Article
Virology
Hu Dong, Yuanlu Lu, Yun Zhang, Suyu Mu, Nan Wang, Ping Du, Xiaoying Zhi, Xiaobo Wen, Xiangxi Wang, Shiqi Sun, Yanming Zhang, Huichen Guo
Summary: This study identified thermostable FMDV mutants by high-temperature screening, with an important alanine-to-threonine mutation at position 13 in the VP1 protein for capsid stability. These mutants showed improved stability and immunogenicity compared to the wild-type virus, potentially aiding in the development of a stable vaccine against FMDV serotype O.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Joseph Newman, David J. Rowlands, Tobias J. Tuthill
Summary: This study compared the characteristics of recombinant assembly and disassembly pentamers of picornavirus, specifically FMDV. Assembly pentamers sedimented faster and had higher reactivity with anti-VP4 antibodies compared to the disassembly pentamers. However, the reactivity with other antibodies was similar between the two pentamers, suggesting that major antigenic features may be preserved between assembly pentamers containing VP4 and disassembly pentamers lacking VP4.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yanli Yang, Ming Li, Yi Zhao, Xuan Lin, Zhiguo Su, Fei Xin, Xiaojie Du, Kan Zheng, Rui Han, Yiping Pan, Sun He, Songping Zhang
Summary: This study found strong non-specific adsorption of type A/AKT III FMDV on TSK G40 0 0 SWXL column in HPSEC analysis. By adding specific amino acid residues and salt additives, this adsorption can be suppressed. The optimized mobile phase conditions allow accurate quantification of two serotypes of FMDV with low relative standard deviation (RSD).
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Haozhou Li, Aldo Dekker, Shiqi Sun, Alison Burman, Jeroen Kortekaas, Michiel M. Harmsen
Summary: The efficacy of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine depends on the content of intact and empty viral particles. Capsid-specific VHH antibodies can be used to quantify intact capsids in the vaccine, improving efficacy and stability. These antibodies serve as excellent tools for monitoring the quantity and stability of intact capsids during the vaccine manufacturing process.
Article
Agronomy
Denny Kurniadie, Ryan Widianto, Annisa Nadiah Aprilia, Farida Damayanti
Summary: Chinese sprangletop is a major weed in rice fields in Africa, Australia, and Asia, causing significant yield reduction. Indonesian rice farmers tend to use high doses of herbicides without rotation, resulting in increased weed resistance. This study confirmed the resistance of Chinese sprangletop to certain herbicides and identified alternative herbicides for control.
Article
Agronomy
Denny Kurniadie, Ryan Widianto, Uum Umiyati, Dedi Widayat, Ceppy Nasahi, Ari Budiawan
Summary: This study validates the glyphosate resistance in a widely distributed grass species called Eleusine indica and investigates the mutations in the EPSPS gene of the resistant biotype, as well as the type of herbicides that can control the glyphosate-resistant biotypes. The results show that all biotypes of E. indica are resistant to glyphosate but sensitive to propaquizafop, ametryn, and sulfentrazone herbicides. Some biotypes also have multiple resistances to glyphosate, paraquat, and ammonium glufosinate. Amino acid substitutions were found in the EPSPS gene of the glyphosate-resistant biotypes. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism of resistance to paraquat and ammonium glufosinate in E. indica.
