Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Aditi Mehta, Thomas Michler, Olivia M. Merkel
Summary: AVRIs pose a significant burden on human health and the global economy, with no effective vaccines or treatments available for most cases. The RNAi pathway shows promise for developing nucleic acid-based antiviral drugs, but challenges remain in delivering siRNAs to target cells and infection sites.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bissera Pilicheva, Radka Boyuklieva
Summary: Despite progress in fighting against COVID-19, it remains a dramatic challenge for scientists worldwide. Various approaches, including repurposed medications and nasal administration, are being utilized. Several vaccines have been approved, with many more in clinical and preclinical investigation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Rebecca Shu Ling Tan, Pouya Hassandarvish, Chin Fei Chee, Lai Wah Chan, Tin Wui Wong
Summary: This review discusses the progress in the design and application of chitosan and its derivatives for their antiviral effects, as well as the potential of processing them into nanomedicine for higher antiviral efficacy. The aims of targeting SARS-CoV-2 and evolving virus strains with chitosan designs are also explored to meet pandemic preparedness at the early stages of outbreak.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clayton J. Otter, Alejandra Fausto, Li Hui Tan, Alisha S. Khosla, Noam A. Cohen, Susan R. Weiss
Summary: This study compares the replication and cytotoxicity of several coronaviruses in human nasal epithelial cells. The results show that different viruses have different replication abilities and cytotoxic effects, and the status of nasal epithelial cells (such as asthma inflammation) also affects the availability of viral receptors and replication.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Srinivasa Reddy Bonam, Niranjan G. Kotla, Raghvendra A. Bohara, Yury Rochev, Thomas J. Webster, Jagadeesh Bayry
Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has become a global pandemic with significant mortality rates due to pulmonary pathology. Nanomedicine shows promise as a potential strategy in treating COVID-19.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhiqiang Ku, Xuping Xie, Paul R. Hinton, Xinli Liu, Xiaohua Ye, Antonio E. Muruato, Dean C. Ng, Sujit Biswas, Jing Zou, Yang Liu, Deepal Pandya, Vineet D. Menachery, Sachi Rahman, Yu-An Cao, Hui Deng, Wei Xiong, Kevin B. Carlin, Junquan Liu, Hang Su, Elizabeth J. Haanes, Bruce A. Keyt, Ningyan Zhang, Stephen F. Carroll, Pei-Yong Shi, Zhiqiang An
Summary: A newly engineered IgM neutralizing antibody, IgM-14, demonstrates over 230-fold higher potency in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 compared to the parental IgG-14. IgM-14 also displays strong neutralizing activity against resistant virus variants and receptor-binding domain mutants, indicating its potential as an effective therapy for COVID-19.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hannah A. D. King, M. Gordon Joyce, Ines Elakhal Naouar, Aslaa Ahmed, Camila Macedo Cincotta, Caroline Subra, Kristina K. Peachman, Holly H. Hack, Rita E. Chen, Paul Thomas, Wei-Hung Chen, Rajeshwer S. Sankhala, Agnes Hajduczki, Elizabeth J. Martinez, Caroline E. Peterson, William C. Chang, Misook Choe, Clayton Smith, Jarrett A. Headley, Hanne A. Elyard, Anthony Cook, Alexander Anderson, Kathryn McGuckin Wuertz, Ming Dong, Isabella Swafford, James B. Case, Jeffrey R. Currier, Kerri G. Lal, Mihret F. Amare, Vincent Dussupt, Sebastian Molnar, Sharon P. Daye, Xiankun Zeng, Erica K. Barkei, Kendra Alfson, Hilary M. Staples, Ricardo Carrion, Shelly J. Krebs, Dominic Paquin-Proulx, Nicos Karasavvas, Victoria R. Polonis, Linda L. Jagodzinski, Sandhya Vasan, Paul T. Scott, Yaoxing Huang, Manoj S. Nair, David D. Ho, Natalia de Val, Michael S. Diamond, Mark G. Lewis, Mangala Rao, Gary R. Matyas, Gregory D. Gromowski, Sheila A. Peel, Nelson L. Michael, Kayvon Modjarrad, Diane L. Bolton
