Article
Immunology
Alexandra Kupke, Asisa Volz, Erik Dietzel, Astrid Freudenstein, Joerg Schmidt, Hosam Shams-Eldin, Sylvia Jany, Lucie Sauerhering, Verena Kraehling, Michelle Gellhorn Serra, Christiane Herden, Markus Eickmann, Stephan Becker, Gerd Sutter
Summary: This study tested two recombinant MVA-based Ebola virus vaccine candidates in mice and found that vaccination generated virus-neutralizing antibodies and specific CD8+ T cell response. Vaccinated mice survived Ebola virus infection and had significantly reduced viral loads compared to mock-vaccinated mice.
Article
Immunology
Diahann T. S. L. Jansen, Monique T. A. de Beijer, Robbie J. Luijten, Kitty Kwappenberg, Anna-Sophia Wiekmeijer, Amy L. Kessler, Roel F. A. Pieterman, Rachid Bouzid, Willem-Jan Krebber, Robert A. de Man, Cornelis J. M. Melief, Sonja I. Buschow
Summary: This study designed a set of SLPs capable of inducing multifunctional T cell responses ex vivo, which provide important components for a novel therapeutic vaccine to cure cHBV.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Suzy A. Eldershaw, Hayden Pearce, Charlotte F. Inman, Karen P. Piper, Ben Abbotts, Christine Stephens, Samantha Nicol, Wayne Croft, Richard Powell, Jusnara Begum, Graham Taylor, Jane Nunnick, Donna Walsh, Mirjana Sirovica, Shamyla Saddique, Sandeep Nagra, Paul Ferguson, Paul Moss, Ram Malladi
Summary: Immune responses involving HA-1 prime-boost vaccination can induce strong and specific T cell responses in donors or patients, leading to enhanced graft-versus-leukaemia effects. This approach shows promising potential and efficacy in experimental settings.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Jie Ning, Qinjin Wang, Ying Chen, Taojun He, Fang Zhang, Xingchi Chen, Liang Shi, Aixia Zhai, Bin Li, Chao Wu
Summary: This study provides comprehensive characteristics of T-cell immunity induced by the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine BBIBP-CorV. Robust and durable CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses specific to SARS-CoV-2 were detected following the third vaccination. The N and S proteins activated a higher proportion of specific T-cells with broader functions compared to the E and M proteins.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mathieu Dube, Olivier Tastet, Caroline Dufour, Geremy Sannier, Nathalie Brassard, Gloria-Gabrielle Delgado, Amelie Pagliuzza, Corentin Richard, Manon Nayrac, Jean-Pierre Routy, Alexandre Prat, Jacob D. Estes, Remi Fromentin, Nicolas Chomont, Daniel E. Kaufmann
Summary: During suppressive antiretroviral therapy, spontaneous transcription and translation of HIV can persist, with p24(-)expressing cells evident in 39% of participants. Active reservoirs are enriched in central memory T cells and CCR6(-) and activation marker-expressing cells. The magnitude of the active reservoir positively correlates with HIV-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses and multiple HIV-specific T cell clusters.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Joey Ming Er Lim, Anthony Tanoto Tan, Nina Le Bert, Shou Kit Hang, Jenny Guek Hong Low, Antonio Bertoletti
Summary: Nasal-resident T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 were detected in vaccinated individuals only after infection, highlighting the significance of nasal challenge in the formation of antiviral immunity at the site of infection.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lorranny Santana Rodrigues, Aline Silva Barreto, Lays Gisele Santos Bomfim, Marcos Couto Gomes, Nathalia Luisa Carlos Ferreira, Geydson Silveira da Cruz, Lucas Sousa Magalhaes, Amelia Ribeiro de Jesus, Clarisa B. Palatnik-de-Sousa, Cristiane Bani Correa, Roque Pacheco de Almeida
Summary: This study focused on assessing the functional T cells involved in the recovery of immune suppression in VL patients undergoing treatment. The results showed that CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells producing various cytokines increased throughout the treatment, with a significant enhancement in central-memory T cells producing IL-2, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma in cured patients. Furthermore, the transition from a non-functional CD8(Low) population to a functional CD8(High) subset was associated with the cure of VL patients treated with specific medications.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
R. K. Salyaev, N. Rekoslavskaya
Summary: The antigenic protein HPV6 L1 was synthesized in a plant expression system using transgenic tomato fruit for the development of an oral vaccine against anogenital papillomaviruses. New data on the induction of T-cell immune response in mice immunization experiments showed activation of interferon, CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, and granzyme B secretion in peripheral blood cells and splenocytes of vaccinated mice.
