Article
Immunology
Elisa Saccon, Flora Mikaeloff, Pol Figueras Ivern, Akos Vegvari, Anders Sonnerborg, Ujjwal Neogi, Robert van Domselaar
Summary: Untreated HIV-1 infection leads to a decrease in CD4(+) T cell lymphocytes, susceptibility to opportunistic infections, and ultimately death. This study found that cytotoxic lymphocytes can target the HIV-1 Gag protein through granzyme cleavage to potentially control HIV-1 infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Parmit Kumar Singh, Gregory J. Bedwell, Alan N. Engelman
Summary: HIV-1 integrase and capsid proteins interact with host proteins to direct viral DNA integration into gene-dense regions of the chromosome. Nuclear speckle-associated and speckle-proximal chromatin are strong predictive markers for integration, primarily in gene-dense regions and highly transcribed genes.
Article
Cell Biology
Phillip Pymm, Stefan Tenzer, Edmund Wee, Mirjana Weimershaus, Anne Burgevin, Simon Kollnberger, Jan Gerstoft, Tracy M. Josephs, Kristin Ladell, James E. McLaren, Victor Appay, David A. Price, Lars Fugger, John I. Bell, Hansjoerg Schild, Peter van Endert, Maria Harkiolaki, Astrid K. N. Iversen
Summary: This study discovers that the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cell responses to a specific epitope in the human immunodeficiency virus are associated with enhanced immune control. The length and mutations of the epitope influence the CTL and NK cell responses, leading to viral escape.
Article
Oncology
Rita C. Acurcio, Sabina Pozzi, Barbara Carreira, Marta Pojo, Nuria Gomez-Cebrian, Sandra Casimiro, Adelaide Fernandes, Andreia Barateiro, Vitor Farricha, Joaquim Brito, Ana Paula Leandro, Jorge A. R. Salvador, Luis Graca, Leonor Puchades-Carrasco, Luis Costa, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, Rita C. Guedes, Helena F. Florindo
Summary: This study identifies a new class of small molecule candidates that can regulate the PD-L1/PD-1 signaling pathway, promoting the infiltration of effector CD8 T cells in the tumor microenvironment.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nadia Madrid-Elena, Sergio Serrano-Villar, Carolina Gutierrez, Beatriz Sastre, Matias Morin, Laura Luna, Laura Martin, Javier Santoyo-Lopez, Maria Rosa Lopez-Huertas, Elena Moreno, Maria Laura Garcia-Bermejo, Miguel Angel Moreno-Pelayo, Santiago Moreno
Summary: This study demonstrates that modulation of miRNA expression in T cells enhances specific cytotoxic immune responses to HIV, providing a new approach for achieving HIV remission.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Baitshepi Mokaleng, Wonderful Tatenda Choga, Ontlametse Thato Bareng, Dorcas Maruapula, Doreen Ditshwanelo, Nametso Kelentse, Patrick Mokgethi, Natasha Onalenna Moraka, Modisa Sekhamo Motswaledi, Leabaneng Tawe, Catherine Kegakilwe Koofhethile, Sikhulile Moyo, Matshediso Zachariah, Simani Gaseitsiwe
Summary: HIV accumulates escape mutations in response to immune response, and the prevalence of CTL escape mutations in Botswana remains similar between two time points. The P17 protein has the most mutations, and unique mutations are found in both early and late time point sequences.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nametso Kelentse, Sikhulile Moyo, Kesaobaka Molebatsi, Olorato Morerinyane, Shatho Bitsang, Ontlametse T. Bareng, Kwana Lechiile, Tshepo B. Leeme, David S. Lawrence, Ishmael Kasvosve, Rosemary Musonda, Mosepele Mosepele, Thomas S. Harrison, Joseph N. Jarvis, Simani Gaseitsiwe
Summary: This study investigated CSF viral escape and HIV-1 viral load in individuals treated for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. The results showed a decreasing trend of CSF viral escape during antifungal treatment, indicating the potential of antifungal therapy in reversing CSF viral escape.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinbang Zhang, Jingwan Han, Hui Li, Zhengyang Li, Pengfei Zou, Jiaxin Li, Te Zhao, Junwei Che, Yang Yang, Meiyan Yang, Yuli Wang, Wei Gong, Zhiping Li, Lin Li, Chunsheng Gao, Haihua Xiao
Summary: A new system is constructed by functionalizing siRNA delivery lipid nanoparticles with the lymphocyte membrane and 12p1, which can escape immune recognition, has HIV-1 neutralizing capacity, and the ability to deliver siRNA specifically into HIV-1-infected cells. This system can escape uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system, exhibits strong binding ability with gp120, and shows significant gene silencing effect on HIV-1-infected cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthijs Meijers, Kanika Vanshylla, Henning Gruell, Florian Klein, Michael Laessig
