Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yue Yu, Tong Zhang, Dongbo Lu, Jing Wang, Zhenhe Xu, Yuanxing Zhang, Qin Liu
Summary: The Baculovirus Expression Vector System (BEVS) is a powerful insect cell-based protein expression system for drug and vaccine development. In this study, the lambda red recombination system was used to knock out genes in a modified AcMNPV, resulting in 69 gene knockout AcMNPVs (KOVs) that were evaluated for infection efficiency.
Article
Virology
Xingang Chen, Xiaoqin Yang, Chengfeng Lei, Fujun Qin, Xiulian Sun, Jia Hu
Summary: The orf13 gene of AcMNPV plays a crucial role in the efficient nuclear egress of nucleocapsids during virion budding, while being dispensable for occlusion body formation. The encoded protein colocalizes with the nuclear lamina and deletion of ac13 significantly reduces virion budding from infected cells.
Article
Virology
Jeffrey J. Hodgson, A. Lorena Passarelli, Peter J. Krell
Summary: The transcriptional modification of the chiA and v-cath genes in the baculovirus enhances its spread and suppresses the insect host. Reprogramming of the promoters polh and p6.9 in the recombinant baculovirus successfully modulates the temporal transcription of chiA and v-cath genes, leading to increased enzyme activities and mortality in infected cells and larvae. These findings have significant implications for the development of enhanced baculovirus-based biopesticides.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jianxiang Qiu, Zumei Liu, Zhixin Fang, Wenjiao Wu
Summary: Coiled coils (CCs) are important protein structural motifs and play crucial roles in protein structure and function. This study identified and analyzed 24 CC motifs in a large DNA virus, Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), and found that these motifs are involved in various biological interactions and viral replication processes.
Article
Virology
Jianan Huang, Jing Hu, Longyu Zhang, Yang Zhao, Hongying Chen, Xiaodong Xu
Summary: In this study, the enhancement effect of hr4a on gene expression was investigated by adding hr4a to different types of viral promoters and the reporter gene egfp. The results showed that hr4a increased gene transcription controlled by early promoters, but had no enhancer effect on late promoters.
Article
Virology
Sainan Li, Bingming Ou, Yina Lv, Tian Gan, Haizhou Zhao, Wenhua Liu
Summary: This study characterized the function of Group II SpltMNPV VP39 in Group I AcMNPV, and demonstrated through sequence alignment, immunoblot analysis, and viral replication experiments that SpltMNPV VP39 cannot efficiently substitute AcMNPV VP39 during nucleocapsid assembly.
Article
Microbiology
Xingang Chen, Jian Yang, Xiaoqin Yang, Chengfeng Lei, Xiulian Sun, Jia Hu
Summary: The study identified Phe-54 as a crucial residue in AC75 protein for viral propagation and occlusion body formation in AcMNPV, whereas Gln-81 does not play a role in viral propagation. Additionally, the Phe-54 mutation affects AC75 stability and polyhedrin assembly.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huan Yu, Chang-Jin Yang, Yi-Yi Ou-Yang, Yue Tong, Hui-Yu Lan, Jia-Min Gan, Shi-Wei Li, Ding-Yi Bai, Guo-Hua Huang
Summary: Genetic engineering technology was used to introduce six ascovirus genes into Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), resulting in increased viral production, improved insecticidal efficiency, and larger occlusion bodies (OBs). This study provides a novel strategy for improving baculoviruses as biological insecticides.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Tong Chen, Xiaoyan Duan, Hengrui Hu, Yu Shang, Yangbo Hu, Fei Deng, Hualin Wang, Manli Wang, Zhihong Hu
Summary: The study investigated the impact of 42 genes of AcMNPV on the production of infectious BVs, revealing that 36 genes are dispensable, 3 genes are essential, and 3 genes are important but not essential for infectious BV production. The results contribute to understanding the functional genomics of baculoviruses and provide valuable information for future engineering of baculovirus expression systems.
Article
Biology
Qiaojin Jia, Yuejun Fu
Summary: By analyzing the expression of miRNAs in Spodoptera frugiperda cells (Sf9 cells), it was found that there were 49 differentially expressed miRNAs during Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) infection, among which 10 miRNAs showed significant changes in expression. The transcription levels of core genes in the miRNA biogenesis pathway were significantly increased after AcMNPV infection. This study reveals the important role of the miRNA biogenesis pathway in Sf9 cells in resisting AcMNPV infection.