Article
Immunology
Junhong Hao, Chaochao Shen, Nannan Wei, Minghao Yan, Xuegang Zhang, Guowei Xu, Dajun Zhang, Jing Hou, Weijun Cao, Ye Jin, Keshan Zhang, Haixue Zheng, Xiangtao Liu
Summary: Foot-and-mouth disease virus antagonizes the activation of the IRF3/IFN-β signaling pathway via TPL2 for immune escape and enhanced virus replication. TPL2 deficiency leads to reduced expression of interferon-stimulated genes and interferon regulatory factors, resulting in increased virus replication.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Jonathan Arzt, Ian H. Fish, Miranda R. Bertram, George R. Smoliga, Ethan J. Hartwig, Steven J. Pauszek, Lauren Holinka-Patterson, Fayna C. Diaz-San Segundo, Tatjana Sitt, Elizabeth Rieder, Carolina Stenfeldt
Summary: Research showed that cattle can be simultaneously infected with two different serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), with different outcomes depending on the timing of exposure to the viruses. Dominant interserotypic recombinant FMDVs were discovered in upper respiratory tract samples of superinfected animals, indicating the potential role of persistently infected FMDV carriers in generating novel viral strains.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zhidong Zhang, Ryan Waters, Yanmin Li
Summary: Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection causes epithelial cell lesions and muscle-associated lesions in cloven-hoofed animals, leading to high mortality. Current knowledge about the non-epithelial tropism of FMDV remains limited.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carol M. Sheppard, Daniel H. Goldhill, Olivia C. Swann, Ecco Staller, Rebecca Penn, Olivia K. Platt, Ksenia Sukhova, Laury Baillon, Rebecca Frise, Thomas P. Peacock, Ervin Fodor, Wendy S. Barclay
Summary: This study reveals that human ANP32A and ANP32B are redundant host factors for influenza virus genome replication. By investigating the evolution of influenza virus in cells lacking ANP32A and ANP32B, the researchers discovered mutations that enable the virus to utilize ANP32E, a novel host factor, and observed increased virulence in mice.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Junyong Guan, Shichong Han, Jin'en Wu, Yun Zhang, Manyuan Bai, Sahibzada Waheed Abdullah, Shiqi Sun, Huichen Guo
Summary: Ribosomal protein L13 (RPL13) is involved in the antiviral immune response against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), inhibiting viral replication by inducing the activation of NF-kappa B and IFN-beta genes. The interaction between FMDV 3C(pro) protease and RPL13 reduces the expression of RPL13, thereby counteracting its antiviral activity. This study provides new insights into cellular antiviral defenses and virus-antagonizing mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Carolina Stenfeldt, Miranda R. Bertram, Haillie C. Meek, Ethan J. Hartwig, George R. Smoliga, Megan C. Niederwerder, Diego G. Diel, Scott A. Dee, Jonathan Arzt
Summary: The study investigated the infectivity of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in commercial pig feed and feed ingredients, determining the minimum infectious dose required for pigs to develop the disease. The results indicated that FMDV can remain infectious in pig feed ingredients for durations compatible with transoceanic transport, with variations in feeding conditions and virus strains affecting the probability of infection. This information can be used to model the risk of FMDV incursions and regulate feed importation to minimize the risk of unintentional importation.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tatsuya Nishi, Katsuhiko Fukai, Kentaro Masujin, Rie Kawaguchi, Mitsutaka Ikezawa, Manabu Yamada, Nozomi Nakajima, Takashi Komeno, Yousuke Furuta, Hiromi Sugihara, Chie Kurosaki, Kenichi Sakamoto, Kazuki Morioka
Summary: This study found that the pyrazinecarboxamide derivative T-1105 has strong antiviral activity against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and can effectively control the spread of FMDV in pigs.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ben Jackson, Yongjie Harvey, Eva Perez-Martin, Ginette Wilsden, Nicholas Juleff, Bryan Charleston, Julian Seago
Summary: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a global burden on the livestock industry, with vaccination being the most effective control strategy in endemic regions. However, challenges such as the instability of FMDV and the emergence of new strains exist in the development of efficient vaccines. Currently, vaccines in East Africa are comprised of relatively historic strains with unknown stabilities.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Estefan Miranda-Miranda, Silvana Scarcella, Enrique Reynaud, Veronica Narvaez-Padilla, Gisela Neira, Roberto Mera-Y-Sierra, Hugo Aguilar-Diaz, Raquel Cossio-Bayugar
Summary: The anthelmintic resistance of Fasciola hepatica may be related to the catalytic activity of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. An inducible enzyme, carboxylesterase B (CestB), was found to have a single nucleotide polymorphism at position 643 resulting in an amino acid substitution at position 215. This mutation affects the enzyme's affinity to inhibitors and ester ligands. A field genotyping survey showed the distribution of different alleles in parasites from Argentina and Mexico, without any linkage to host species or geographic origin.