Summary: Broadly neutralizing antibodies show promise in treating and preventing HIV-1 infections, but the virus often evolves resistance. A fitness model based on in vivo data accurately predicts the dynamics of HIV-1 escape during antibody treatment, highlighting an evolutionary trade-off between antibody resistance and its collateral cost.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Sherazaan D. Ismail, Catherine Riou, Sarah B. Joseph, Nancie M. Archin, David M. Margolis, Alan S. Perelson, Tyler Cassidy, Melissa-Rose Abrahams, Matthew Moeser, Olivia D. Council, Lyle R. McKinnon, Farzana Osman, Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Salim S. Abdool Karim, Ronald Swanstrom, Carolyn Williamson, Nigel J. Garrett, Wendy A. Burgers
Summary: Pretreatment CD8(+) T-cell activation, nadir CD4 count, and CD4:CD8 ratio were found to predict the size of the HIV-1 reservoir after 5 years of suppressive antiretroviral therapy initiated during chronic infection.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takayuki Chikata, Hiroyuki Gatanaga, Hung The Nguyen, Daisuke Mizushima, Yu Zhang, Nozomi Kuse, Shinichi Oka, Masafumi Takiguchi
Summary: This study investigated HIV-1-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in 200 Japanese HIV-1-exposed seronegative (HESN) men who have sex with men (MSM). The results showed the presence of HLA-B*51:01-restricted Pol TI8- specific and HLA-A*02:06-restricted Pol SV9-specific CD8+ T cells in two and one individuals, respectively. These HIV-1-specific T cells may contribute to suppressing HIV-1 replication in HESN-MSM individuals.
Article
Virology
Aurelie Drouin, Julie Migraine, Marie-Alice Durand, Alain Moreau, Julien Burlaud-Gaillard, Maxime Beretta, Philippe Roingeard, Melanie Bouvin-Pley, Martine Braibant
Summary: The cellular factor IFITM3 reduces HIV-1 infectivity through an unclear mechanism. IFITM3 interacts with Env of sensitive viruses, inducing conformational changes that decrease viral infectivity, but this antiviral action is modulated by the nature of Env, particularly the V1V2 and V3 loops, which may escape this interaction after processing in the Golgi apparatus.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Shixiang Bao, Xiaopei Jiang, Shuai Jin, Peipei Tu, Jingtao Lu
Summary: Primary liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma accounting for the majority of cases. Immunotherapy targeting the HCC microenvironment has shown effectiveness in treatment, with studies indicating that TGF-beta 1 can regulate the expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 on T lymphocytes, impacting their cytotoxicity towards HCC cells.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Rozina, Andrey Anisenko, Tatiana Kikhai, Maria Silkina, Marina Gottikh
Summary: RNA viruses utilize cellular proteins to facilitate replication and interact with cell components. This review summarizes and systematizes known cellular partners of HIV-1 integrase and their role in the HIV-1 life cycle.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ciputra Adijaya Hartana, Pilar Garcia-Broncano, Yelizaveta Rassadkina, Xiaodong Lian, Chenyang Jiang, Kevin B. Einkauf, Kenneth Maswabi, Gbolahan Ajibola, Sikhulile Moyo, Terence Mohammed, Comfort Maphorisa, Joseph Makhema, Yuko Yuki, Maureen Martin, Kara Bennett, Patrick Jean-Philippe, Mathias Viard, Michael D. Hughes, Kathleen M. Powis, Mary Carrington, Shahin Lockman, Ce Gao, Xu G. Yu, Daniel R. Kuritzkes, Roger Shapiro, Mathias Lichterfeld
Summary: Initiation of early antiretroviral therapy in infected neonates can limit viral reservoir seeding, but it does not prevent long-term HIV-1 persistence. The study found that rapid decline of HIV-1 proviruses occurred after initiation of ART in neonates, accompanied by an increase in cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cell populations and a decrease in inhibitory NK cell subsets. Immune perturbations observed in certain immune cell types at birth were normalized after early institution of antiretroviral therapy, but they did not significantly influence HIV-1 reservoir cell dynamics.
