Article
Immunology
Michael Puckette, Benjamin A. A. Clark, Jose Barrera, John G. G. Neilan, Max V. V. Rasmussen
Summary: We evaluated four DNA vaccine candidates for their ability to produce virus-like particles (VLPs) and elicit a protective immune response against Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in cattle. However, none of the DNA vaccine candidates elicited protection from clinical disease when administered independently. Administration of pTarget O1P1-3C plasmid enhanced neutralizing antibody titers when used as a priming dose prior to administration of a conditionally licensed adenovirus-vectored FMD vaccine.
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
Veterinary Sciences
Simon Gubbins, David J. Paton, Aldo Dekker, Anna B. Ludi, Ginette Wilsden, Clare F. J. Browning, Michael Eschbaumer, Jamie Barnabei, Hernando Duque, Lisa L. Pauszek, Donald P. King
Summary: Serology plays an important role in predicting the immune protection of vaccinated individuals and populations against infectious diseases. Studies on foot-and-mouth disease show that neutralising antibody titres correlate with protection, but there is significant variability in cross-strain protection. Further research is needed to understand the factors contributing to this variability and establish more reliable antibody thresholds.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nagendrakumar Balasubramanian Singanallur, Aldo Dekker, Phaedra Lydia Eble, Froukje van Hemert-Kluitenberg, Klaas Weerdmeester, Jacquelyn J. Horsington, Wilna Vosloo
Summary: Vaccination is a key tool in controlling and eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, but the effectiveness of vaccines against different virus strains needs to be considered. This study examined the protective effects of the O3039 vaccine strain against a new virus variant, showing promising results in terms of protection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sreenivasa Beeragere Parameshwaraiah, Jajati K. Mohapatra, Veena Jumanal, Dhanesh Valia Valappil, Saravanan Subramaniam, Bhimnere Hanumanthagouda Manjunatha Patel, Suresh H. Basagoudanavar, Madhusudan Hosamani, Brahmadev Pattnaik, Raj Kumar Singh, Aniket Sanyal
Summary: Recent field outbreak strains of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype A in India have shown considerable antigenic drift from the vaccine strain, necessitating the selection of a new strain. The new candidate strain, A IND 27/2011, showed variation in key antigenic amino acid positions compared to the vaccine strain A IND 40/2000, but demonstrated suitability as an effective vaccine strain with strong adaptability, immunogenicity, and potency in cattle.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kelly Buckle, Rudolfo Bueno, Andrew McFadden, Mary van Andel, Richard Spence, Carolyn Hamill, Wendi Roe, Emilie Vallee, Fernanda Castillo-Alcala, Ronel Abila, Blesilda Verin, Bolortuya Purevsuren, Ashish Sutar, Htun Htun Win, Myo Thiha, Khin Ohnmar Lwin, Syseng Khounsy, Sengxay Phonthasy, Viliddeth Souriya, Chattouphone Keokhamphet, Jonathan Arzt, Anna Ludi, Valerie Mioulet
Summary: This study investigated the presence of FMDV RNA in healthy cattle and buffalo in Laos and Myanmar, revealing that 7.3% of animals had detectable FMDV RNA on their mucosal surfaces, suggesting subclinical infection may play a role in FMD epidemiology. Additionally, a high percentage of animals tested positive for NSP antibodies, indicating previous exposure to FMDV.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Anucha Muenthaisong, Amarin Rittipornlertrak, Boondarika Nambooppha, Pallop Tankaew, Thanya Varinrak, Marutpong Pumpuang, Korkiat Muangthai, Kheemchompu Atthikanyaphak, Tawatchai Singhla, Kidsadagon Pringproa, Veerasak Punyapornwithaya, Takuo Sawada, Nattawooti Sthitmatee
Summary: The combined FMD-HS vaccine in this study induced high levels of both antibody and cellular immune responses in vaccinated cattle without antigenic competition, suggesting it could serve as an alternative vaccine against both HS and FMD in dairy cattle under field conditions.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Virology
Zhixiong Zhang, Rui Zhang, Juanbin Yin, Shuaiyang Zhao, Xiaodong Qin, Fei Chen, Yang Yang, Ling Bai, Zijing Guo, Yongshu Wu, Yanmin Li, Zhidong Zhang
Summary: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. Current emergency FMD vaccines have limited early protective effects, leading to the use of antiviral drugs or additives to control outbreaks. This study found that manganese (Mn2+) has antiviral effects against FMDV in both cells and mice, suggesting it as a potential effective antiviral additive for controlling FMDV infection.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gyeongmin Lee, Hyo Rin Kang, Aro Kim, Jong-Hyeon Park, Min Ja Lee, Su-Mi Kim
Summary: This study investigated the antiviral effects of GS-9620 against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). It was found that GS-9620 inhibited the virus in swine cells and induced the production of interferons and cytokines, providing early protection. Furthermore, the combination of GS-9620 with an inactivated vaccine was highly effective.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joao Paulo Portela Catani, Tine Ysenbaert, Anouk Smet, Marnik Vuylsteke, Thorsten U. U. Vogel, Xavier Saelens
Summary: Influenza B viruses (IBV) are responsible for a significant burden of influenza virus infections. The emergence and circulation of Yamagata and Victoria antigenic lineages across the globe complicate the prediction of future influenza vaccines. The addition of the neuraminidase (NA) antigen has the potential to provide broader protection against influenza B viruses.
