Article
Immunology
Lorena Usero, Lorna Leal, Carmen Elena Gomez, Laia Miralles, Elena Aurrecoechea, Ignasi Esteban, Berta Torres, Alexy Inciarte, Beatriz Perdiguero, Mariano Esteban, Felipe Garcia, Montserrat Plana
Summary: Researchers tested a novel HIV therapeutic vaccine using unmodified mRNA (TMEP-B) and mRNA modified by 1-methyl-3'-pseudouridylyl (TMEP-Bmod) that expressed sequences from Gag, Pol, and Nef proteins in transfected monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) obtained from HIV-infected patients. In vitro experiments were conducted to test the mRNAs alone and in combination with immunomodulators to enhance HIV-specific cellular immune responses. The combination of mRNAs with immunomodulators increased HIV-specific T-cell responses and the secretion of mediators involved in viral control, suggesting that these mRNA vaccines could potentially achieve a functional cure for HIV patients when combined with Vesatolimod and/or Nivolumab.
Article
Immunology
Justin Theophilus Ulrich-Lewis, Kevin E. Draves, Kelsey Roe, Megan A. O'Connor, Edward A. Clark, Deborah Heydenburg Fuller
Summary: This study found that stimulator of interferon genes (STING) plays a critical role within conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in mediating adaptive immune responses induced by DNA vaccines. STING within cDCs was shown to be responsible for the induction of type I T helper cell responses and Th1-type antibody responses, as well as the development of CD8(+) effector cell responses. These findings provide new insight into the mechanism of DNA vaccine-induced immune responses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Mona Sadat Larijani, Amitis Ramezani, Maryam Mashhadi Abolghasem Shirazi, Azam Bolhassani, Mohammad Hassan Pouriayevali, Sepideh Shahbazi, Seyed Mehdi Sadat
Summary: Various approaches have been explored to combat HIV-1 since 1981, but no effective vaccine has been found. In this study, antigens derived from p24 and nef genes were evaluated in full and truncated forms for their immunogenicity. Results showed that the truncated form of p24 and nef induced strong cellular immune responses, demonstrating potential as a dendritic cell therapeutic vaccine candidate against HIV-1.
Article
Oncology
Yue Liu, Joanna Pagacz, Donald J. Wolfgeher, Kenneth D. Bromerg, Jacob Gorman, Stephen J. Kron
Summary: Antigen presentation may be the limiting factor in the low immune response to radiation therapy, and combining immune checkpoint blockade does not restore cytotoxic T lymphocytes function. Therapeutic vaccines based on senescent tumor cells or SnC-activated dendritic cells have the potential to enhance immune therapies and limit recurrence or metastasis.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yunkai Yang, Xiaohan Guo, Bo Hu, Peng He, Xiaowu Jiang, Zuohuan Wang, Huaxing Zhu, Lina Hu, Minghua Yu, Meiqing Feng
Summary: The fusion protein SNU containing SecPen and ubiquitin-fused NY-ESO-1 loaded onto dendritic cells can elicit stronger and specific T cell immune responses, resulting in increased cytotoxicity towards MC38(NY-ESO-1) tumor cells.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ruben C. Hoogeveen, Suzan Dijkstra, Lea M. Bartsch, Hannah K. Drescher, Jasneet Aneja, Maxwell P. Robidoux, James A. Cheney, Joerg Timm, Adam Gehring, Paulo Sergio Fonseca de Sousa, Lya Ximenez, Luis Baiao Peliganga, Anita Pitts, Fiona B. Evans, Andre Boonstra, Arthur Y. Kim, Lia L. Lewis-Ximenez, Georg M. Lauer
Summary: This study compares HBV-specific T cell responses in patients with different degrees of viral control and finds that functional cure is associated with higher frequencies of functional HBV-specific CD4 memory T cell responses.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Marisierra Espinar-Buitrago, Ma Angeles Munoz-Fernandez
