Review
Immunology
Arun B. Arunachalam, Penny Post, Deborah Rudin
Summary: The RIV4 influenza vaccine, produced through recombinant technology, has distinct post-translational modifications and structural features that result in high levels of protective antibodies. Compared to traditional influenza vaccines, RIV4 has advantages in reducing reliance on virus and process impurities, and improving the breadth of immune responses.
Article
Virology
Nidhi Mittal, Nayanika Sengupta, Sameer Kumar Malladi, Poorvi Reddy, Madhuraj Bhat, Raju S. Rajmani, Koen Sedeyn, Xavier Saelens, Somnath Dutta, Raghavan Varadarajan
Summary: Research indicates that the genetic fusions of H1-H3 hemagglutinin ectodomains can enhance influenza vaccine efficacy while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. These fusion immunogens induce H1 and H3-specific immune responses and offer protection. Mice immunized with these fusions show higher neutralizing antibody titers against challenging H1N1 and H3N2 viruses.
Article
Microbiology
Kin Kui Lai, James B. B. Munro, Guoli Shi, Saliha Majdoul, Alex A. A. Compton, Alan Rein
Summary: Serine incorporator 5 (Ser5) is a host antiviral factor against HIV-1, gammaretroviruses, and Influenza A virus (IAV). It inhibits virus-cell fusion by interacting with HA proteins and destabilizing the pre-fusion conformation of IAV HA. This study provides insights into the antiviral mechanism of Ser5.
Article
Immunology
Sushmita Kumari, Jayeshbhai Chaudhari, Qinfeng Huang, Phillip Gauger, Marcelo Nunes De Almeida, Yuying Liang, Hinh Ly, Hiep L. X. Vu
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using rPICV as a viral vector to deliver HA antigen and protect pigs against IAV-S challenge. The results demonstrated that the rPICV-H3 vectored vaccine elicited protective immunity against IAV-S.
Article
Immunology
Sneha Raj, Preeti Vishwakarma, Shikha Saxena, Varun Kumar, Ritika Khatri, Amit Kumar, Mrityunjay Singh, Surbhi Mishra, Shailendra Asthana, Shubbir Ahmed, Sweety Samal
Summary: A stable trimeric HA protein was expressed and purified from a highly virulent Inf A/Guangdong-Maonan/ SWL1536/2019 virus. The trimeric HA protein showed complete protection against a high lethal dose of homologous and mouse-adapted InfA/PR8 virus challenge in a mouse model through intradermal immunization. Additionally, the immunogen induced high hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) titers and cross-protection against other Inf A and Inf B subtypes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yoonjin Bae, Jihwan Chun, Wonbeom Park, Seungjoo Kim, Soomin Kim, Nayeon Kim, Minju Kim, Seokoh Moon, Jaehyeon Hwang, Younghoon Jung, Dae-Hyuk Kweon
Summary: Fusion or co-expression with other proteins is an effective strategy to enhance recombinant protein expression in prokaryotic hosts. This study investigated the expression of full-length influenza hemag-glutinin (HA) in Escherichia coli strains through co-expression with Cav1 protein or fusion with Oct1. Co-expression with Cav1 resulted in a significant increase in HA expression, while fusion with Oct1 improved the solubility of HA. This study presents a novel approach for soluble expression of HA in E. coli.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Swarnendu Basak, Hae-Ji Kang, Ki-Back Chu, Judy Oh, Fu-Shi Quan
Summary: A simple, rapid, and accurate plaque assay method using immunostaining was established for visualizing plaques in Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculoviruses. Variations in cell seeding densities led to differences in final plaque quantification, highlighting the importance of standardizing cell concentrations in baculovirus-related studies.