Summary: The RFN-ALFQ vaccine induced robust immune responses in macaques, rapidly controlling viral replication and demonstrating good cross-neutralization activity against different SARS-CoV-2 variants. It also elicited responses against the SARS-CoV-1 virus, highlighting its broad immunogenicity for Sarbecovirus vaccine development.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Peter J. Halfmann, Steven J. Frey, Kathryn Loef, Makoto Kuroda, Tadashi Maemura, Tammy Armbrust, Jie E. Yang, Yixuan J. Hou, Ralph Baric, Elizabeth R. Wright, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, Ravi S. Kane
Summary: Researchers have developed a vaccine based on the conserved S2 subunit of the S protein and optimized the adjuvant and immunization regimen. The vaccine showed efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuexiu Zhang, Mijia Lu, K. C. Mahesh, Eunsoo Kim, Mohamed M. Shamseldin, Chengjin Ye, Piyush Dravid, Michelle Chamblee, Jun-Gyu Park, Jesse M. Hall, Sheetal Trivedi, Supranee Chaiwatpongsakorn, Adam D. Kenny, Satyapramod Srinivasa Murthy, Himanshu Sharma, Xueya Liang, Jacob S. Yount, Amit Kapoor, Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Purnima Dubey, Prosper N. Boyaka, Mark E. Peeples, Jianrong Li
Summary: This study developed a recombinant mumps virus (rMuV)-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate and demonstrated its high immunogenicity and protective efficacy. In animal experiments, the vaccine candidate induced immune responses, generated neutralizing antibodies, and provided protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Eijaz Ahmed Bhat, Johra Khan, Nasreena Sajjad, Ahmad Ali, Fahad M. Aldakeel, Ayesha Mateen, Mohammed S. Alqahtani, Rabbani Syed
Summary: This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, genome structure, and treatment and prevention of COVID-19, focusing on the structure of its viral proteins and pathogenic mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenying Yan, Weili Yu, Lijuan Shen, Lucheng Xiao, Jinming Qi, Tao Hu
Summary: This study developed a nanoparticle vaccine by chemically conjugating RBD with loxoribine and SpyCatcher/ SpyTag for COVID-19. The vaccine showed high levels of antibodies and neutralizing antibodies, stimulated immune cell activity, and exhibited no toxicity to mouse organs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mohammad A. I. Al-Hatamleh, Ma'mon M. Hatmal, Walhan Alshaer, Engku Nur Syafirah E. A. Rahman, Manali Haniti Mohd-Zahid, Dina M. Alhaj-Qasem, Chan Yean Yean, Iskandar Z. Alias, Juhana Jaafar, Khalid Ferji, Jean-Luc Six, Vuk Uskokovic, Hiroshi Yabu, Rohimah Mohamud
Summary: This review discusses the recent advances in COVID-19 infection, focusing on nanomedicine applications that may help in the development of effective vaccines or therapeutics against COVID-19. The authors propose a novel perspective for the future, suggesting that the use of polymersome nano-objects can effectively suppress the cytokine storm and reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mai N. Vu, Hannah G. Kelly, Stephen J. Kent, Adam K. Wheatley
Summary: COVID-19 has caused massive health and economic disruptions globally, and mass vaccination is the most efficient way to end the pandemic. Nanoparticle-based vaccines are becoming increasingly important in extending or improving vaccination outcomes against COVID-19, with over 26 candidates in clinical testing and around 60 more in pre-clinical development. The emerging promise of nanotechnology in vaccine design and manufacturing to combat SARS-CoV-2 presents both opportunities and challenges.