DOKLADY BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Constanze Kuhlmann, Carla Konstanze Mayer, Mathilda Claassen, Tongai Maponga, Wendy A. Burgers, Roanne Keeton, Catherine Riou, Andrew D. Sutherland, Tasnim Suliman, Megan L. Shaw, Wolfgang Preiser
Article
Virology
Cremildo Maueia, Alltalents Murahwa, Alice Manjate, Soren Andersson, Jahit Sacarlal, Darlene Kenga, Tufaria Mussa, Anna-Lise Williamson
Summary: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of HPV infection in women from Maputo, Mozambique, with HIV-positive women having the highest HPV prevalence and being more susceptible to multiple HPV types. High-risk genotypes were the most commonly found.
Review
Immunology
Paul Ogongo, Ruth K. Nyakundi, Gerald K. Chege, Lucy Ochola
Summary: This article discusses the pivotal value of experimental animal models in the control and elimination of schistosomiasis. These models play a critical role in testing and validating control interventions, evaluating vaccine efficacy, and assessing diagnostic sensitivity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Thandeka Moyo-Gwete, Mashudu Madzivhandila, Nonhlanhla N. Mkhize, Prudence Kgagudi, Frances Ayres, Bronwen E. Lambson, Nelia P. Manamela, Simone Richardson, Zanele Makhado, Mieke A. van der Mescht, Zelda de Beer, Talita Roma de Villiers, Wendy A. Burgers, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Theresa Rossouw, Veronica Ueckermann, Michael T. Boswell, Penny L. Moore
Summary: The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the emergence of variants with distinct spike mutations, affecting the cross-reactivity of antibody response. This study found that Beta and Delta infections induce more cross-reactive antibody responses compared to the original D614G variant. An antibody targeting the N417 site was isolated from a Beta-infected individual, enabling cross-neutralization of Beta, Delta+, and Omicron. Understanding antibodies targeting escape mutations can aid in the development of next-generation therapeutics and vaccines.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
William C. McMahon, Gaurav Kwatra, Alane Izu, Anthonet L. Koen, Johann Greffrath, Lee Fairlie, Faeezah Patel, Christian K. Mukendi, Nkululeko J. Mbele, Rushil Lala, Wendy A. Burgers, Marta C. Nunes, Clare L. Cutland, Sarah C. Gilbert, Teresa Lambe, Andrew J. Pollard, Shabir A. Madhi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the T-cell responses specific to SARS-CoV-2 in black Africans with and without HIV after receiving the AZD1222 vaccine. The study found that the T-cell responses were comparable between HIV-uninfected individuals and people living with HIV who were on stable antiretroviral therapy. In addition, individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection showed a heightened T-cell response after receiving the AZD1222 vaccine.
Article
Cell Biology
Roanne Keeton, Marius B. Tincho, Akiko Suzuki, Ntombi Benede, Amkele Ngomti, Richard Baguma, Masego Chauke, Mathilda Mennen, Sango Skelem, Marguerite Adriaanse, Alba Grifoni, Daniela Weiskopf, Alessandro Sette, Linda -Gail Bekker, Glenda Gray, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Wendy A. Burgers, Catherine Riou
Summary: This study compares the presence and frequency of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell and IgG antibody responses in 190 individuals with different SARS-CoV-2 exposure histories. The results show that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 increases the number of T cells, but has less impact on the frequency of circulating SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells. Furthermore, the number and nature of exposures have a greater effect on the immune response, with hybrid immunity displaying a higher polyfunctional potential in spike-specific CD4 T cells compared to vaccination only. These findings are important for developing optimal vaccine strategies to enhance immune responses as the pandemic progresses.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Simone I. Richardson, Prudence Kgagudi, Nelia P. Manamela, Haajira Kaldine, Elizabeth M. Venter, Thanusha Pillay, Bronwen E. Lambson, Mieke A. van der Mescht, Tandile Hermanus, Sashkia R. Balla, Zelda de Beer, Talita R. de Villiers, Annie Bodenstein, Gretha van den Berg, Marizane du Pisanie, Wendy A. Burgers, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Fareed Abdullah, Veronica Ueckermann, Theresa M. Rossouw, Michael T. Boswell, Penny L. Moore
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants caused major waves of infections. BA.4 shows high-level neutralization resistance regardless of the infecting variant, but can still be neutralized by antibodies from previous infections or vaccination breakthrough infections caused by Delta or BA.1. The reduced sensitivity of ADCC against BA.4 may contribute to observed protection from severe disease.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Michelle O. Mullins, Muneerah Smith, Hazel Maboreke, Andrew J. M. Nel, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Wendy A. Burgers, Jonathan M. Blackburn
Summary: A study using protein microarray technology found that healthcare workers who did not experience reinfection during the second wave of the pandemic had stronger and more diverse antibody responses compared to those who did. This highlights the importance of broad antibody epitope coverage following natural infection in protecting against reinfection and disease in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Review
Virology
Maria Camila Cardenas, Sheila Farnan, Benjamin L. Hamel, Maria Camila Mejia Plazas, Elise Sintim-Aboagye, Dawn R. Littlefield, Supriya Behl, Sohan Punia, Elizabeth Ann L. Enninga, Erica Johnson, Zelalem Temesgen, Regan Theiler, Clive M. Gray, Rana Chakraborty
Summary: In 1989, a quarter of infants born to HIV-infected women were also infected and had a 25% mortality rate by the age of 2. The development of interventions, including the PACTG 076 study in 1994, led to a 67.5% reduction in HIV transmission through the use of zidovudine. Many studies have since optimized interventions, leading to annual transmission rates of 0% in the US and elimination in other countries. However, global elimination is hindered by socioeconomic factors. We review key trials and discuss the evidence in a historical context.
