 in the modified VLPs was also demonstrated.
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Min Joo Choi, Ju-Yeon Choi, Hakjun Hyun, Eliel Nham, Hye Seong, Jin Gu Yoon, Ji Yun Noh, Hee Jin Cheong, Woo Joo Kim, Su-Hwan Kim, Hyeonji Jeong, Min-Seong Kim, Byoungguk Kim, Joon Young Song
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Sung-Woon Kang, Heedo Park, Ji Yeun Kim, So Yun Lim, Sohyun Lee, Joon-Yong Bae, Jeonghun Kim, Euijin Chang, Seongman Bae, Jiwon Jung, Min Jae Kim, Yong Pil Chong, Sang-Oh Lee, Sang-Ho Choi, Yang Soo Kim, Man-Seong Park, Sung-Han Kim
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Min Joo Choi, Jung Yeon Heo, Yu Bin Seo, Young Kyung Yoon, Jang Wook Sohn, Ji Yun Noh, Hee Jin Cheong, Woo Joo Kim, Ju-yeon Choi, Hwa Jung Kim, Young Jae Lee, Hye Won Lee, Sung Soon Kim, Byoungguk Kim, Joon Young Song
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the humoral and cellular immune response to the mRNA-1273 vaccine through a prospective longitudinal cohort. The results showed that the two-dose mRNA-1273 vaccination induced a strong antibody response that remained elevated over time. A higher peak antibody titer was associated with better cross-reactive immunity against Delta and Omicron variants and longer-lasting humoral immunity. Overall, the cellular immune response was not correlated with antibody titers.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Woo Joo Kim, Christine C. Roberts, Joon Young Song, Jin Gu Yoon, Hye Seong, Hak-Jun Hyun, Hyojin Lee, Areum Gil, Yeeun Oh, Ji-eun Park, Bohyun Jeon, Ji-Eun Lee, Sang Kyu Choi, Sun Kyung Yoon, Sunhee Lee, Byoungguk Kim, Deborah Kane, Susan Spruill, Sagar B. Kudchodkar, Kar Muthumani, Young K. Park, Ijoo Kwon, Moonsup Jeong, Joel N. Maslow
Summary: The CoV2-001 phase I trial evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the GLS5310 vaccine over 48 weeks. GLS-5310 was well tolerated and induced high levels of binding antibodies and T-cell responses. The vaccine demonstrated dose-independent antibody and T-cell responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Atanas V. Demirev, Heedo Park, Kyuyoung Lee, Sejik Park, Joon-Yong Bae, Man-Seong Park, Jin Il Kim
Summary: This study investigated the molecular evolution and phylodynamics of avian and human-isolated H5Nx viruses. The H5Nx lineages expanded since 2000 and diverged into sublineages with unique genetic mutations. Certain mutations in the HA gene of human-isolated viruses may contribute to H5 evolution and host adaptation. Positive selection was observed in certain amino acid sites of the HA gene in clades 2.3.4.1-4. Accumulated mutations in the HA protein may affect the genetic and antigenic diversity of H5Nx viruses and their compatibility with NA subtypes. Early detection of HA mutations and comprehensive assessment of H5Nx variants are important for pandemic preparedness.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sung-Woon Kang, Heedo Park, Ji Yeun Kim, Joon-Yong Bae, Man-Seong Park, Sung-Han Kim
Summary: Previous studies have shown that fully vaccinated patients with SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants have a shorter viable viral shedding period compared to unvaccinated or partially vaccinated patients. However, limited data are available on the effects of vaccination on the viable viral shedding period in patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. In this study, we compared the viable viral shedding period in patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant based on their vaccination status. Daily saliva samples were collected from patients and genomic assessments and virus culture were performed. The findings showed no difference in the viable viral shedding period between fully vaccinated and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, as well as between patients who received the booster dose and those who did not.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oh Joo Kweon, Joon-Yong Bae, Yong Kwan Lim, Yoojeong Choi, Sohyun Lee, Man-Seong Park, In Bum Suh, Hana Kim, Young Sam Jee, Mi-Kyung Lee
Summary: We evaluated newly developed surrogate virus neutralization tests (sVNT) for detecting neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The two evaluated sVNTs showed comparable performances to the gold standard test (PRNT50) with high percent agreements and kappa values. They also had the advantages of technical simplicity, speed, and not requiring cell culture facilities.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maria Razzaq, Ji Ho Han, Subramaniyam Ravichandran, Jaehyun Kim, Joon-Yong Bae, Man-Seong Park, Shrute Kannappan, Woo-Chang Chung, Jin-Hyun Ahn, Moon Jung Song, Kyeong Kyu Kim
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of G4 ligands on SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral gene expression. They found that pyridostatin (PDS) effectively suppressed viral gene expression and genome replication. The researchers also discovered that PDS could stabilize the G4 structure formed in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of G4 ligands in SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting viral infection through translational suppression.
