Review
Virology
Bingan Wu, Zhongtian Qi, Xijing Qian
Summary: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in flavivirus infections globally, posing formidable challenges for public health systems worldwide. Mosquito-borne flaviviruses, including dengue virus, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and yellow fever virus, are the most clinically significant. Currently, there are no effective antiviral drugs available, making highly immunogenic vaccines the most effective means of controlling these diseases. Recent breakthroughs in flavivirus vaccine research have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical trials. This review summarizes the current advancements, safety, efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages of vaccines against mosquito-borne flaviviruses that pose significant threats to human health.
Review
Virology
Xijing Qian, Zhongtian Qi
Summary: Mosquito-borne flavivirus infections, including dengue and Zika virus infections, are global threats to public health. Currently, there are no specific antiviral agents available for the treatment of these diseases, but drug development targeting critical factors in the viral infection process is making progress.
Review
Virology
Stephen D. Carro, Sara Cherry
Summary: Flaviviruses are primarily transmitted through mosquitoes and cause hundreds of millions of infections globally each year, highlighting the urgent need for novel vaccines and antivirals. Recent studies have identified a specialized form of clathrin-mediated endocytosis as a potential target for antiviral therapies against mosquito-borne flaviviruses.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Laia Casades-Marti, Raul Cuadrado-Matias, Alfonso Peralbo-Moreno, Sara Baz-Flores, Yolanda Fierro, Francisco Ruiz-Fons
Summary: Through a 15-year study in five environmentally diverse areas of Spain, it was found that the transmission risk of West Nile virus (WNV) is closely related to environmental and host factors. Wild ungulates can serve as sentinel species for predicting the transmission risk of WNV.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yuan Fang, Xi-Shang Li, Wei Zhang, Jing-Bo Xue, Jia-Zhi Wang, Shou-Qin Yin, Sheng-Guo Li, Xin-He Li, Yi Zhang
Summary: This study conducted mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance in Tengchong County and identified the presence of Japanese encephalitis virus and seven species of insect-specific flaviviruses, indicating a potential Japanese encephalitis epidemic focus in the area, emphasizing the importance of virus surveillance to prevent transmission.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Amira Nebbak, Lionel Almeras, Philippe Parola, Idir Bitam
Summary: The article discusses the risks of infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes to both humans and animals. It focuses on mosquito species and diseases in North Africa, providing an update on the literature and highlighting the need for further research and effective surveillance and control strategies.
Article
Virology
Gervais Habarugira, Jasmin Moran, Jessica J. Harrison, Sally R. Isberg, Jody Hobson-Peters, Roy A. Hall, Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
Summary: Crocodilians, including saltwater crocodiles, are at risk of flavivirus infections and may serve as sentinels for monitoring arboviral infections.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
DeAnna J. Friedman-Klabanoff, Megan Birkhold, Mara T. Short, Timothy R. Wilson, Claudio R. Meneses, Joshua R. Lacsina, Fabiano Oliveira, Shaden Kamhawi, Jesus G. Valenzuela, Sally Hunsberger, Allyson Mateja, Gregory Stoloff, Olga Pleguezuelos, Matthew J. Memoli, Matthew B. Laurens
Summary: This study evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a mosquito salivary peptide vaccine in healthy adults. The results showed that the vaccine had a favorable safety profile and induced robust immune responses. Further research will determine if the vaccine translates into clinical efficacy against mosquito-borne diseases.
Article
Virology
Agathe M. G. Colmant, David Warrilow, Sonja Hall-Mendelin, Michael Onn, Jody Hobson-Peters, Bixing Huang, Nina Kurucz, Allan Warchot, Bridgette R. Primmer, Sally Isberg, Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann, Roy A. Hall
Summary: Mosquito samples were collected near crocodile farms in the Darwin region of Australia to study virus population. Although no Kunjin virus was detected, the optimized MAVRIC system identified viruses from three different classes and demonstrated the persistence of an insect-specific flavivirus in mosquitoes. Additionally, a novel Hubei macula-like virus was detected in two mosquito genera, suggesting a possible horizontal transmission cycle between arthropods and plants.
Review
Virology
Ahmed M. E. Elrefaey, Philippa Hollinghurst, Christine M. Reitmayer, Luke Alphey, Kevin Maringer
Summary: Mosquito-borne viruses of the Flavivirus genus, such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, pose a significant threat to global public health. Understanding the complex interactions between these viruses and their hosts is crucial for developing antiviral therapies and strategies to prevent their spread.