Review
Cell Biology
Weizheng Liang, Huimin Liu, Junli He, Lisha Ai, Qingxue Meng, Weiwen Zhang, Chengwei Yu, Hao Wang, Hui Liu
Summary: Autophagy is a conservative lysosomal catabolic pathway that helps maintain cellular homeostasis, playing a dual role in viral infection where it can either combat viruses by orchestrating immunity or be exploited by certain viruses to aid in their replication. Recent studies have shed light on the intricate and multidirectional interactions between autophagy and viral infections, providing insights for potential antiviral treatments against infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyung Soo Park, Joseph D. Bazzill, Sejin Son, Jutaek Nam, Seung Won Shin, Lukasz J. Ochyl, Jeanne A. Stuckey, Jennifer L. Meagher, Louise Chang, Jun Song, David C. Montefiori, Celia C. LaBranche, Janet L. Smith, Jie Xu, James J. Moon
Summary: The study introduces a new lipid-based nanoparticle vaccine platform that effectively presents viral proteins to induce antibody responses and promotes dendritic cell uptake. Using this platform successfully induced neutralizing antibody responses against HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alessandro Mengozzi, Georgios Georgiopoulos, Marco Falcone, Giusy Tiseo, Nicola Riccardo Pugliese, Meletios A. Dimopoulos, Lorenzo Ghiadoni, Greta Barbieri, Francesco Forfori, Laura Carrozzi, Massimo Santini, Fabio Monzani, Salvatore De Marco, Francesco Menichetti, Agostino Virdis, Stefano Masi
Summary: The study found a relationship between high sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) and mortality in COVID-19 patients, as well as strong associations with D-dimer and CRP. Anticoagulation treatment showed significant benefits in reducing mortality, especially in patients with higher hsTnT levels.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Lisha Zha, Xinyue Chang, Hongxin Zhao, Mona O. Mohsen, Liang Hong, Yuhang Zhou, Hongquan Chen, Xuelan Liu, Jie Zhang, Dong Li, Ke Wu, Byron Martina, Junfeng Wang, Monique Vogel, Martin F. Bachmann
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a new coronavirus, has led to a significant global health crisis with over 110 million cases and 2 million deaths recorded. Rapid development of a protective vaccine is crucial in combating the virus.
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marcel A. Heinrich, Marina Mangia, Jai Prakash
Summary: This forum highlights the consequences of endotoxin contamination in biomaterials on different engineered tissues and discusses its potential effects on novel 3D immunocompetent pathophysiological models.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Priyanshu Shukla, Sriya Yeleswarapu, Marcel A. Heinrich, Jai Prakash, Falguni Pati
Summary: 3D bioprinting offers the potential to develop more realistic in vitro tumor models and recreate the tumor microenvironment, providing a new platform for research in tumor biology and the pharmaceutical industry.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Nicole B. Day, Rianne Dalhuisen, Nichole E. Loomis, Sarah G. Adzema, Jai Prakash, C. Wyatt Shields
Summary: This study describes a tissue-adhesive hydrogel system that can regulate the release of drugs independent of its bulk properties. The release mechanism is mediated by microparticles with defined crosslink densities. By encapsulating different drugs into the particles, multimodal drug release can be achieved. The system demonstrates capabilities of sustained polarization of immune cells and transdermal drug delivery, with implications in treating various skin disorders, managing infections, and delivering vaccines.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Praneeth R. Kuninty, Karin Binnemars-Postma, Ahmed Jarray, Kunal P. Pednekar, Marcel A. Heinrich, Helen J. Pijffers, Hetty ten Hoopen, Gert Storm, Peter van Hoogevest, Wouter K. den Otter, Jai Prakash
Summary: In this study, engineered nanoliposomes mimic peroxidated phospholipids and specifically target tumor-associated macrophages. The nanoliposomes are efficiently taken up by M2 macrophages and can reduce premetastatic niche or tumor growth in vivo upon treatment with inhibitors or drugs.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rahul Rimal, Prachi Desai, Rasika Daware, Aisa Hosseinnejad, Jai Prakash, Twan Lammers, Smriti Singh
Summary: The tumor microenvironment, specifically cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), plays a critical role in tumor progression and drug resistance. This review presents imaging techniques for visualizing CAF and CAF-induced fibrosis, as well as compounds known to modulate CAF activity. Additionally, CAF-targeted therapies and CAF-modulating nanocarriers are discussed, along with the challenges and prospects for these treatments.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Dwi L. Priwitaningrum, Kunal Pednekar, Alexandros V. Gabriel, Aida A. Varela-Moreira, Severine Le Gac, Ivo Vellekoop, Gert Storm, Wim E. Hennink, Jai Prakash