ARCHIVES OF PHARMACAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Kyeongseok Jeon, Hyo-Jin Ro, Jun-Gu Kang, Da-Eun Jeong, Joowan Kim, Yebeen Lee, Ga-Yeon Yoon, Ju-Il Kang, Joon-Yong Bae, Jin Il Kim, Man-Seong Park, Keun Hwa Lee, Hyun-Soo Cho, Yuri Kim, Nam-Hyuk Cho
Summary: SFTS is an emerging tick-borne disease with high mortality in Eastern Asia. The study found significant differences in viral replication and virulence between two Korean isolates, and identified the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) as the key factor responsible for these differences.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hak-Jun Hyun, Min-Joo Choi, Eliel Nham, Hye Seong, Jin-Gu Yoon, Ji-Yun Noh, Hee-Jin Cheong, Woo-Joo Kim, Sun-Kyung Yoon, Se-Jin Park, Won-Seok Gwak, June-Woo Lee, Byoung-Guk Kim, Joon-Young Song
Summary: Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines containing BA.1 or BA.4/BA.5 provide enhanced neutralizing activities against Omicron subvariants. Prior infections with BA.1/BA.2 or BA.5 result in higher neutralizing antibody levels after bivalent booster compared to non-infected individuals. There is no significant difference in neutralizing antibody levels against studied subvariants between BA.1 and BA.4/BA.5 bivalent vaccine formulations. However, neutralizing activities against certain Omicron strains might still be insufficient even after the bivalent booster.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Atanas V. Demirev, Kyuyoung Lee, Joon-Yong Bae, Heedo Park, Sejik Park, Hyunbeen Kim, Jungmin Lee, Junhyung Cho, Jeong-Sun Yang, Kyung-Chang Kim, Joo-Yeon Lee, Kisoon Kim, Philippe Lemey, Man-Seong Park, Jin Il Kim
Summary: In this study, the molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in South Korea was characterized using a large number of genomic sequences. The variants in South Korea originated from globally identified variants of concern and showed genetic mutations mainly around the N-terminal domain (NTD) or receptor binding domain (RBD) in the spike protein. Positive selection of point mutation residues in key antigenic sites was observed with changing genetic clades of SARS-CoV-2. Genomic recombination was also detected, with some variants retaining mosaic genomes in the NTD or RBD. These findings suggest that point mutations and genomic recombination in the spike protein have contributed to the molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in South Korea.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Han Sol Lee, Ji Yun Noh, Joon Young Song, Hee Jin Cheong, Woo Joo Kim
Summary: This study explored the potential of metformin as a treatment for cardiovascular risk caused by influenza A virus infection. The results showed that metformin and influenza vaccination were associated with a decreased mortality rate in diabetic patients after influenza A virus infection. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that metformin inhibited viral replication and cytokine expression induced by influenza A virus. The study also revealed that regulation of the AKT/MAPK signaling pathway played an important role in the mechanism of metformin. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential and mechanism of metformin as a treatment for acute exacerbation of atherosclerosis caused by influenza A virus infection.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Eliel Nham, Eyun Song, Hakjun Hyun, Hye Seong, Jin Gu Yoon, Ji Yun Noh, Joon Young Song, Hee Jin Cheong, Woo Joo Kim
Summary: We report the first case of unusual co-occurrence of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) and Graves' disease (GD) following COVID-19. The case presented with atypical features such as elevated thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin level, relapse of thyrotoxicosis in short-term follow-up, and increased Tc-99m pertechnetate uptake, suggesting the coexistence of GD.
JOURNAL OF KOREAN MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hye Seong, Bo Kyu Choi, Young-Hee Han, Jun Hyoung Kim, Jeong-An Gim, Sooyeon Lim, Ji Yun Noh, Hee Jin Cheong, Woo Joo Kim, Joon Young Song
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