Article
Immunology
Anna Parys, Elien Vandoorn, Jacqueline King, Annika Graaf, Anne Pohlmann, Martin Beer, Timm Harder, Kristien Van Reeth
Summary: A pig farmer in the Netherlands was infected with a Eurasian avian-like swine influenza A(H1N1) virus that was also found in the farmed pigs. Antigenic and genetic characterization of both viruses was conducted. Continued surveillance of swine influenza A viruses is necessary for assessing risks in humans and pigs.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Yansheng Li, Mingkai Xu, Yongqiang Li, Wu Gu, Gulinare Halimu, Yuqi Li, Zhichun Zhang, Libao Zhou, Hui Liao, Songyuan Yao, Huiwen Zhang, Chenggang Zhang
Summary: The study developed a recombinant protein named NMHC that induced both cross-protective antibody responses and T cell reactions, effectively protecting mice from multiple influenza virus infections. This vaccine holds promise as a candidate universal broad-spectrum vaccine for the prevention and treatment of multiple influenza viruses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kevin R. McCarthy, Tarra A. Von Holle, Laura L. Sutherland, Thomas H. Oguin, Gregory D. Sempowski, Stephen C. Harrison, M. Anthony Moody
Summary: Immune memory established by initial infection with influenza virus has a lasting imprint on later responses, which differ from those induced by early childhood immunization. A study comparing immune imprints from vaccination and infection in non-human primates found that initial exposure by infection led to strong but limited antibody responses, while initial vaccination elicited weaker but broader binding responses to different HA strains. This suggests that the mode of initial exposure affects the strength and breadth of the immune response.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min-Ju Kim, Ki-Back Chu, Jie Mao, Hae-Ji Kang, Gi-Deok Eom, Keon-Woong Yoon, Su-Hwa Lee, Eun-Kyung Moon, Young-Ha Lee, Fu-Shi Quan
Summary: Toxoplasmosis diagnosis usually relies on serology testing, but results can be variable. Research shows that virus-like particles displaying AMA1 of T. gondii can accurately detect early infections in mice, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuela Florido, Joyce Chiu, Philip J. Hogg
Summary: The research indicates that the disulfide bonds in the HA protein of influenza A virus are in high-energy conformations and potentially labile. These bonds are impervious to thiol isomerases when expressed on the viral surface.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yura Shin, Jeonghun Kim, Jong Hyeon Seok, Heedo Park, Hye-Ran Cha, Si Hwan Ko, Jae Myun Lee, Man-Seong Park, Jung-Hwan Park
Summary: In this study, H3N2 microneedle vaccines were prepared using HPLC without the use of an antibody, and the cross-protection of the vaccines against multiple antigenic variants was observed. The HPLC method showed good diagnostic performance and agreement with ELISA.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Corey Momont, Ha V. V. Dang, Fabrizia Zatta, Kevin Hauser, Caihong Wang, Julia di Iulio, Andrea Minola, Nadine Czudnochowski, Anna De Marco, Kaitlin Branch, David Donermeyer, Siddhant Vyas, Alex Chen, Elena Ferri, Barbara Guarino, Abigail E. Powell, Roberto Spreafico, Samantha S. Yim, Dale R. Balce, Istvan Bartha, Marcel Meury, Tristan I. Croll, David M. Belnap, Michael A. Schmid, William Timothy Schaiff, Jessica L. Miller, Elisabetta Cameroni, Amalio Telenti, Herbert W. Virgin, Laura E. Rosen, Lisa A. Purcell, Antonio Lanzavecchia, Gyorgy Snell, Davide Corti, Matteo Samuele Pizzuto
Summary: The study describes a monoclonal antibody, FNI9, targeting neuraminidase, which can effectively inhibit the enzymatic activity of all group 1 and group 2 influenza A viruses, as well as certain influenza B viruses. FNI9 also shows broad neutralizing activity against seasonal influenza viruses and can synergize with antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin stem. The potent prophylactic activity of FNI9 against lethal influenza A and B virus infections in mice supports its development for the prevention of influenza illness.