Article
Immunology
Francisco Llorente, Rafael Gutierrez-Lopez, Elisa Perez-Ramirez, Maria Paz Sanchez-Seco, Laura Herrero, Miguel angel Jimenez-Clavero, Ana Vazquez
Summary: This study aims to characterize the pathogenicity and course of infection of two viral strains (WNV/08 and USUV/09) in red-legged partridges in Southern Spain and compare them with the reference strain WNV/NY99. The results show that red-legged partridges are susceptible to WNV with similar pathogenicity as the prototype strain, while they are not competent hosts for the transmission of USUV.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Roland Bamou, Marie Paul Audrey Mayi, Borel Djiappi-Tchamen, Stella Mariette Nana-Ndjangwo, Elysee Nchoutpouen, Antony John Cornel, Parfait Awono-Ambene, Phillipe Parola, Timoleon Tchuinkam, Christophe Antonio-Nkondjio
Summary: The spread of mosquito-borne diseases in Africa has led to the need for active surveillance of mosquito diversity and disease distribution in Cameroon. The identification of numerous mosquito species and diseases will aid in the development of integrated vector control programs to prevent outbreaks and public health consequences.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Masayuki Ohira, Kentaro Yoshii, Yasuhiro Aso, Hideto Nakajima, Toru Yamashita, Ikuko Takahashi-Iwata, Norihisa Maeda, Katsuro Shindo, Toshihiko Suenaga, Tohru Matsuura, Kazuma Sugie, Tadanori Hamano, Akira Arai, Rikiya Furutani, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Chikako Kaneko, Yasuhiro Kobayashi, Eduardo Campos-Alberto, Lisa R. Harper, Juanita Edwards, Cody Bender, Andreas Pilz, Shuhei Ito, Frederick J. Angulo, Wilhelm Erber, Harish Madhava, Jennifer Moisi, Luis Jodar, Hidehiro Mizusawa, Masaki Takao
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases have been identified in Japan, including outside of Hokkaido, suggesting that TBEV infection may be undiagnosed in the country. This study retrospectively tested serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from hospitalized patients and confirmed three TBE cases. Limited clinical awareness and lack of TBE diagnostic tests contribute to the underdiagnosis of TBE in Japan.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joyce W. M. van Bree, Imke Visser, Jo M. Duyvestyn, Muriel Aguilar-Bretones, Eleanor M. Marshall, Martijn J. van Hemert, Gorben P. Pijlman, Gijsbert P. van Nierop, Marjolein Kikkert, Barry H. G. Rockx, Pascal Miesen, Jelke J. Fros
Summary: Vector-borne diseases, particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes, are a significant global health concern, accounting for over 17% of infectious diseases. The spread of vector mosquitoes and viruses is expected to increase due to climate change and human alterations to ecosystems. Vaccines for arbovirus infections are limited, and new strategies targeting conserved determinants of virulence and mosquito saliva proteins are being explored.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nnomzie C. Atama, Irina Chestakova, Erwin de Bruin, Tijs J. van den Berg, Emmanuelle Munger, Chantal Reusken, Bas B. Oude Munnink, Henk van der Jeugd, Judith M. A. van den Brand, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Reina S. Sikkema
Summary: Wild birds, especially feathers, are suitable sample types for monitoring arboviruses in bird surveillance. Involvement of citizens in collecting samples from wild birds is feasible. However, optimization is needed for DBS-based antibody detections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bruna Felicio Milazzotto Maldonado Porchia, Luana Raposo de Melo Moraes Aps, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Jamile Ramos da Silva, Mariangela de Oliveira Silva, Natiely Silva Sales, Rubens Prince dos Santos Alves, Clarissa Ribeiro Reily Rocha, Matheus Molina Silva, Karine Bitencourt Rodrigues, Tacita Borges Barros, Roberta Liberato Pagni, Patricia da Cruz Souza, Mariana de Oliveira Diniz, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira
Summary: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining active immunotherapy with cisplatin in treating advanced HPV-induced tumors. The combination treatment leads to complete tumor regression in mice and activates specific CD8+ T cells. The treatment also prevents tumor relapses and reduces the toxic effects of cisplatin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Leandro J. Benedini, Felipe F. Furlan, Douglas Figueiredo, Joaquin Cabrera-Crespo, Marcelo P. A. Ribeiro, Gilson Campani, Viviane M. Gonsalves, Teresa C. Zangirolami
Summary: This study develops a robust approach to model and simulate the purification of untagged heterologous proteins using ion exchange chromatography. The method combines experimental and computational procedures to identify improved conditions for the purification process. The results show that a reduced ionic strength improves the recovery and purity of the target protein, PspA4Pro.
PROTEIN EXPRESSION AND PURIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Luciano Zane, Stefanie Kraschowetz, Monalisa Martins Trentini, Vitor dos Santos Alves, Sergio Carneiro Araujo, Cibelly Goulart, Luciana Cezar de Cerqueira Leite, Viviane Maimoni Goncalves
Summary: By genetically fusing pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and detoxified pneumolysin (PdT), with flexible and rigid molecular linkers inserted between the antigens, a more stable hybrid protein was produced, offering higher cross-protection and showing the importance of protein structure on product stability for successful bioprocess development.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rubens Prince dos Santos Alves, Ying-Ting Wang, Zbigniew Mikulski, Sara McArdle, Norazizah Shafee, Kristen M. Valentine, Robyn Miller, Shailendra Kumar Verma, Fernanda Ana Sosa Batiz, Erin Maule, Michael N. Nguyen, Julia Timis, Colin Mann, Michelle Zandonatti, Suzie Alarcon, Jenny Rowe, Mitchell Kronenberg, Daniela Weiskopf, Alessandro Sette, Kathryn Hastie, Erica Ollmann Saphire, Stephen Festin, Kenneth Kim, Sujan Shresta
Summary: Although little is known about the neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, a study found that Omicron failed to infect the nasal tissue or brain in mice models. In contrast, Beta and Delta showed productive infection in the nasal cavity, lungs, and brain. The study also confirmed that exposure to SARS-CoV-2, even without detectable infection, can still induce an antiviral immune response.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Karla R. Castro, Grazielle O. Setti, Tassia R. de Oliveira, Monica J. Rodrigues-Jesus, Viviane F. Botosso, Ana P. Perini de Araujo, Edson L. Durigon, Luis C. S. Ferreira, Ronaldo C. Faria
Summary: An electrochemical immunoassay using magnetic beads and enzyme-labeled antibodies was developed for the detection of anti-ZIKV antibodies. The method showed high efficiency in detecting anti-ZIKV antibodies in serum samples, offering promising perspectives for the development of fast, simple, and affordable point-of-care diagnosis devices for ZIKV.