Article
Virology
Can Cokcaliskan, Pelin Tuncer-Goktuna, Beyhan Sareyyupoglu, Tuncer Turkoglu, Muhammet Yildiz, M. Nuri Firat Deveci, Eylem Aras-Uzun, Abdullah Arslan, Ayca Kurkcu, Ergun Uzunlu, Erdogan Asar
Summary: This study found that intradermal administration of a quarter dose of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine provides an equal or better antibody response after booster administration, allowing for more cattle to be immunized with the same amount of vaccine.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Carolina Stenfeldt, Ian Fish, Haillie C. Meek, Jonathan Arzt
Summary: This study investigates the pathogenesis of FMDV coinfections in cattle, showing that simultaneous infection does not lead to recombinant viruses, but heterologous superinfection of persistently infected carrier cattle does. The study also demonstrates a multifocal and heterogeneous distribution of FMDV infection in the nasopharyngeal tissue. These findings highlight the importance of FMDV carriers in the emergence of new recombinant strains.
Article
Virology
Aro Kim, Gyeongmin Lee, Ji-Hyeon Hwang, Jong-Hyeon Park, Min Ja Lee, Byounghan Kim, Su-Mi Kim
Summary: The development of a novel antiviral and immunostimulant, Bac-Con3N IFN-alpha, in combination with inactivated FMD vaccines, shows promise in providing early protection against FMDV in pigs and boosting neutralizing antibody levels.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
W. A. Gayan Chathuranga, Chamith Hewawaduge, N. A. Nadeeka Nethmini, Tae-Hwan Kim, Ju Hun Kim, Young-Hoon Ahn, In-Joong Yoon, Sung-Sik Yoo, Jong-Hyeon Park, Jong-Soo Lee
Summary: This study developed two multiepitope recombinant proteins as potential vaccine candidates for foot-and-mouth disease. The results showed that these proteins effectively induced immune responses and protected animals from the virus. By using appropriate adjuvants, the protective efficacy of the vaccine candidates can be enhanced, providing a method for developing effective and safe vaccines for the prevention and control of foot-and-mouth disease.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jitendra K. Biswal, Beeragere Parameshwaraiah Sreenivasa, Jajati K. Mohapatra, Saravanan Subramaniam, Veena Jumanal, Suresh H. Basagoudanavar, Valia Valappil Dhanesh, Madhusudan Hosamani, Ramasamy Periyasamy Tamil Selvan, Narayanan Krishnaswamy, Rajeev Ranjan, Bramhadev Pattnaik, Raj Kumar Singh, Bishnu Prasad Mishra, Aniket Sanyal
Summary: Foot-and-mouth disease is a significant threat to animal health worldwide. The current vaccine has limitations in terms of heat susceptibility, requiring cold chain storage. This study successfully generated a more thermostable mutant vaccine strain, which has the potential to replace the existing strain.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatriz G. G. de la Torre, Fernando Albericio
Summary: While the world was battling with the COVID-19 Omicron wave at the end of 2021, except for China, most countries ended 2022 with COVID-19 being treated like the flu. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only authorized 37 new drugs this year, compared to an average of 52 in the previous four years. This marks the second lowest number of drug approvals in the last six years, even though it may change in the future. The decrease in FDA approvals mainly applies to small molecule drugs, while biologics and TIDES have remained relatively constant.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Toni Todorovski, Daniela Kalafatovic, David Andreu
Summary: Infectious diseases caused by microbial pathogens are a major global health challenge, with viral infections being particularly notable due to the lack of effective drugs to combat their high mutation rate. The use of peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) as targeted delivery systems has gained attention as a potential solution. This review discusses the current state of antiviral PDCs, focusing on the types of peptides and antiviral drugs used, as well as the challenges and future prospects of this class of therapeutics.