Article
Agronomy
Qiaojin Jia, Yuejun Fu
Summary: We investigated the role of miR-34-5p encoded by S. frugiperda in the antiviral process against AcMNPV. miR-34-5p inhibited the replication and infection of AcMNPV by directly targeting AcMNPV genes, especially ac78 and ie2. This study provides new insights for the prevention and green control of lepidopteran pests.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Xiaoyue Zhang, Aiping He, Yuyu Zong, Houlu Tian, Zhihui Zhang, Kaixia Zhao, Xiaodong Xu, Hongying Chen
Summary: Baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is a versatile platform for protein production in insect cells. This study deleted 14 DNA fragments from AcMNPV genome, found that 11 of them were dispensable for virus replication, and showed improved protein production by combining the deletions of some fragments. These findings have the potential to further improve BEVS.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jia Wang, Jian Yang, Chengfeng Lei, Xiulian Sun, Jia Hu
Summary: During the life cycle of a baculovirus, a phosphorylated protein plays a crucial role in the formation of the protein matrix envelope, which protects the virus against adverse external environments.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yong Qi, Shan-Shan Wang, Lu-Lin Li
Summary: Late gene expression of baculovirus depends on the virus-encoded RNA polymerase. The immediate-early gene ie1 plays essential roles in viral early gene expression, late gene expression, and DNA replication. IE1 can independently activate late gene expression, showing nonspecific transcription start sites.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tadaharu Yokogawa, Keiji Nagano, Mari Fujita, Hiroshi Miyakawa, Masahiro Iijima
Summary: Researchers discovered a mutant strain derived from Trepoenema denticola with a mutation on the chromosome, exhibiting different characteristics compared to the original strain. The mutant strain grew denser, formed colonies on agar medium, but had decreased motility and adhesion. This mutant strain could be useful for studying the genetic background responsible for the physiological and pathogenic characteristics of T. denticola.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenfei Wang, Guofang Deng, Guoliang Zhang, Ziqi Yu, Fan Yang, Jianyong Chen, Yi Cai, Oliver Werz, Xinchun Chen
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yunlong Hu, Zhihua Wen, Song Liu, Yi Cai, Jiubiao Guo, Yuzhong Xu, Dachuan Lin, Jialou Zhu, Dechang Li, Xinchun Chen
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Yuping Ning, Yi Cai, Youchao Dai, Fuxiang Li, Siwei Mo, Oliver Werz, Xinchun Chen
Summary: Mitochondrial dynamics play a critical role in macrophages' response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, with MFN1-mediated fusion regulating ATP-dependent autophagy and mycobactericidal activity. Targeting the MFN1-mediated metabolism pathway could be a potential host-directed therapy strategy against tuberculosis.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Siwei Mo, Xiaoqian Liu, Kehong Zhang, Wenfei Wang, Yi Cai, Qi Ouyang, Chuanzhi Zhu, Dachuan Lin, Haoqiang Wan, Dechang Li, Zhihua Wen, Xinchun Chen
Summary: Flunarizine enhances the bactericidal ability of macrophages against Mycobacterium tuberculosis by increasing the phosphorylated levels of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. The expression of CaM is decreased in Mtb-infected macrophages, but restored following flunarizine treatment, leading to phagolysosome maturation and acidification. Silencing CaM or inhibiting CAMKII activity reduces the ability of macrophages to fight against TB infection.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chuanzhi Zhu, Yi Cai, Siwei Mo, Jialou Zhu, Wenfei Wang, Bin Peng, Jiubiao Guo, Zongde Zhang, Xinchun Chen
Summary: Mtb infection increases 5hmC levels in the TNF promoter and promotes TET2 demethylase expression, leading to TNF over-expression. NF-kappa B binds to TET2 and mediates TNF demethylation on the TNF promoter.
