Article
Immunology
C. Fornara, F. Zavaglio, M. Furione, A. Sarasini, P. d'Angelo, A. Arossa, A. Spinillo, D. Lilleri, F. Baldanti
Summary: This study investigated the shedding of HCMV in different biological fluids of pregnant women experiencing primary infection. It found that HCMV DNA could be detected in peripheral biological fluids for at least one year after onset of infection, while being cleared earlier in blood. Viral load in blood was correlated with levels of specific antibodies and memory T cells.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hannah Greye, Thomas Wex, Elina Taneva, Anke Redlich, Serban-Dan Costa, Anke Rissmann
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence rate for cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pregnant women and the rate of CMV serological testing utilised during pregnancy in a rural region in Germany. The study found that out of 19,511 pregnant women, only 3,800 underwent CMV serological testing, with 2,081 of them testing negative and a seroconversion rate of 0.37-1.42%.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Claire Perillaud-Dubois, Emmanuelle Letamendia, Elise Bouthry, Rana Rafek, Isabelle Thouard, Corinne Vieux-Combe, Olivier Picone, Anne-Gael Cordier, Christelle Vauloup-Fellous
Summary: This study aims to report the dynamics of CMV markers in NPI women. The results show that available diagnostic tools are unreliable for detecting active infection in over half of confirmed CMV NPI pregnant women. Therefore, universal neonatal screening for CMV is necessary.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paola Zelini, Piera d'Angelo, Marica De Cicco, Cristian Achille, Antonella Sarasini, Loretta Fiorina, Daniela Cirasola, Valentina Marazzi, Stefania Piccini, Milena Furione, Alessia Arossa, Giulia Muscettola, Arsenio Spinillo, Daniele Lilleri
Summary: This study investigates the frequency and characteristics of non-primary infection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in pregnant women. The findings suggest that non-primary infection is common during pregnancy, but the risk of congenital infection is low. The study also examines the transmission routes and immune response during pregnancy.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Virology
Claire Perillaud-Dubois, Elise Bouthry, Lina Mouna, Christine Pirin, Corinne Vieux-Combe, Olivier Picone, Anne-Marie Roque-Afonso, Alexandre J. Vivanti, Christelle Vauloup-Fellous
Summary: This study found that serum CMV PCR is reliable in diagnosing recent primary infection (PI) when only IgM is detected. The method has a high sensitivity and is valuable for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
Article
Pediatrics
Maria Talavera-Barber, Kaitlyn Flint, Brianna Graber, Ravi Dhital, Irina Kaptsan, Alexandra K. Medoro, Pablo J. Sanchez, Masako Shimamura
Summary: Further study is needed to determine if higher anti-gM/gN antibody titers might enhance serum neutralizing capacity among seropositive adults.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Paul Griffiths, Matthew Reeves
Summary: HCMV infection is usually controlled by a vigorous immune response, but can cause serious organ diseases when the immune system is compromised. Significant progress has been made in understanding HCMV infection and disease, including defining the dynamics of viral replication and evaluating new antiviral drugs and vaccines.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Kristina M. Geiger, Michael Manoharan, Rachel Coombs, Kathya Arana, Chan-Su Park, Angus Y. Lee, Nilabh Shastri, Ellen A. Robey, Laurent Coscoy
Summary: The endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase associated with antigen processing (ERAAP) plays a critical role in shaping the peptide-MHC I repertoire and maintaining immune surveillance. Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) modulates ERAAP during infection, leading to Qa-1b-restricted QFL T cell proliferation, which reduces viral load and highlights potential targets for anti-viral therapies.
Review
Immunology
Miguel Lopez-Botet, Andrea De Maria, Aura Muntasell, Mariella Della Chiesa, Carlos Vilches
Summary: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection has a broad impact on the immune system. It triggers the differentiation and expansion of a mature NK cell subset with a distinctive phenotype and functional profile characterized by the presence of the HLA-E-specific CD94/NKG2C activating receptor. In this article, we provide an overview of the adaptive features of NKG2C+ NK cells, discussing the mechanisms and influence of viral and host factors, the presence of other NKG2C-NK cell subsets with adaptive features, the role of adaptive NKG2C+ NK cells in the response to HCMV in transplant patients, their relation with other viral infections, particularly HIV-1, and their potential use in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.