Summary: In this study, the effect of nano-chemotherapeutics on tumor stroma was evaluated using a tumor stroma-mimicking 3D in vitro model. The results showed that polymeric nanoparticles could penetrate the tumor stroma and induce cytotoxicity in tumor cells, but the efficacy was limited in the 3D model. This tumor stroma-mimicking 3D model can serve as an excellent platform for studying the penetration and effects of nanotherapeutics.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Tao Lu, Lisa Oomens, Leon W. M. M. Terstappen, Jai Prakash
Summary: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are important drivers in the tumor microenvironment and facilitate the growth and survival of tumor cells, as well as metastasis formation. In this study, we aimed to study circulating CAFs (cCAFs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a preclinical breast tumor model in mice in order to understand the effect of chemotherapy on cCAFs and CTC formation. We found that tumors with CAFs grew faster than tumors without CAFs. Furthermore, chemotherapy may exacerbate the formation of cCAFs and CTCs, which may eventually support the formation of a metastasis niche in breast cancer.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Marcel Alexander Heinrich, Irene Uboldi, Praneeth Reddy Kuninty, Marc J. K. Ankone, Joop van Baarlen, Yu Shrike Zhang, Kartik Jain, Jai Prakash
Summary: A multi-layered vascularized 3D PDAC model was developed to study the compression of blood vessels in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) caused by fibrosis. The model mimics the activation of cells and vessel compression observed in fibrotic tumors. In silico and in vivo experiments showed that cancer-associated fibroblast modulation therapy can inhibit the cell-mediated compression of blood vessels in PDAC.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cristina Muntean, Eva Blondeel, Laure Harinck, Kunal Pednekar, Jai Prakash, Olivier De Wever, Jeanne Leblond Chain, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Katrien Remaut, Koen Raemdonck
Summary: siRNAs are promising therapeutics for human diseases, but efficient delivery into cells is crucial. In this study, we evaluated ebastine as a siRNA delivery enhancer and found that it significantly improves siRNA release in cancer cells, leading to enhanced gene silencing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Marcel Alexander Heinrich, Lena Heinrich, Marc J. K. Ankone, Bjorn Vergauwen, Jai Prakash
Summary: Recent developments in biofabrication, especially 3D bioprinting, have highlighted the need for biomaterials that can accurately replicate target tissues. However, the presence of endotoxins in these biomaterials is often overlooked. This study demonstrates that high levels of endotoxins in commercially-available gelatin can significantly impact the behavior of macrophages and cancer cells in a 3D bioprinted co-culture model. The contamination of biomaterials with endotoxins can affect intra- and intercellular communication and drug efficacy, potentially leading to misinterpretation of the tested compounds' potency and safety.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xintong Zhang, Yanhong Liu, Wei Liu, Liqing Chen, Mingji Jin, Zhonggao Gao, Wei Huang
Summary: This study developed a macrophage-hitchhiking gene delivery system for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The system demonstrated excellent targeting ability and nuclear entry ability, leading to efficient transfection of interleukin-10 in macrophages and alleviation of inflammation symptoms. This research provides a novel strategy for gene therapy and gene delivery system design for rheumatoid arthritis and other similar inflammatory diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Richard K. Cross, Dave Spurgeon, Claus Svendsen, Elma Lahive, Simon Little, Frank von der Kammer, Frederic Loosli, Marianne Matzke, Teresa F. Fernandes, Vicki Stone, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, Eric A. J. Bleeker
Summary: Even small changes in physicochemical properties of nanoforms (NFs) can influence their environmental fate and hazard. Testing and characterizing each individual NF will not be feasible due to the large number of new materials being developed. Targeting the most relevant form of the NF for a given exposure is important for efficient risk assessment. In aquatic systems, functional fate processes play a key role in determining the exposure relevant form of NFs. Grouping of NFs and read-across based on functional fate pathways can be justified by considering the shared fate and hazard profile. A new Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) is presented, focusing on dissolution, dispersion stability, chemical transformations, and the contribution to toxicity from particles and dissolved components. This IATA can be used as a template for future in vivo kinetic assessments.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minhui Lu, Xiaoxuan Zhang, Lijun Cai, Jingjing Gan, Jinglin Wang, Yu Wang, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: Researchers have proposed a novel black phosphorus-loaded hydrogel inverse opal microneedle patch that exhibits photothermal responsive capacity and vivid structural color screening for psoriasis treatment. With improved materials, structures, and functions, the microneedle patch enables intelligent drug delivery and enhances drug loading and controllable release.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qianyun Tang, Dandan Wang, Jinhui Cui, Yiheng Zhang, Junyang Mei, Jing Du, Anyue Xia, Qian Sun, Dan Luo, Baosan Han, Mingzhe Gan, Peifeng Liu