Article
Immunology
Yanchun Peng, Suet Ling Felce, Danning Dong, Frank Penkava, Alexander J. Mentzer, Xuan Yao, Guihai Liu, Zixi Yin, Ji-Li Chen, Yongxu Lu, Dannielle Wellington, Peter A. C. Wing, Delaney C. C. Dominey-Foy, Chen Jin, Wenbo Wang, Megat Abd Hamid, Ricardo A. Fernandes, Beibei Wang, Anastasia Fries, Xiaodong Zhuang, Neil Ashley, Timothy Rostron, Craig Waugh, Paul Sopp, Philip Hublitz, Ryan Beveridge, Tiong Kit Tan, Christina Dold, Andrew J. Kwok, Charlotte Rich-Griffin, Wanwisa Dejnirattisa, Chang Liu, Prathiba Kurupati, Isar Nassiri, Robert A. Watson, Orion Tong, Chelsea A. Taylor, Piyush Kumar Sharma, Bo Sun, Fabiola Curion, Santiago Revale, Lucy C. Garner, Kathrin Jansen, Ricardo C. Ferreira, Moustafa Attar, Jeremy W. Fry, Rebecca A. Russell, Hans J. Stauss, William James, Alain Townsend, Ling-Pei Ho, Paul Klenerman, Juthathip Mongkolsapaya, Gavin R. Screaton, Calliope Dendrou, Stephen N. Sansom, Rachael Bashford-Rogers, Benny Chain, Geoffrey L. Smith, Jane A. McKeating, Benjamin P. Fairfax, Paul Bowness, Andrew J. McMichael, Graham Ogg, Julian C. Knight, Tao Dong
Summary: Specific CD8(+) T cell responses targeting NP105-113-B*07:02 are associated with mild COVID-19 disease and high antiviral efficacy, providing potential targets for T cell vaccine design. These T cell responses show long-lasting preservation of antiviral functionality post-infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chandima Jeewandara, Suranga Fernando, Pradeep Darshana Pushpakumara, Shyrar Tanussiya Ramu, Achala Kamaladasa, Banuri Gunasekara, Inoka Sepali Aberathna, Heshan Kuruppu, Thushali Ranasinghe, Shashika Dayarathne, Osanda Dissanayake, Nayanathara Gamalath, Dinithi Ekanayake, Jewantha Jayamali, Ayesha Wijesinghe, Madushika Dissanayake, Gayasha Somathilake, Michael Harvie, Saubhagya Danasekara, Deshni Jayathilaka, Helanka Dinesh Kumara Wijayatilake, Nihal Weerasooriya, Chinthaka Kekulandara, Lisa Schimanski, Pramila Rijal, Tiong K. Tan, Tao Dong, Alain Townsend, Graham S. Ogg, Gathsaurie Neelika Malavige
Summary: The immunogenicity of Gam-COVID-Vac as a single dose vaccine was investigated, with 88.7% of individuals seroconverting. Seroconversion rates were significantly lower in individuals over 60 years and lower than with AZD1222. 82.6% of individuals developed ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies, but at significantly lower levels compared to natural infection and a single dose of AZD1222. Antibody titres against different variants were similar to AZD1222, except for B.1.351 which had significantly higher levels. Some individuals developed immune cell responses. Administration of a second dose of the vaccine is likely to be beneficial.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Elissa G. Currie, Bryan Coburn, Elisa A. Porfilio, Ping Lam, Olga L. Rojas, Jan Novak, Stuart Yang, Raad B. Chowdhury, Lesley A. Ward, Pauline W. Wang, Khashayar Khaleghi, James An, Sarah Q. Crome, Michelle A. Hladunewich, Sean J. Barbour, Daniel C. Cattran, Rulan S. Parekh, Christoph Licht, Rohan John, Rupert Kaul, Kenneth Croitoru, Scott D. Gray-Owen, David S. Guttman, Jennifer L. Gommerman, Heather N. Reich