SEMINARS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Luke A. Gatta, Eric Rochat, Jeremy M. Weber, Sarah Valencia, Alaattin Erkanli, Sarah K. Dotters-Katz, Sallie Permar, Brenna L. Hughes
Summary: The study found that about 75% of pregnant women who were positive for cytomegalovirus IgG shed the virus at some point during gestation. The only factor associated with shedding was nulliparity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
C. Perillaud-Dubois, N. Hachicha-Maalej, C. Lepers, E. Letamendia, N. Teissier, A. Cousien, J. Sibiude, S. Deuffic-Burban, C. Vauloup-Fellous, O. Picone
Summary: This study evaluates the effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of four screening strategies for first-trimester cytomegalovirus primary infection in pregnant women in France. The results show that the current screening practice is no longer cost-effective, and universal screening with valacyclovir treatment would be a cost-effective and cost-saving alternative to the current recommendations.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Joseph Niyibizi, Marie-Helene Mayrand, Francois Audibert, Patricia Monnier, Paul Brassard, Louise Laporte, Julie Lacaille, Monica Zahreddine, Marie-Josee Bedard, Isabelle Girard, Diane Francoeur, Ana Maria Carceller, Jacques Lacroix, William Fraser, Francois Coutlee, Helen Trottier
Summary: The study found that persistent HPV-16/18 infection is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, even in women without a history of cervical treatment. Future research should investigate the impact of HPV vaccination and vaccination programs on the risk of preterm birth.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hannah Greye, Stine Henning, Kristina Freese, Andrea Koehn, Anke Lux, Anja Radusch, Anke Redlich, Daniela Schleef, Sven Seeger, Volker Thaele, Anke Rissmann
Summary: Less than half of pregnant women surveyed in Germany were aware of the potential risks associated with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy. Education level and employment in childcare or medical care were found to be associated with CMV awareness. However, only one-third of the women underwent serological screening for CMV.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Peter A. Barry, Smita S. Iyer, Laura Gibson
Summary: Traditionally, vaccine development for Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has focused on viral antigens that are identified as key targets of neutralizing antibody and/or T cell responses in healthy adults. However, there is currently no licensed HCMV vaccine that reduces the risk of infection in pregnant women. This study suggests that HCMV proteins recognized by only a small minority of participants may contain important vaccine antigens.
Article
Microbiology
Till Bunse, Nina Koerber, Hannah Wintersteller, Jochen Schneider, Alexander Graf, Aleksandar Radonic, Andrea Thuermer, Max von Kleist, Helmut Blum, Christoph D. D. Spinner, Tanja Bauer, Percy A. A. Knolle, Ulrike Protzer, Eva C. C. Schulte
Summary: Immunocompromised individuals with COVID-19 have higher risk, and studying their disease courses and immune responses is crucial. By analyzing the immune response of an immunocompromised individual with a prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection, we provide insights into the interplay between B- and T-cell immunity in clearing the virus.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paola Zelini, Piera d'Angelo, Marica De Cicco, Cristian Achille, Antonella Sarasini, Loretta Fiorina, Daniela Cirasola, Valentina Marazzi, Stefania Piccini, Milena Furione, Alessia Arossa, Giulia Muscettola, Arsenio Spinillo, Daniele Lilleri
Summary: This study investigates the frequency and characteristics of non-primary infection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in pregnant women. The findings suggest that non-primary infection is common during pregnancy, but the risk of congenital infection is low. The study also examines the transmission routes and immune response during pregnancy.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Daniele Lilleri, Beatrice Tassis, Lorenza Pugni, Andrea Ronchi, Carlo Pietrasanta, Arsenio Spinillo, Alessia Arossa, Cristian Achille, Patrizia Vergani, Sara Ornaghi, Silvia Riboni, Paolo Cavoretto, Massimo Candiani, Gerarda Gaeta, Federico Prefumo, Nicola Fratelli, Anna Fichera, Michele Vignali, Allegra Barbasetti Di Prun, Elisa Fabbri, Irene Cetin, Anna Locatelli, Sara Consonni, Simona Rutolo, Elena Miotto, Valeria Savasi, Maria Di Giminiani, Antonella Cromi, Sandro Binda, Loretta Fiorina, Milena Furione, Gabriela Cassinelli, Catherine Klersy
Summary: Newborns from women with preconception immunity have a low rate of cCMV infection, mostly due to reactivation of the latent virus. Therefore, serological screening in childbearing age would be pivotal to identify HCMV-seropositive women with a low risk of cCMV in their newborns.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Irene Cassaniti, Marilena Gregorini, Federica Bergami, Francesca Arena, Jose Camilla Sammartino, Elena Percivalle, Ehsan Soleymaninejadian, Massimo Abelli, Elena Ticozzelli, Angela Nocco, Francesca Minero, Eleonora Francesca Pattonieri, Daniele Lilleri, Teresa Rampino, Fausto Baldanti
Summary: This study investigated the role of a third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine in kidney transplant recipients. The researchers found an increased immune response, especially in terms of T cell response to the Spike protein, after the third dose. However, the seroconversion rate remained below 50%. Mycophenolate treatment, steroid administration, and age appeared to be associated with a poor immune response.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Federica Bergami, Francesca Arena, Eleonora Francesca Pattonieri, Marilena Gregorini, Federica Meloni, Massimo Abelli, Elena Ticozzelli, Giorgia Testa, Daniele Lilleri, Irene Cassaniti, Fausto Baldanti
Summary: This study compared two different testing methods for the T-cell response in COVID-19 vaccinated individuals. The home-made whole blood stimulation assay was found to have good correlation with the standardized ELISpot assay, although a higher percentage of immunocompromised subjects tested positive using the ELISpot assay. Additionally, the home-made assay showed good agreement with three commercial assays in terms of both positive and negative results.