Summary: This article summarizes the interaction between dendritic cells and T lymphocytes, as well as the characterization of specific T-cell response against HIV-1 infection. The potential of using nanotechnology in the design and improvement of vaccines based on dendritic cells is also explored and presented.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Roque Pastor-Ibanez, Francisco Diez-Fuertes, Sonsoles Sanchez-Palomino, Jose Alcami, Montserrat Plana, David Torrents, Lorna Leal, Felipe Garcia
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the mRNA expression profiles and gut microbiome composition in predicting viral load control after antiretroviral therapy interruption. It was found that therapeutic vaccines based on dendritic cells may play a role in controlling viral load among HIV-infected individuals. Additionally, responders had enriched levels of specific bacteria in the gut microbiota associated with short-chain fatty acid production, which is important for intestinal homeostasis regulation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marta Calvet-Mirabent, Ildefonso Sanchez Cerillo, Noa Martin-Corfrees, Pedro Martinez-Fleta, Hortensia de la Fuente, Ilya Tsukalov, Cristina Delgado-Arevelo, Maria Jose Calzo, Ignaciode de los Santos, Jesus Sanz, Lucio Garcia-Fraile, Francisco Sanchez Madid, Arantzazu Alfranca, Maria Angles Munoz-Ferandez, Maria J. Buzon, Enrique Martin-Gayo
Summary: This study identifies specific immunometabolic parameters associated with functional restoration of CD8+ T cells in people living with HIV-1 on long-term ART. The findings suggest that CD8+ T cells from these patients show improved polyfunctionality and capacity to eliminate infected CD4+ T cells after treatment with Gag-adjuvant-primed DC. However, CD8+ T cells from patients on short-term ART show limited functional improvement after DC treatment, which is associated with altered memory cell subsets, increased expression of PD1 and TIGIT, and reduced metabolic activity upon TCR activation. Restoring the function of CD8+ T cells from these patients can be achieved through combined treatment with anti-PD1 and anti-TIGIT antibodies and a glycolysis promoting drug.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jakub Kopycinski, Hongbing Yang, Gemma Hancock, Matthew Pace, Ellen Kim, John Frater, Wolfgang Stohr, Tomas Hanke, Sarah Fidler, Lucy Dorrell
Summary: The "kick and kill" cure strategy aims to eliminate HIV-infected cells by inducing HIV protein expression and triggering immune responses. In a trial involving individuals with primary HIV infection, therapeutic vaccination along with antiretroviral therapy showed increased virus-specific immune responses, similar to those seen in HIV controllers.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tatiana M. Garcia-Bates, Mariana L. Palma, Renee R. Anderko, Denise C. Hsu, Jintanat Ananworanich, Bette T. Korber, Gaurav D. Gaiha, Nittaya Phanuphak, Rasmi Thomas, Sodsai Tovanabutra, Bruce D. Walker, John W. Mellors, Paolo A. Piazza, Eugene Kroon, Sharon A. Riddler, Nelson L. Michael, Charles R. Rinaldo, Robbie B. Mailliard
Summary: The study demonstrated the efficacy of using MDC1 to selectively elicit CTL responses against conserved and topologically important HIV-1 epitopes. Epigraph and Network antigens showed higher sequence conservation and stronger CTL responses compared to overlapping Gag peptides. Importantly, CTL responses against topologically constrained Gag epitopes were enhanced in Network pool-initiated cultures.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kue Peng Lim, Nur Syafinaz Zainal
Summary: With the regulatory approval of Provenge and T-VEC for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and advanced melanoma respectively, and other promising clinical trials outcomes, cancer vaccine is gaining prominence as a cancer therapeutic agent.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Fortunato, Giada Amodio, Silvia Gregori