Article
Immunology
Wen-Chun Liu, Raffael Nachbagauer, Daniel Stadlbauer, Shirin Strohmeier, Alicia Solorzano, Francesco Berlanda-Scorza, Bruce L. Innis, Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Peter Palese, Florian Krammer, Randy A. Albrecht
Summary: The study demonstrated that sequential immunization with cHA-based vaccines induced durable antibody responses and provided better protection against the 2009 influenza A virus HA conserved stalk domain in ferrets.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hedvig Stenberg, Elena Leveringhaus, Anna Malmsten, Anne-Marie Dalin, Alexander Postel, Maja Malmberg
Summary: The study found a high prevalence of atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) in the Swedish wild boar population, with 12% of serum samples testing positive for the viral genome and 72% displaying specific antibodies. This suggests that APPV has been circulating in Swedish wild boars since at least 2000, with viral sequences showing similarity to those found in domestic pigs. The findings indicate that wild boars may serve as an important reservoir for APPV.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Kareem E. Hassan, Ann Kathrin Ahrens, Ahmed Ali, Magdy F. El-Kady, Hafez M. Hafez, Thomas C. Mettenleiter, Martin Beer, Timm Harder
Summary: This article introduces a real-time RT-PCR method for comprehensive subtyping of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes of AIV by introducing a total of 24 arrayed RT-qPCR reactions. The technique not only allows for diagnosis of AIV infections but also includes detection of other viruses. The method demonstrates good inclusivity and exclusivity in validation runs and is suitable for influenza A virus in avian hosts.
Article
Virology
Iben Stokholm, Nicole Fischer, Christine Baechlein, Alexander Postel, Anders Galatius, Line Anker Kyhn, Charlotte Bie Thostesen, Sara Persson, Ursula Siebert, Morten Tange Olsen, Paul Becher
Summary: This study investigated the presence of PhoPeV in various marine mammals in the Baltic Sea region and found that the virus has expanded its distribution from the North Sea. The results highlight the potential impact on vulnerable harbour porpoise populations in the Belt Sea and endangered Baltic Proper.
Article
Immunology
Alexander Postel, Jacqueline King, Franziska K. Kaiser, Johanna Kennedy, Mara Sophie Lombardo, Wencke Reineking, Madeleine de le Roi, Timm Harder, Anne Pohlmann, Thomas Gerlach, Guus Rimmelzwaan, Simon Rohner, Lotte C. Striewe, Stephanie Gross, Luca A. Schick, Jana C. Klink, Katharina Kramer, Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus, Martin Beer, Wolfgang Baumgaertner, Ursula Siebert, Paul Becher
Summary: High virus loads of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N8 were detected in the brain tissue of three harbor seals from the German North Sea coast. This indicates high exposure to HPAIV circulating in wild birds.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Elena Leveringhaus, Goekce Nur Cagatay, Juliane Hardt, Paul Becher, Alexander Postel
Summary: This study investigated the role of bovine complement regulatory protein 46 (CD46(bov)) in the entry of bovine viruses HoBiPeV and GPeV. The results showed that CD46 played a major role in the entry of HoBiPeV, but a different mechanism was involved in the entry of GPeV.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ann Kathrin Ahrens, Hans-Christoph Selinka, Thomas C. Mettenleiter, Martin Beer, Timm C. Harder
Summary: Mallards are a globally abundant migratory bird species and play an important role in the transmission of avian influenza viruses. This study investigates the role of small shallow water bodies in the spread of the virus among mallards and suggests that surface water in these areas may serve as a mediator for AIV infection.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Jacqueline King, Christoph Staubach, Christiane Lueder, Susanne Koethe, Anne Guenther, Lina Stacker, Dennis Rubbenstroth, Klaas Dietze, Christian Grund, Franz J. Conraths, Timm Harder, Martin Beer, Anne Pohlmann
Summary: During autumn/winter in 2016-2017 and 2020-2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses caused severe outbreaks in Germany and Europe. Through whole-genome sequencing and epidemiological outbreak investigations, the researchers identified potential entry sources and interconnections between outbreaks in poultry holdings and wild birds. The study highlights the importance of poultry holdings as a source of new genetic variants and reassortants and recommends the use of whole-genome sequencing as a standard tool for molecular epidemiology analysis of avian influenza outbreaks.
Article
Microbiology
Na Zhao, Christian Grund, Martin Beer, Gang Wang, Timm C. Harder
Summary: The tetraplex inhibition fluorescent microsphere immunoassay (iFMIA) developed in this study is a specific and sensitive tool to detect and discriminate avian influenza viruses (AIVs) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) specific antibodies in the sera of galliform poultry.