Article
Immunology
Federica Bergami, Francesca Arena, Jose Camilla Sammartino, Alessandro Ferrari, Federica Zavaglio, Paola Zelini, Stefania Paolucci, Giuditta Comolli, Elena Percivalle, Daniele Lilleri, Irene Cassaniti, Fausto Baldanti
Summary: We reported the long-term kinetics of immune response after vaccination and evaluated the immunogenicity after a third dose of mRNA vaccine. The results showed that the antibody titer after the third dose was significantly higher than after the second dose, T-cell mediated response reached positive levels, and memory B cells remained. This indicates that a third dose can enhance the immune response.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paola Zelini, Piera D'Angelo, Emanuele Cereda, Catherine Klersy, Peressini Sabrina, Riccardo Albertini, Giuseppina Grugnetti, Anna Maria Grugnetti, Carlo Marena, Sara Cutti, Daniele Lilleri, Irene Cassaniti, Baldanti Fausto, Riccardo Caccialanza
Summary: The levels of vitamin D are associated with the immune response elicited by the BNT162b2 vaccine, and adequate levels of vitamin D may improve the vaccine's effectiveness.
Letter
Dermatology
Paola Zelini, Eugenio Isoletta, Martina Volonte, Daniele Lilleri, Irene Cassaniti, Valeria Musella, Catherine Klersy, Fausto Baldanti, Valeria Brazzelli
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Davide Piloni, Elisa Gabanti, Monica Morosini, Gabriela Cassinelli, Vanessa Frangipane, Federica Zavaglio, Tiberio Oggionni, Laura Saracino, Sara Lettieri, Eloisa Arbustini, Federica Meloni, Daniele Lilleri
Summary: Pre-emptive therapy is highly effective in preventing CMV disease in lung transplant recipients and does not lead to a higher incidence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) compared to other cohorts receiving extended antiviral prophylaxis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Fornara, Eric Schultz, Daniele Lilleri, Fausto Baldanti, Brent Ryckman, Giuseppe Gerna
Summary: The serum neutralizing activity against HCMV varies depending on the producer cell type and the PC/TC ratio of virus preparations. The blocking activity of specific inhibitors also varies according to the PC/TC ratio. There is a potential producer cell effect on virus phenotype, but genetic factors cannot be overlooked. These findings have important implications for therapeutic antibodies and subunit vaccines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Anna Lia Asti, Stefania Crespi, Teresa Rampino, Paola Zelini, Marilena Gregorini, Alessia Pascale, Nicoletta Marchesi, Stefania Saccucci, Carla Colombani, Sara Vitalini, Marcello Iriti
Summary: A major issue in Alzheimer's disease research is finding new drugs to decrease A beta aggregation. This study evaluated the in vitro inhibition of A beta(1-42) fibrillogenesis with natural compounds. Rutin showed the best inhibitory effect compared to other compounds.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Stelvio Tonello, Davide D'Onghia, Daria Apostolo, Erica Matino, Martina Costanzo, Giuseppe Francesco Casciaro, Alessandro Croce, Eleonora Rizzi, Erika Zecca, Anita Rebecca Pedrinelli, Veronica Vassia, Paolo Ravanini, Maria Grazia Crobu, Manuela Rizzi, Raffaella Landi, Luigi Mario Castello, Rosalba Minisini, Gian Carlo Avanzi, Mario Pirisi, Daniele Lilleri, Mattia Bellan, Donato Colangelo, Pier Paolo Sainaghi
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate osteopontin (OPN) as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. The results showed that higher plasma concentrations of OPN at hospital admission were associated with a worsening clinical condition. OPN levels might serve as a promising biomarker for early stratification of COVID-19 severity.
Article
Microbiology
Paola Zelini, Piera d'Angelo, Federica Zavaglio, Ehsan Soleymaninejadian, Liliana Mariani, Francesca Perotti, Mattia Dominoni, Stelvio Tonello, Pierpaolo Sainaghi, Rosalba Minisini, Daria Apostolo, Daniele Lilleri, Arsenio Spinillo, Fausto Baldanti
Summary: In this prospective study, it was found that vaccinated pregnant women and their newborns had higher levels of cytokines and immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, the newborns of vaccinated mothers had higher levels of specific antibodies. Vaccination can enhance the immune profile of pregnant women and provide immune protection to newborns.
Article
Virology
Piera d'Angelo, Paola Zelini, Federica Zavaglio, Stefania Piccini, Daniela Cirasola, Alessia Arossa, Arsenio Spinillo, Daniele Lilleri, Fausto Baldanti
Summary: This study investigated the rates and routes of HCMV transmission in full-term infants during the first year of life. The findings showed that approximately one out of five infants developed HCMV infection within the first year, with breastmilk being the major route of transmission while maternal saliva and vaginal secretions played a minor role.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)