Summary: IgA nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney failure, and aberrant immune responses to mucosal microbiota, particularly Neisseria, may play a role in its pathogenesis. This study found increased carriage of Neisseria and elevated Neisseria-specific IgA levels in the tonsils of IgA nephropathy patients. Experimentally, mice with overexpression of BAFF and susceptible to Neisseria infection showed augmented levels of systemic Neisseria-specific IgA, as well as the presence of anti-Neisseria-specific IgA-secreting cells in the kidneys.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Xuyang Tang, Abha Sharma, Maria Pasic, Patrick Brown, Karen Colwill, Hellen Gelband, H. Chaim Birnboim, Nico Nagelkerke, Isaac I. Bogoch, Aiyush Bansal, Leslie Newcombe, Justin Slater, Peter S. Rodriguez, Guowen Huang, Sze Hang Fu, Catherine Meh, Daphne C. Wu, Rupert Kaul, Marc-Andre Langlois, Ed Morawski, Andy Hollander, Demetre Eliopoulos, Benjamin Aloi, Teresa Lam, Kento T. Abe, Bhavisha Rathod, Mahya Fazel-Zarandi, Jenny Wang, Mariam Iskilova, Adrian Pasculescu, Lauren Caldwell, Miriam Barrios-Rodiles, Zahraa Mohammed-Ali, Nandita Vas, Divya Raman Santhanam, Eo Rin Cho, Kathleen Qu, Shreya Jha, Vedika Jha, Wilson Suraweera, Varsha Malhotra, Kathy Mastali, Richard Wen, Samir Sinha, Angus Reid, Anne-Claude Gingras, Pranesh Chakraborty, Arthur S. Slutsky, Prabhat Jha
Summary: This study aimed to assess the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among Canadian adults during the first two viral waves. The study found that the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada was low and lower than the levels of population immunity required to substantially reduce transmission of the virus. Ongoing vaccination efforts remain central to reducing viral transmission and mortality.
Article
Immunology
Feixue Wei, Ningshao Xia, Rebeca Ocampo, Marc T. Goodman, Nancy A. Hessol, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Ana P. Ortiz, Fanghui Zhao, Erna M. Kojic, Rupert Kaul, Isabelle Heard, Imran O. Morhason-Bello, Anna-Barbara Moscicki, Alexandra de Pokomandy, Joel M. Palefsky, Luana L. S. Rodrigues, Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Reshmie A. Ramautarsing, Silvia Franceschi, Sheela Godbole, Fernanda K. Tso, Lynette J. Menezes, Chunqing Lin, Gary M. Clifford
Summary: Age-specific shifts in HPV16 prevalence from cervix to anus suggest that HPV infections may persist longer, or occur later in life, in the anus than cervix. This has important implications for using cervical screening results to direct anal cancer prevention.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Virology
Rupert Kaul, Cindy M. Liu, Daniel E. Park, Ronald M. Galiwango, Aaron A. R. Tobian, Jessica L. Prodger
Summary: Most HIV transmission occurs through vaginal-penile sex. The local microbiome plays a critical role in shaping the immune environment at the site of HIV exposure. However, the microbial drivers of inflammation and immune quiescence vary between the vagina and penis. Different taxa are associated with increased HIV risk and optimal microbiota at these tissue sites.