Article
Microbiology
Ingebjorg H. Nymo, Ursula Siebert, Christine Baechlein, Alexander Postel, Eva M. M. Breines, Christian Lydersen, Kit M. M. Kovacs, Morten Tryland
Summary: In this study, serum samples from Svalbard white whales were investigated, revealing the presence of IAV and Brucella spp. antibodies. However, no evidence of disease was found. Given the significant changes occurring in the Arctic climate and marine ecosystems, monitoring the health parameters of this vulnerable population is crucial.
Article
Virology
Jahan Ara Begum, Ismail Hossain, Mohammed Nooruzzaman, Jacqueline King, Emdadul Haque Chowdhury, Timm C. Harder, Rokshana Parvin
Summary: This study assessed the pathogenicity of low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 viruses in commercial poultry in Bangladesh. The results showed that these viruses caused mild to moderate tracheitis, pneumonia, and enteritis in Sonali and commercial broiler chickens. The study also found that the viruses predominantly replicated in the respiratory tract and were shed through the oropharyngeal route.
Article
Immunology
Sasan Fereidouni, Elke Starick, Kobey Karamendin, Cecilia Di Genova, Simon D. Scott, Yelizaveta Khan, Timm Harder, Aidyn Kydyrmanov
Summary: A new candidate HA subtype, H19, with a large genetic distance to previously described AIV subtypes, was discovered in a Common Pochard sample in Kazakhstan in 2008. Monitoring avian influenza in wild birds, especially in central Asia, is important for understanding the circulation of known and novel influenza viruses.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Nick Vereecke, Sophia Zwickl, Sophie Gumbert, Annika Graaf, Timm Harder, Mathias Ritzmann, Kathrin Lillie-Jaschniski, Sebastiaan Theuns, Julia Stadler
Summary: To date, there is a lack of comprehensive diagnostic methods to study polymicrobial infections associated with porcine respiratory disease. However, a new nanopore-based genomic diagnostic platform provides a panoramic view of viral and bacterial profiles, assisting in effective preventive and therapeutic measures.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Timm Harder, Sjaak de Wit, Jose L. Gonzales, Jeremy H. P. Ho, Paolo Mulatti, Teguh Y. Prajitno, Arjan Stegeman
Summary: The pressure of high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) is increasing worldwide due to secondary spread among poultry holdings and infected migratory wild bird populations. Vaccination with appropriately matched vaccines serves as an additional layer of protection for poultry holdings to reduce clinical symptoms, disrupt transmission, minimize economic losses and animal welfare problems, as well as decrease the risk of zoonotic transmission at the avian-human interface. However, proper surveillance is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of vaccination in controlling the spread of HPAIV.
Article
Immunology
Anne Guenther, Anne Pohlmann, Anja Globig, Ute Ziegler, Sten Calvelage, Markus Keller, Dominik Fischer, Christoph Staubach, Martin H. Groschup, Timm Harder, Martin Beer
Summary: Three avian viral pathogens, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (AIV) of subtype H5, Usutu virus (USUV), and West Nile virus (WNV), circulate in Germany and pose significant concerns for animal disease surveillance. The potential co-circulation of these viruses in the same region and avian host range, along with the year-round presence of HPAIV, highlights the need for improved surveillance measures. A retrospective analysis of case reports from 2006 to 2021 identified raptors as a particularly affected host group, emphasizing their role in passive surveillance. This study provides a basis for broader pan-European studies on reservoir and vector species.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Saranya Krishnan, Shina Sasi, Preshobha Kodakkattumannil, Salima Al Senaani, Geetha Lekshmi, Martin Kottackal, Khaled M. A. Amiri
Summary: This study aimed to develop an efficient DNA extraction protocol suitable for diverse plant species and tissues. A reliable and consistent protocol was described for the extraction of high-quality DNA from difficult-to-extract plant species. The optimized protocol was successful in extracting high-quality DNA from various plant species and tissues, making it useful for genomic studies of recalcitrant plants.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Eisaku Hokazono, Saori Fukumoto, Takeshi Uchiumi, Susumu Osawa
Summary: This study proposes a method for detecting nucleic acid amplification using pyrophosphate, which requires only two reagents and an automated analyzer. The technique has high sensitivity and reproducibility, and can detect pyrophosphate within 10 minutes. Therefore, this method has the potential to be a new, rapid, and simple detection technique for amplified nucleic acids.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Drew S. Sowersby, L. Kevin Lewis