Summary: Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) play a central role in immune homeostasis and peripheral tolerance. We developed a protocol to generate genetically engineered tolDC overexpressing IL-10 (DCIL-10) and found that they can modulate cytotoxic CD8(+) T cell responses by reducing proliferation and activation, and inducing anergic CD8(+) T cells without signs of exhaustion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seokhyeong Go, Mungyo Jung, Suyoung Lee, Sangjun Moon, Jihye Hong, Cheesue Kim, Yeonseok Chung, Byung-Soo Kim
Summary: A therapeutic cancer nanovaccine has been developed that enhances T cell responses by interacting with both dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. This nanovaccine, named CCM-MPLA-aCD28, activates tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and exhibits a higher antitumor efficacy compared to nanovaccines that interact with either DCs or T cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kara S. Cox, Lu Zhang, Daniel C. Freed, Aimin Tang, Shifang Zhang, Yu Zhou, I-Ming Wang, Richard E. Rupp, Stuart P. Adler, Luwy K. Musey, Dai Wang, Kalpit A. Vora, Tong-Ming Fu
Summary: The study analyzed vaccine-induced T cells for memory phenotype, antigen specificity, cytokine profiles, and cytolytic potential using multicolor flow cytometry. The results showed that vaccination elicited polyfunctional CD4 and CD8 T cells with predominantly effector phenotype responding to 2 dominant antigens, pp65 and IE1. Analysis of T-cell receptor repertoires demonstrated polyclonal expansion of antigen-specific T cells after vaccination.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Richard Harding, Christopher Iain Jones, Stephen Bremner, Katherine Bristowe, Brian West, Richard J. Siegert, Kelly K. O'Brien, Jennifer Whetham
Summary: This study aimed to assess the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Positive Outcomes measure in clinical practice. The results showed that the measure has good validity, reliability, and responsiveness, making it a useful tool for person-centered care.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Mocroft, Jose M. Miro, Gilles Wandeler, Josep M. Llibre, Anders Boyd, Kathrin van Bremen, Marek Beniowski, Julia Mikhalik, Matthias Cavassini, Fernando Maltez, Claudine Duvivier, Caterina Uberti Foppa, Brygida Knysz, Elzbieta Bakowska, Elena Kuzovatova, Pere Domingo, Alexandra Zagalo, Jean-Paul Viard, Olaf Degen, Ana Milinkovic, Thomas Benfield, Lars Peters
Summary: The study found a significant increase in the incidence of non-liver malignancies in PLWH with HBV infection, particularly in those who were HBV DNA positive and for NHL. These findings suggest the need for increased cancer screening in HIV-positive individuals with chronic HBV infection.
Article
Developmental Biology
Elena Melendez, Dafni Chondronasiou, Lluc Mosteiro, Jaime Martinez de Villarreal, Marcos Fernandez-Alfara, Cian J. Lynch, Dirk Grimm, Francisco X. Real, Jose Alcami, Nuria Climent, Federico Pietrocola, Manuel Serrano
Summary: The presence of natural killer (NK) cells significantly hampers the reprogramming of cells, both in vitro and in vivo. NK cells recognize and kill partially reprogrammed cells, leading to a decrease in in vivo reprogramming. Depletion of NK cells increases the efficiency of in vivo reprogramming.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Merce Herrero, Pilar Ciruela, Meritxell Mallafre-Larrosa, Sergi Mendoza, Gloria Patsi-Bosch, Erica Martinez-Solanas, Jacobo Mendioroz, Mireia Jane
Summary: This study describes and analyzes contact tracing indicators based on Catalonia's real data and proposes updates according to recommendations. The results show that Catalonia's SARS-CoV-2 contact tracing indicators improved over time despite challenges, providing valuable information for control policies and suggesting improvements in monitoring tools.