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
Entomology
Laura Regalado, Sara Sario, Rafael J. J. Mendes, Javier Valle, Peta J. J. Harvey, Catia Teixeira, Paula Gomes, David Andreu, Conceicao Santos
Summary: In this study, the biological activity of two underexplored spider venom peptides (J-atracotoxin-Hv1c and mu-theraphotoxin-Hhn2b) against adult D. suzukii flies was assessed, as well as the biological response of flies to these peptides through detoxification mechanisms. Results demonstrate that mu-theraphotoxin-Hhn2b enhanced fly longevity. Gene expression analysis suggests that detoxification and stress-related mechanisms are triggered in D. suzukii flies in response to treatment with these peptides. Our results highlight the potential of venom peptides to control D. suzukii and how to ultimately devise improved target-specific formulations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
K. P. Nandhini, Mahama Alhassan, Clinton G. L. Veale, Fernando Albericio, Beatriz G. de la Torre
Summary: The solid-phase synthesis of Met-containing peptides often leads to the formation of impurities, Met(O) and sulfonium salt, due to oxidation and S-alkylation reactions. These reactions occur during the final acidolytic cleavage step. In this study, two new cleavage solutions were developed to eliminate oxidation and reduce S-alkylation. The optimal mixture for Cys-containing peptides was TFA-anisole-TMSCl-Me2S-TIS with triphenyl phosphine, while TIS was not required for other peptides. Both cleavage solutions were effective for sensitive amino acids like Cys and Trp. The sulfonium salt was successfully reversed to free Met-containing peptide by heating with acetic acid.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander C. Martins, Fernando Albericio, Beatriz G. de la Torre
Summary: The year 2022 saw the successful control of the COVID-19 pandemic in most countries through social and hygiene measures and vaccination campaigns. However, there was a decrease in total drug approvals by the FDA, particularly for small molecules. The Biologics class, on the other hand, maintained its figures with the authorization of 15 novel molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Othman Al Musaimi, Danah Al Shaer, Fernando Albericio, Beatriz G. de la Torre
Summary: In 2022, a total of 37 new drug entities were approved, with TIDES class drugs gaining five authorizations, consisting of four peptides and one oligonucleotide. The majority of these drugs (23 out of 37) were first-in-class and received fast-track designation by the FDA. This analysis focuses on the TIDES approved in 2022, examining their chemical structure, medical target, mode of action, administration route, and common adverse effects.
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
Immunology
Blanca D. Lopez-Ayllon, Ana de Lucas-Rius, Laura Mendoza-Garcia, Transito Garcia-Garcia, Raul Fernandez-Rodriguez, Jose M. Suarez-Cardenas, Fatima Milhano Santos, Fernando Corrales, Natalia Redondo, Federica Pedrucci, Sara Zaldivar-Lopez, Angeles Jimenez-Marin, Juan J. Garrido, Maria Montoya
Summary: The study found that SARS-CoV-2 encodes eleven accessory proteins in its genome, and their roles during infection are not fully understood. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that WNT5A and IL11 were significantly up-regulated in A549 cells expressing certain accessory proteins from SARS-CoV-2. Bioinformatics analysis and functional assays confirmed the involvement of WNT5A and IL11 in pulmonary fibrosis, and altered profibrotic gene expression was observed in lung cell lines infected with SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 patients' lung biopsies. These findings suggest that targeting these accessory proteins could be a potential therapeutic approach against COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adam Carrera-Aubesart, Maria Gallo, Sira Defaus, Toni Todorovski, David Andreu
Summary: Bioactive peptides have gained recognition in biomedical areas due to their unique interactions with biological membranes. Topoisomeric peptides, made up of D-amino acids, provide a way to overcome protease degradation and mimic native peptide structures. This review focuses on recent advances in topoisomeric peptides with therapeutic applications, such as drug delivery and antimicrobial and anticancer activities, and discusses their interactions with membrane targets.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tanya Roman, Gerardo Acosta, Beatriz G. de la Torre, Constanza Cardenas, Fanny Guzman, Fernando Albericio
Summary: This study presents an optimized procedure for activating 2-chlorotrityl chloride (2-CTC) resin, reducing the use of activation reagent and activation time. It also demonstrates the feasibility of reusing the resin and achieving different degrees of activation by varying the amount of thionyl chloride (SOCl2).
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Babita Kushwaha, Sinenhlanhla N. Mthembu, Anamika Sharma, Fernando Albericio, Beatriz G. de la Torre
Summary: We have synthesized disulfide-reducing agents DPDT and DMPDT from serinol and methyl serinol, respectively. DPDT demonstrated higher stability than DMPDT. The reducing capacity of DPDT was found to be comparable to that of DTT, and its effectiveness was evaluated in both liquid and solid phases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Nicolini, Toni Todorovski, Eduard Puig, Mireia Diaz-Lobo, Marta Vilaseca, Jesus Garcia, David Andreu, Ernest Giralt
Summary: Tumour suppressor p53 plays a crucial role in cancer development, but the tetramerisation mechanism of p53 is not fully understood. Mutations in p53, which occur in nearly 50% of cancers, can alter the oligomeric state of the protein and affect its biological function and cell fate decisions.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
K. P. Nandhini, Danah Al Shaer, Fernando Albericio, Beatriz G. G. de la Torre
Summary: Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are important mimics of DNA/RNA that can effectively bind with high affinity and specificity. Due to their metabolic stability, PNAs have broad applications in various fields. However, PNA synthesis faces challenges such as difficulties in preparing monomers and their solubility, as well as obstacles related to intra/inter chain aggregation and side reactions. Different protecting group strategies can be employed to overcome these hurdles and optimize the synthesis process.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
K. P. Nandhini, Sikabwe Noki, Edikarlos Brasil, Fernando Albericio, Beatriz G. de la Torre
Summary: Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are a class of synthetic biomolecules with great potential in medicine. A new PNA SPS strategy based on a safety-catch protecting group scheme has been developed, allowing the synthesis of PNAs using Boc as a temporal protecting group.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