Article
Biophysics
Santos Dominguez-Zotes, Alejandro Valbuena, Mauricio G. Mateu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of organic compounds binding to different sites in the HIV capsid on the mechanical properties of the capsid protein lattice. The results show that different compounds have different effects on the elasticity, breathing, strength, and fatigue resistance of the capsid lattice. The study provides insights into the biophysical action of capsid-binding antiviral agents by examining the mechanical properties of the viral capsid material.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maria-Jesus Perez-Perez, Juan-Carlos Saiz, Eva-Maria Priego, Miguel A. Martin-Acebes
Summary: The COVID pandemic has shown our vulnerability and the limited treatment options for emerging infectious diseases. Flaviviruses, transmitted by arthropods, pose a global health challenge with no approved drugs for treatment. In this Viewpoint, the advantages and disadvantages of virus-targeting antivirals and host-targeting drugs are analyzed, highlighting their complementary nature.
ACS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jose M. Casasnovas, Yago Margolles, Maria A. Noriega, Maria Guzman, Rocio Arranz, Roberto Melero, Mercedes Casanova, Juan Alberto Corbera, Nereida Jimenez-de-Oya, Pablo Gastaminza, Urtzi Garaigorta, Juan Carlos Saiz, Miguel Angel Martin-Acebes, Luis Angel Fernandez
Summary: Researchers have identified nine nanobodies from camel immunization that can effectively neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection. Four of these antibodies showed promising therapeutic potential by preventing the progression of lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice. The binding modes of these antibodies were consistent with their recognition of SARS-CoV-2 RBD variants.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nereida Jimenez de Oya, Patricia Perez, Ana-Belen Blazquez, Estela Escribano-Romero, Mariano Esteban, Juan-Carlos Saiz, Juan Garcia-Arriaza, Miguel A. Martin-Acebes
Summary: The Zika virus is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, which can cause birth defects and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Recent local infections in Europe and the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito raise concerns about future outbreaks in this region. However, the antigenic similarities of Zika with other flaviviruses pose challenges for vaccine development. This study found low cross-reactivity and no antibody-dependent enhancement between the Zika vaccine candidate and the West Nile virus, supporting the safety of the vaccine in areas where West Nile virus is endemic.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina del Alamo, Angela Vazquez-Calvo, Antonio Alcami, Juan Sanchez-Garcia-Casarrubios, Jose Luis Perez-Diaz
Summary: The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of preventing the spread of biological agents in the air and on surfaces. This study investigates the effectiveness of the COUNTERFOG (R) technology in disinfecting viral-contaminated surfaces and measures the required disinfection time. The results show that COUNTERFOG (R) can rapidly and efficiently eliminate viruses using sodium hypochlorite solution, with the concentration and exposure time playing a critical role in disinfection efficacy.
FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hadrian Alvarez-Fernandez, Patricia Mingo-Casas, Ana-Belen Blazquez, Flavia Caridi, Juan Carlos Saiz, Maria-Jesus Perez-Perez, Miguel A. Martin-Acebes, Eva-Maria Priego
Summary: Flavivirus, including pathogens such as Zika virus, Dengue virus, and West Nile virus, has no effective antiviral treatment available. Developing host-directed antivirals targeting host factors provides an opportunity for broad-spectrum antivirals. Recent studies have discovered that nSMase2, involved in lipid metabolism, plays a key role in West Nile virus and Zika virus infection. The non-competitive nSMase2 inhibitor DPTIP demonstrated potent antiviral activity against both viruses. Computational studies have identified an allosteric cavity in nSMase2 that can be targeted for the development of new inhibitors with anti-flaviviral activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina del Alamo, Angela Vazquez-Calvo, Africa Sanchiz, Gil Rodriguez-Caravaca, Rocio Martin, Bruno Hernaez, Pablo Mendez-Vigo-Carranza, Juan Sanchez Garcia-Casarrubios, Antonio Alcami, Jose Luis Perez-Diaz
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the dangers of airborne transmission of pathogens. This study explores a fast method for capturing bioaerosols in air samples, which allows for quick detection of transient levels of aerosols and has revealed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in hospital rooms. The results show that the distribution of SARS-CoV-2-containing aerosols is not homogeneous, and this technology provides a valuable tool for fast decision-making and better understanding of aerosols dynamics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Noelia Losada-Garcia, Angela Vazquez-Calvo, Antonio Alcami, Jose M. Palomo