Article
Immunology
Rodrigo Alonso-Navarro, Genoveva Cuesta, Marta Santos, Celia Cardozo, Veronica Rico, Nicole Garcia-Pouton, Montse Tuset, Marta Bodro, Laura Morata, Pedro Puerta-Alcalde, Sabina Herrera, Dafne Soria, Marta Aldea, Josep Mensa, Jose Antonio Martinez, Ana Del Rio, Jordi Vila, Felipe Garcia, Carolina Garcia-Vidal, M. Angeles Marcos, Alex Soriano
Summary: A prospective study found that negative subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) at admission or after 5 days of remdesivir therapy was associated with better outcomes in hospitalized patients with moderate/severe COVID-19. Monitoring sgRNA levels could be useful in assessing the response to antiviral treatment.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tom J. Levett, Jaime H. Vera, Christopher Jones, Stephen Bremner, Agathe Leon, Josip Begovac, Ludwig Apers, Margarida Borges, Sime Zekan, Eugenio Teofilo, Felipe Garcia, Jennifer Whetham
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate frailty, falls and perceptions of ageing among clinically stable individuals with HIV who were engaged with remote healthcare delivered via a novel smartphone application. The results showed that frailty, falls and ageing dissatisfaction were uncommon but still present in this younger cohort, and were associated with pain and mood symptoms.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Joaquin Burgos, Sergio Moreno-Fornes, Juliana Reyes-Uruena, Andreu Bruguera, Raquel Martin-Iguacel, Berta Raventos, Josep M. Llibre, Arkaitz Imaz, Joaquim Peraire, Amat-Joaquim Orti, David Dalmau, Jordi Casabona, Josep M. Miro, Vicenc Falco
Summary: This multicentre prospective cohort study assessed the clinical and immunovirological outcomes of treatment-naive patients with advanced HIV disease starting antiretroviral therapy. The study found that patients treated with integrase strand transfer inhibitors (InSTIs) had lower mortality rates, earlier viral suppression, and earlier immune restoration.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nuria Climent, Juan Ambrosioni, Tania Gonzalez, Cristina Xufre, Maria Casadella, Marc Noguera-Julian, Roger Paredes, Montserrat Plana, Judith Grau-Exposito, Josep Mallolas, Jose Alcami, Sonsoles Sanchez-Palomino, Jose M. Miro
Summary: This study reports a case of a highly controlled HIV infection individual who maintained undetectable viral loads for 15 years after stopping antiretroviral therapy. The researchers found that the high activity of NK cells and CD8 T cells were associated with the control of viral replication.
Article
Immunology
Lorna Leal, Alberto C. Guardo, Luis M. Bedoya, Cristina Rodriguez de Miguel, Nuria Climent, Cristina Rovira, Manuela Beltran, Josep Llach, Jose Alcami, Angela D. M. Kashuba, Jose M. Gatell, Montserrat Plana, Felipe Garcia
Summary: Using colorectal tissue explants, we studied the impact of maraviroc (MVC), raltegravir (RAL), and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r) PEP-based regimens on rectal mucosal susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. We found that 28-day MVC treatment significantly suppressed viral replication and infectivity correlated with immune activation and senescence.
AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Lorena Usero, Lorna Leal, Carmen Elena Gomez, Laia Miralles, Elena Aurrecoechea, Ignasi Esteban, Berta Torres, Alexy Inciarte, Beatriz Perdiguero, Mariano Esteban, Felipe Garcia, Montserrat Plana
Summary: Researchers tested a novel HIV therapeutic vaccine using unmodified mRNA (TMEP-B) and mRNA modified by 1-methyl-3'-pseudouridylyl (TMEP-Bmod) that expressed sequences from Gag, Pol, and Nef proteins in transfected monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) obtained from HIV-infected patients. In vitro experiments were conducted to test the mRNAs alone and in combination with immunomodulators to enhance HIV-specific cellular immune responses. The combination of mRNAs with immunomodulators increased HIV-specific T-cell responses and the secretion of mediators involved in viral control, suggesting that these mRNA vaccines could potentially achieve a functional cure for HIV patients when combined with Vesatolimod and/or Nivolumab.
Article
Virology
Cristina Xufre, Tania Gonzalez, Lorna Leal, Charles M. Trubey, Jeffrey D. Lifson, Jose Maria Gatell, Jose Alcami, Nuria Climent, Felipe Garcia, Sonsoles Sanchez-Palomino
Summary: We presented a novel HIV autologous isolation method that can isolate high viral titers of autologous viruses and reduce the time required for virus preparation, providing new insights for HIV therapeutic vaccine clinical trials.
FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY
(2022)