Article
Virology
Maria Fernanda de Castro-Amarante, Samuel Santos Pereira, Lennon Ramos Pereira, Lucas Souza Santos, Alexia Adrianne Venceslau-Carvalho, Eduardo Gimenes Martins, Andrea Balan, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira
Summary: This study evaluated the cross-inhibition effect of the DV2 peptide against Zika virus (ZIKV) and found that it efficiently inhibited ZIKV infectivity and reduced mortality in mice. These findings suggest that synthetic stem-based peptides have therapeutic potential against ZIKV infections.
Article
Virology
Carlos Roberto Prudencio, Vivaldo Gomes da Costa, Leticia Barboza Rocha, Hernan Hermes Monteiro da Costa, Diego Jose Belato Orts, Felipe Rocha da Silva Santos, Paula Rahal, Nikolas Alexander Borsato Lino, Pamela Joyce Previdelli da Conceicao, Cintia Bittar, Rafael Rahal Guaragna Machado, Edison Luiz Durigon, Joao Pessoa Araujo Jr, Juliana Moutinho Polatto, Miriam Aparecida da Silva, Joyce Araujo de Oliveira, Thais Mitsunari, Lennon Ramos Pereira, Robert Andreata-Santos, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, Daniela Luz, Roxane Maria Fontes Piazza
Summary: This study successfully developed serological tests for the detection of Zika virus infection, which can enhance the sensitivity of detecting Zika virus-infected subjects.
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Wagner Malago Tavares, Sabrina Araujo de Franca, Wellingson Silva Paiva, Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira
Summary: The meta-analysis demonstrated that early tracheostomy could benefit patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke by reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS).
AUSTRALIAN CRITICAL CARE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wesley L. Fotoran, Jamile Ramos da Silva, Christiane Glitz, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, Gerhard Wunderlich
Summary: This study demonstrated that cationic lipid-encapsulated self-amplifying mRNA (samRNA) constructs could achieve efficient gene transfection and antibody production in mouse skin, using a Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) vector. These results suggest that intradermal delivery of samRNA constructs with cationic lipid encapsulation is a feasible approach for developing malaria vaccines.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jose Luis Corchero, Marianna T. P. Favaro, Merce Marquez-Martinez, Jara Lascorz, Carlos Martinez-Torro, Julieta M. Sanchez, Hector Lopez-Laguna, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, Esther Vazquez, Neus Ferrer-Miralles, Antonio Villaverde, Eloi Parlade
Summary: By using protein engineering techniques, recombinant proteins can be assembled into functional materials such as nanoparticles or secretory microparticles for drug delivery purposes. The use of histidine-rich tags and divalent cations allows the construction of these materials from pure polypeptide samples. The selection of the protein biofabrication platform is crucial in determining the biophysical properties of the resulting products.
Article
Virology
Larissa L. F. de Sousa, Tatiane L. de Souza, Luiz H. S. Tibo, Francisco B. P. Moura, Francisco A. S. Junior, Edmilson F. de Oliveira-Filho, Louisa F. Ludwig-Begall, Gustavo Cabral-Miranda, Robert Andreata-Santos, Luiz M. R. Janini, Leo L. M. Poon, Ricardo Duraes-Carvalho
Summary: Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis caused by the rabies virus, and the rabies virus circulating in bats and white-tufted marmosets in Northeastern Brazil shows a close evolutionary relationship, highlighting the need for a surveillance platform to track multiple variants of the virus.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Victor Bolsanelli Cioffi, Maria Fernanda de Castro-Amarante, Aleksei Lulla, Robert Andreata-Santos, Mario Costa Cruz, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Mariangela de Oliveira Silva, Bianca de Miranda Peres, Lucio Holanda Gondim de Freitas Junior, Carolina Borsoi Moraes, Edison Luiz Durigon, Nicola Coker Gordon, Marko Hyvoenen, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, Andrea Balan
Summary: This study utilized the RAD display system to present peptides derived from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, leading to the detection of specific antibodies and the generation of inhibitory antibodies against viral infection. The RAD display system shows promise as a platform for peptide-based vaccine antigen design, epitope-specific antibody mapping, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic antibodies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