Article
Microbiology
Yi Cai, Eleni Jaecklein, Jared Mackenzie, Kadamba Papavinasasundaram, Andrew J. Olive, Xinchun Chen, Adrie J. C. Steyn, Christopher M. Sassetti
Summary: Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a major global health problem resulting in over one million deaths annually. Mtb's ability to adapt to various immunological and environmental pressures, including through flexible respiratory capacity, is crucial for its pathogenic success. This study highlights the importance of cytochrome bd oxidase in Mtb's resistance to the adaptive immune response, particularly in acidic conditions induced by IFN gamma, and shows its impact on the efficacy of a potential new tuberculosis therapy.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Liang Fu, Taoping Weng, Feng Sun, Peize Zhang, Hui Li, Yang Li, Qianting Yang, Yi Cai, Xilin Zhang, Hancheng Liang, Xinchun Chen, Zhaoqin Wang, Lei Liu, Wenhong Zhang, Guofang Deng
Summary: This study evaluated two optimized all-oral short-course regimens for MDR-TB patients in China and found satisfactory efficacy and safety in the early treatment stage. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yi Cai, Yejun Wang, Chenyan Shi, Youchao Dai, Fuxiang Li, Yuzhong Xu, Peize Zhang, Fanhui Kong, Guofang Deng, Zhihua Wen, Qi Zhou, Boxi Chris Kang, Amit Singhal, Qianting Yang, Carl G. Feng, Xinchun Chen
Summary: The study reveals the landscape of local T cell immunity in tuberculosis and provides insights into the involvement of specific T cell populations in the pathogenesis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE). The findings suggest a link between clonal expansion of Granzyme K-expressing CD8 T cells and TPE.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Wenfei Wang, Yuping Ning, Yejun Wang, Guofang Deng, Simona Pace, Stefanie A. Barth, Christian Menge, Kehong Zhang, Youchao Dai, Yi Cai, Xinchun Chen, Oliver Werz
Summary: This study found that infection of human macrophages by M.tb significantly increases the expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1, leading to the formation of a large amount of PGE(2). However, the anti-inflammatory drug SASP can reduce the expression of COX-2 and the release of PGE(2).
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Medicine, General & Internal
Yi Cai, Youchao Dai, Yejun Wang, Qianting Yang, Jiubiao Guo, Cailing Wei, Weixin Chen, Huanping Huang, Jialou Zhu, Chi Zhang, Weidong Zheng, Zhihua Wen, Haiying Liu, Mingxia Zhang, Shaojun Xing, Qi Jin, Carl G. Feng, Xinchun Chen
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Youchao Dai, Chuanzhi Zhu, Wei Xiao, Xinchun Chen, Yi Cai
Summary: In order to survive in the host despite ongoing immune responses, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) exploits the autophagic degradation of ferritin mediated by a selective autophagy receptor, NCOA4, in macrophages to enhance iron bioavailability and bacterial growth. The degradation of ferritin in macrophages is also involved in the progression of human tuberculosis disease. The study identifies modulation of host ferritin metabolism as a novel strategy for Mtb's intracellular growth and suggests it as a potential target for host-directed therapy against tuberculosis.
Article
Immunology
Yuping Ning, Wenfei Wang, Paul M. Jordan, Stefanie A. Barth, Robert Klaus Hofstetter, Jinjin Xu, Ximeng Zhang, Yi Cai, Christian Menge, Xinchun Chen, Oliver Werz
Summary: Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a global health concern. In this study, it is shown that M. tuberculosis induces COX-2 expression in human macrophages and promotes the formation of anti-inflammatory J2-PGs. These J2-PGs have anti-inflammatory effects in M1-MDMs, downregulating proinflammatory cytokines and upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines and M2 markers.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ruiyao Xu, Wei Xiao, Guanggui Ding, Jiang Zeng, Hui Liu, Yi Cai, Xinchun Chen
Summary: Traditional pathological techniques have limitations in revealing the heterogeneity of tuberculosis granulomas. Multiplex tissue imaging tools combined with spatial analysis have enabled the detection of various cell phenotypes and visualization of the granuloma complex. This updated understanding of tuberculous granuloma heterogeneity provides vital insights for uncovering immunoregulatory mechanisms and identifying biological targets for host-directed therapies.
WIRES MECHANISMS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lina Daniel, Nayan D. Bhattacharyya, Claudio Counoupas, Yi Cai, Xinchun Chen, James A. Triccas, Warwick J. Britton, Carl G. Feng
Summary: During chronic tissue inflammation, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection remodels the structure of lymph nodes by increasing the number of B cells. The presence of B cells limits the T cell response to persistent intracellular infection.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Jiubiao Guo, Ximeng Zhang, Xinchun Chen, Yi Cai
Summary: Researchers are utilizing proteomics technology to discover new biomarkers for tuberculosis diagnosis, and while some progress has been made, challenges and uncertainties still remain.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)