Article
Women's Studies
Kalysha Closson, Ravi Prakash, Prakash Javalkar, Tara Beattie, Raghavendra Thalinja, Martine Collumbien, Satyanarayana Ramanaik, Shajy Isac, Charlotte Watts, Stephen Moses, Mitzy Gafos, Lori Heise, Marissa Becker, Parinita Bhattacharjee
Summary: Intergenerational differences in inequitable gender attitudes may have an impact on educational outcomes. A study in rural Karnataka, India, found that while traditional gender roles were promoted across generations, more adolescent girls supported violence against women compared to their family members. However, inconsistent promotion of traditional gender roles and unanimous disapproval of violence against women were associated with higher aspirations. These findings highlight the importance of family-level programs to promote positive modeling of gender-equitable attitudes.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Eihab O. Bedawi, Nikolaos Kanellakis, John P. Corcoran, Yu Zhao, Maged Hassan, Rachelle Asciak, Rachel M. Mercer, Anand Sundaralingam, Dinesh N. Addala, Robert F. Miller, Tao Dong, Alison M. Condliffe, Najib M. Rahman
Summary: Based on the analysis of 214 confirmed pleural infection samples, this study found that PAI-1 was the only protein associated with the presence and severity of sonographic septations. Additionally, PAI-1 concentration was also associated with longer hospital stay and increased 12-month mortality. However, sonographic septations themselves were not related to clinically important outcomes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Family Studies
Emily Nyariki, Rhoda Wanjiru, Pooja Shah, Mary Kungu, Hellen Babu, Helen A. Weiss, Janet Seeley, Joshua Kimani, Tara S. Beattie
Summary: Women who sell sex face challenges in raising their children due to socio-economic difficulties and the stigma associated with their work. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, which explored the experiences of female sex workers who are also mothers. Interviews with 39 women revealed themes related to their entry into sex work, childcare arrangements, maintaining respectability for their children, and prioritizing safety and security. Results indicate that poverty and lack of reliable income sources drove women to engage in sex work, but they demonstrated agency in balancing their stigmatized work with their roles as mothers.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Gina Hong, Scott G. Daniel, Jung-Jin Lee, Kyle Bittinger, Laurel Glaser, Lisa M. Mattei, Daniel J. Dorgan, Denis Hadjiliadis, Steven M. Kawut, Ronald G. Collman
Summary: The respiratory tract fungal microbiome in adults with cystic fibrosis is associated with lung function, exacerbation status, medication use, and CFTR modulator use. Further research is necessary to better understand fungal diversity in the CF airway and its impact on lung health.
JOURNAL OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Carter Merenstein, Ayannah S. Fitzgerald, Layla A. Khatib, Jevon Graham-Wooten, Frederic D. Bushman, Ronald G. Collman
Summary: Reusing disposable face masks for 7 days did not significantly affect the facial skin or oropharyngeal microbiome compared to using fresh masks daily, despite a higher level of bacterial contamination. The impact of mask reuse on the host is still understudied.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pooja Shah, Tara S. Beattie, Rhoda Kabuti, Jennifer Liku, Mary Kungu, Hellen Babu, Zaina Jama, Rupert Kaul, Helen Anne Weiss, Nambusi Kyegombe, Graham F. Medley, Karen Devries, Mitzy Gafos, Emily Nyariki, Joshua Kimani, Janet Seeley
Summary: This study aims to explore the structural and social factors that influence the early lives of women who enter sex work in Nairobi, Kenya. The findings revealed that childhood experiences of violence, poverty, and incomplete education were intertwined with early pregnancy, marriage, and relationship breakdown, leading to entry into sex work. Sex workers perceived sex work as risky but providing them with some financial independence and agency.
Article
Virology
Yanjie Yi, Urvi Zankharia, Joel A. Cassel, Fang Lu, Joseph M. Salvino, Paul M. Lieberman, Ronald G. Collman
Summary: Three drugs that can suppress HIV-1 expression in macrophages have been discovered through high-throughput screening. These drugs can reduce virus expression and alter the epigenetic profiles of the virus genome. The significance of this research lies in the potential to identify new drugs for treating HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders or preventing viral rebound without relying on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to achieve ART-free remission or cure.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Elie Antoun, Yanchun Peng, Tao Dong
Summary: Spike-specific CD8(+) T cells are crucial in the immediate immune response to breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, while B cell and neutralizing antibody responses take effect two weeks after infection.
Article
Medical Informatics
Johan H. Thygesen, Christopher Tomlinson, Sam Hollings, Mehrdad A. Mizani, Alex Handy, Ashley Akbari, Amitava Banerjee, Jennifer Cooper, Alvina G. Lai, Kezhi Li, Bilal A. Mateen, Naveed Sattar, Reecha Sofat, Ana Torralbo, Honghan Wu, Angela Wood, Jonathan A. C. Sterne, Christina Pagel, William N. Whiteley, Cathie Sudlow, Harry Hemingway, Spiros Denaxas
Summary: This study used nationwide linked electronic health records to define and validate ten COVID-19 phenotypes, providing insights into the different stages and transitions of the disease. The results showed infection rates, hospitalization rates, intensive care unit usage, and mortality rates of COVID-19. Longer patient trajectories were observed in the second wave compared to the first wave.
LANCET DIGITAL HEALTH
(2022)