Summary: The global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has highlighted the need for novel materials with antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Antiviral surface treatments, such as active-virucidal fabrics or paints, have multiple applications in various settings. This study presents a scaled-up nanostructured biohybrid material composed of small crystalline phosphate copper(II) nanoparticles, which effectively inactivate human coronaviruses and non-enveloped human rhinoviruses. The material's antiviral mechanism is believed to be the production of reactive oxygen species. The coating is durable, retains its antiviral activity over time, and can be reused after washing cycles.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Patricia de Leon, Rodrigo Canas-Arranz, Maria Jose Bustos, Margarita Saiz, Francisco Sobrino
Summary: Antiviral compounds targeting cellular metabolism, such as lauryl gallate (LG) and valproic acid (VPA), exhibit a wide antiviral spectrum and can effectively reduce virus replication of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. These compounds demonstrate a post-entry mechanism of action and show a synergistic effect when used in combination with remdesivir. These findings highlight the potential of host-targeted compounds as a first line of defense against viral diseases and as a complement to vaccines.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Luque, Alvaro Ortega-Esteban, Alejandro Valbuena, Jose Luis Vilas, Alicia Rodriguez-Huete, Mauricio G. Mateu, Jose R. Caston
Summary: The biological function of macromolecular complexes depends on large-scale transitions and small-scale conformational fluctuations. This study validates the use of cryo-EM to investigate the equilibrium dynamics of biomolecular complexes by comparing LR data with quantitative information obtained by an established solution technique. Cryo-EM provides high spatial resolution and allows simultaneous acquisition of atomic structure and local equilibrium dynamics.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Castor Salgado, Raquel Cue, Vanesa Yuste, Laura Montalvillo-Jimenez, Pilar Prendes, Senen Paz, Angela Vazquez-Calvo, Antonio Alcami, Carolina Garcia, Enrique Martinez-Campos, Paula Bosch
Summary: Commercial polyurethane coatings were modified with 1-(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylhydantoin to enhance their antiviral activity. The modified coatings showed high inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and human coronaviruses HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2. The coatings were rechargeable and maintained their virucidal activity even after multiple infection cycles.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Ascension Ariza-Mateos, Carlos Briones, Celia Perales, Francisco Sobrino, Esteban Domingo, Jordi Gomez
Summary: Studies with RNA enzymes and protein enzymes have identified structural elements in cellular mRNAs and viral RNAs that have common structural folds and may have an ancient and common origin. The term 'mRNA archaeology' refers to the search for these ancient RNA elements, which can provide insights into early evolutionary developments. These RNA elements may have developed as biological signals with structural and functional relevance, coexisting with the linear information of nucleic acid molecules.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alejandro Valbuena, Klara Strobl, Juan Carlos Gil-Redondo, Luis Valiente, Pedro J. de Pablo, Mauricio G. Mateu
Summary: This study investigates the uncoating process of human rhinovirus particles using an atomic force microscope. The results show that the high-force event is a stochastic process that leads to structurally weakened virus particles, with different fractions of the RNA molecule being externalized. The kinetics of this reaction are influenced by antiviral compounds or capsid mutation.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Nadia Maria Lopez-Urena, Rafael Calero-Bernal, Angela Vazquez-Calvo, Roberto Sanchez-Sanchez, Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora, Gema Alvarez-Garcia
Summary: This study developed and validated two in-house tests for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii, and compared them with four commercial ELISA kits. The results showed that all the techniques were accurate enough, except for one commercial kit which showed lower specificity. The diagnostic performance of the tests improved with cutoff readjustment, and cross-reactivity with antibodies to Neospora caninum was observed in all tests.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maria-Jesus Perez-Perez, Juan-Carlos Saiz, Eva-Maria Priego, Miguel A. Martin-Acebes
Summary: This viewpoint discusses the advantages and disadvantages of virus-targeting antivirals and host-targeting drugs as potential therapies for Flavivirus infections. These two approaches may be complementary, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
ACS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)