Article
Immunology
Rosamund Chapman, Michiel van Diepen, Nicola Douglass, Tandile Hermanus, Penny L. L. Moore, Anna-Lise Williamson
Summary: The immunogenicity of HIV DNA and MVA vaccines administered in a DDMM regimen could be improved using the PharmaJet Stratis needle-free injection device and formulation of the DNA vaccines with CpG adjuvant.
Review
Immunology
Leah Whittle, Rosamund Chapman, Anna-Lise Williamson
Summary: Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a highly contagious virus that mainly infects cattle and buffalo and has spread from Africa to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The disease has a significant impact on the beef industry, causing mortality up to 10% and affecting milk and meat production as well as fertility. The use of live attenuated vaccines from related poxviruses has been implemented in some countries to protect against LSD, but the efficacy varies.
Article
Immunology
Robert G. E. Krause, Thandeka Moyo-Gwete, Simone I. Richardson, Zanele Makhado, Nelia P. Manamela, Tandile Hermanus, Nonhlanhla N. Mkhize, Roanne Keeton, Ntombi Benede, Mathilda Mennen, Sango Skelem, Farina Karim, Khadija Khan, Catherine Riou, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Ameena Goga, Glenda Gray, Willem Hanekom, Nigel Garrett, Linda-Gail Bekker, Andreas Groll, Alex Sigal, Penny L. Moore, Wendy A. Burgers, Alasdair Leslie
Summary: Neutralizing antibodies are important for COVID-19 vaccine protection, but little is known about memory B cells. This study examined the response to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in South African healthcare workers who were either naive or had prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. The data showed that memory B cells expanded in response to the vaccine, with greater frequency and different characteristics in previously infected individuals. These B cell features correlated with neutralization activity and T follicular helper cells. Vaccination effectively neutralized the D614G variant in both groups, but boosted neutralizing antibodies against Beta and Omicron variants only in previously infected individuals. The study also found that age negatively impacted B cell activation. These findings provide insight into the impact of prior infection on vaccine response and can inform further research on boosting, durability, and co-morbidities.
Article
Immunology
Mohau S. Makatsa, F. Millicent A. Omondi, Rubina Bunjun, Robert J. Wilkinson, Catherine Riou, Wendy A. Burgers
Summary: Th22 cells may play a role in the protective immune response to tuberculosis, and depletion of these cells during HIV coinfection may increase the risk of tuberculosis.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Dale Kitchin, Simone Richardson, Mieke A. van der Mescht, Thopisang Motlou, Nonkululeko Mzindle, Thandeka Moyo-Gwete, Zanele Makhado, Frances Ayres, Nelia P. Manamela, Holly Spencer, Bronwen Lambson, Brent Oosthuysen, Haajira Kaldine, Marizane du Pisanie, Mathilda Mennen, Sango Skelem, Noleen Williams, Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi, Wendy A. Burgers, Glenda G. Gray, Linda-Gail Bekker, Michael T. Boswell, Theresa M. Rossouw, Veronica Ueckermann, Penny L. Moore
Summary: This study confirms that neutralizing and binding antibody responses to Ad26.COV2.S vaccination remain stable for 6 months and show significant boost in individuals with breakthrough infections. These findings have important implications for population immunity in areas where the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine has been widely administered.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Simone I. Richardson, Nelia P. Manamela, Boitumelo M. Motsoeneng, Haajira Kaldine, Frances Ayres, Zanele Makhado, Mathilda Mennen, Sango Skelem, Noleen Williams, Nancy J. Sullivan, John Misasi, Glenda G. Gray, Linda-Gail Bekker, Veronica Ueckermann, Theresa M. Rossouw, Michael T. Boswell, Ntobeko A. B. Nitusi, Wendy A. Burgers, Penny L. Moore
Summary: This study demonstrates that the Beta variant of concern (VOC) partially evades Fc effector activity in infected individuals. However, not all Fc functions are equally affected, suggesting different targeting by antibodies. Moreover, infection with Beta and Delta variants triggers responses with significantly improved Fc cross-reactivity against global VOCs.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)