Summary: This study presents a novel microfluidic platform for precise and flexible control of oxygen concentrations in microbial suspension culture. The platform demonstrates unique capabilities for spatiotemporal gas control and detection, allowing for applications in screening, studying, and culturing industrial or niche-specific environmental microbiomes.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaen Wu, Hao Chen, Jiawei Xu, Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman, Shengmei Li, Jie Wang, Shifen Huang, Charles C. Han, Shanshan Xu, Ying Liu
Summary: This review categorizes the potential health risks of microplastic pollution by focusing on the three primary pollution sources. It provides an in-depth analysis of the pharmacokinetics, toxicity potential, and biological mechanism of microplastics in the human body. The review aims to fill knowledge gaps about the toxicity of microplastics on human health and provide ideas for repairing the damage caused by microplastics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fanshu Ma, Yi Cao, Jincong Yan, Zhongzhong Lu, Lina Sun, Zahid Hussain, Zheng Wang, Li Wang, Renjun Pei
Summary: This study proposes a simple yet powerful method to create multifunctional hybrid nanovesicles that combine the characteristics of oncolytic viruses and pyroptosis, leading to enhanced tumor targeting and improved immune response. The results demonstrate excellent tumor inhibition efficacy against melanoma and pulmonary metastasis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fangmian Wei, Johannes Karges, Siyuan Gao, Lili Wang, Xiting Zhang, Xing-Can Shen, Liangnian Ji, Hui Chao
Summary: This study presents the coordination of Ru(II) polypyridine complexes to graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for oxygen-self-sufficient two-photon photodynamic immunotherapy. The conjugates were found with strong two-photon absorption and could generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce cell death and inhibit tumor growth through immune system activation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weiwei Zheng, Shun-Yu Yao, Haijun Hu, Xiping Chen, Zhefeng Qian, Wenxing Liu, Yang Zhu, Zhengwei Mao, Dong-Sheng Guo, Changyou Gao
Summary: In this study, a hypoxia-responsive self-assembled peptide hydrogel was prepared for ischemic stroke treatment. The hydrogel showed the ability to release drugs and effectively improve motor function, reduce infarct volume, and alleviate inflammation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qianqian Qiao, Jinyu Wang, Kai Long, Linwei Li, Jiahao Chen, Yuhao Guo, Ziqiang Xu, Ying Kuang, Tianjiao Ji, Cao Li
Summary: This study developed a catalytic system using titanium-based MXene nanosheets to load enzymes and anticancer drugs. The nanosheets demonstrated catalase-like activity and photothermal capability, enabling enhanced cancer treatment through starvation therapy and alleviation of hypoxia. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the effective anticancer capability of this enzyme cascade system.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shiyang Wu, Yan He, Ruiqi Zhou, Chunlin Chen, Dawei Chen, Haiyang Hu
Summary: In this research, LDHA@MIP-DSD nanoparticles were designed to enhance the effectiveness of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in cancer immunotherapy. LDHA@MIP-DSD improved the accessibility of nanodrugs to cancer cells by surface imprinting LDHA and induced autophagy with SLN. The combination of these two effects resulted in optimal immune stimulation and antitumor efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xu Zhang, Kejian Shi, Jiahui Mao, Kerou Mao, Yangrui Jia, Jiakun Zhang, Qingzhen Wang, Ru Bai, Fene Gao, Shihui Liu, Mengyu Guo, Fenglan Qin, Shengmin Li, Chunying Chen, Huige Zhou, Jing Liu, Fulin Chen
Summary: Compared with vein injection, oral administration is a preferred non-invasive and self-help treatment option for cancer therapy. However, the harsh gastrointestinal tract and biological barriers limit the stability and efficiency of oral drug delivery systems. To overcome these challenges, researchers have developed Cyssome, a drug delivery platform that can maintain stability in harsh environments, penetrate biological barriers, and improve drug release and bioavailability.