Summary: SURE electrophoresis is a new method for concentrating samples in gels, which allows efficient detection of highly dilute DNA samples. This approach generates single bands with enhanced signal intensities and minimal band broadening.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hongyi Liang, Guoliang Yin, Guangxi Shi, Zhiyong Liu, Xiaofei Liu, Jingwei Li
Summary: The mechanism of Echinacoside (ECH) in treating breast cancer (BC) was explored through network pharmacology and experimental validation. It was found that ECH plays an important role in anti-BC by regulating the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1 alpha/VEGF signaling pathway, and it exhibits multi-target and multi-pathway effects.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Daniel S. Kantner, Emily Megill, Anna Bostwick, Vicky Yang, Carmen Bekeova, Alexandria Van Scoyk, Erin L. Seifert, Michael W. Deininger, Nathaniel W. Snyder
Summary: This study compared the results of different methods for measuring the amount of acetyl-Coenzyme A. The colorimetric ELISA kit did not produce interpretable results, while the fluorometric enzymatic kit showed comparable results to the LC-MS-based methods depending on the matrix and extraction conditions. LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS methods produced well-aligned results, especially when using stable isotope-labeled internal standards.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jingyan Xu, Hanying Tan, Xionghui Ma, Linjing Su, Zhi Zhang, Yuhao Xiong
Summary: This study investigates the co-catalytic capabilities of MoO3 nanosheets in enhancing the enzyme-like catalytic activity of a two-dimensional ultrathin Fe(III)-modified covalent triazine framework (Fe-CTF) under neutral pH conditions. The Fe-CTF/MoO3 co-catalytic system exhibits enzyme-mimicking activity and enables the development of a colorimetric method for glucose detection. Furthermore, a straightforward one-pot colorimetric method is established for screening XOD inhibitors.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Lichao Zhang, Kang Xiao, Xueting Wang, Liang Kong
Summary: A novel fusion technology was designed to identify FAD-binding sites, achieving the best results on two independent test datasets and outperforming existing methods significantly. The high performance and certainty of the method were demonstrated through statistical tests and cross-entropy loss analysis.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Abdulkadir Kilic, Mehmet Aslan, Abdulkadir Levent
Summary: This study developed a simple, rapid, sensitive, and selective voltammetric technique for the electrochemical characterization and detection of the highly risky drug Edoxaban. The optimized voltammetric method showed good analytical working range and was successfully applied to urine and tablet samples.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Su Hyun Kim, Nara Shin, Jong-Min Jeon, Jeong-Jun Yoon, Jeong Chan Joo, Hee Taek Kim, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Yung-Hun Yang
Summary: To address environmental issues caused by traditional plastics, bioplastics have gained attention as alternatives. Although bioplastics have better degradability, their degradation still takes longer than anticipated. This study proposes a novel screening method to identify bioplastic degraders faster, saving time and providing more quantitative data.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Irem Okman Kocoglu, Pinar Esra Erden, Esma Kilic
Summary: In this study, an electrochemical biosensor based on carbon nanofibers and ionic liquid modification was constructed for tyramine detection. The biosensor showed linear response, low detection limit, high sensitivity, and exhibited good reproducibility, stability, and anti-interference ability.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Liana U. Akhmetzianova, Timur M. Davletkulov, Assol R. Sakhabutdinova, Alexey Chemeris, Irek M. Gubaydullin, Ravil R. Garafutdinov
Summary: A new program called LAMPrimers iQ has been developed for high-quality LAMP primer design, and its advantages in providing higher specificity and reliable detection of viral RNA were validated using SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus RNA as a model target.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tommaso Pileri, Alberto Sinibaldi, Agostino Occhicone, Norbert Danz, Elena Giordani, Matteo Allegretti, Frank Sonntag, Peter Munzert, Patrizio Giacomini, Francesco Michelotti
Summary: This study developed a biosensing device based on one-dimensional photonic crystal to detect HER2 in breast cancer. The device combines label-free and fluorescence operation modes, allowing for real-time and accurate detection in less than 20 minutes. It offers a promising technique for combined label-free and fluorescence detection in disease diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
