Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wan Lu, Zhuangzhuang Zhao, Yao-Wei Huang, Bin Wang
Summary: This review summarizes the research progress on VLPs from different known CoVs, mainly focusing on their characteristics, generation methods, chimerism, and applications in basic research and clinical settings. These studies may contribute to the development of novel VLP vaccines against emerging coronaviruses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carlos Calcines-Cruz, Ilya J. Finkelstein, Armando Hernandez-Garcia
Summary: Inspired by viral packaging signals, researchers used the programmability of CRISPR-Cas12a to successfully guide the self-assembly of synthetic polypeptides into virus-like particles (VLP) on specific DNA molecules. This method allowed for successful binding to DNA templates, particle growth, and DNA encapsidation, demonstrating improved self-assembly efficiency and the ability to discriminate between different DNA templates by the synthetic polypeptide.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alexander Marin, Ananda Chowdhury, Sarah M. Valencia, Athina Zacharia, Reinhard Kirnbauer, Richard B. S. Roden, Ligia A. Pinto, Robert H. Shoemaker, Jason D. Marshall, Alexander K. Andrianov
Summary: PCMP, a new member of polyphosphazene immunoadjuvant family, exhibits hydrolytic degradation profile and immunostimulatory activity comparable to its clinical stage homologue PCPP, but with reduced sensitivity to the ionic environment. In vivo evaluation with RG1-VLPs vaccine showed that PCMP induced potent humoral immune responses, especially in the production of protective cross-neutralizing antibodies, outperforming PCPP and Alhydrogel adjuvanted formulations.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Diana Aguado-Garcia, Alex Olvera, Christian Brander, Victor Sanchez-Merino, Eloisa Yuste
Summary: The long-term storage stability of vaccines is crucial for the success of global immunization programs. This study evaluated the stability of a HIV-1 virus-like particle vaccine prototype and found that it maintained its structural integrity and the recognition of relevant B-cell epitopes for up to three months at 4 and -20 degrees C. Interestingly, even after a week of storage at room temperature, most particles remained intact and preserved their ability to recognize relevant epitopes.
Article
Immunology
Vasilis C. Pliasas, Zach Menne, Virginia Aida, Ji-Hang Yin, Maria C. Naskou, Peter J. Neasham, J. Fletcher North, Dylan Wilson, Katharine A. Horzmann, Joshy Jacob, Ioanna Skountzou, Constantinos S. Kyriakis
Summary: This study evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of a novel vaccine against influenza virus infection in a pig model. The results showed that the vaccine induced high levels of anti-NA antibodies and provided protection comparable to a commercial vaccine.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Yu-Hsuan Yang, Ching-Hui Tai, Dayna Cheng, Ya-Fang Wang, Jen-Ren Wang
Summary: In this study, H5N6 virus-like particles (VLPs) were generated and tested for their potential as a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate against H5Nx avian influenza viruses. The results showed that H5N6 VLPs induced higher neutralizing antibody titers and increased production of immune-related cytokines compared to H5+N6 proteins, suggesting that H5N6 VLPs may be a potential vaccine candidate.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kimberly Braz Gomes, Grace Lovia Allotey-Babington, Sucheta D'Sa, Sang-Moo Kang, Martin J. D'Souza
Summary: This study examined the activation status of dendritic cells (DCs) and the innate and adaptive immune responses after exposure to M2e VLP vaccine. Results showed that the M2e VLP microparticle had a strong stimulatory effect on DCs, and the presence of Alhydrogel(R) and MPL-A(R) adjuvants enhanced this effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Hasnat Tariq, Sannia Batool, Saaim Asif, Mohammad Ali, Bilal Haider Abbasi
Summary: Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures with various applications in therapeutics, immunization, and diagnostics. Recent advancements in biomedical engineering have made commercially available VLP-based vaccines widely used in combating infectious diseases. However, there are production and fabrication challenges that need to be addressed before VLP-based approaches can be widely used. This review provides insights into the characteristics, expression systems, and potential applicability of VLP-based vaccines, emphasizing their potential as ideal candidates to combat emerging virulent pathogens and induce immunity against them.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haina Huang, Katrin Karbstein
Summary: This passage discusses the tendency of three-helix junctions to misfold during the assembly of small ribosomal subunits in cells, and reveals the pivotal role of ribosome assembly factors in facilitating their correct folding.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Virology
Jeng-Yih Chang, Karl V. Gorzelnik, Jirapat Thongchol, Junjie Zhang
Summary: This study presents the complete gRNA model of the ssRNA phage Q beta, revealing the interaction between the 3' untranslated region and Mat through RNA-RNA interactions. Various forms of virus-like particles are also discovered, with an increase in the percentage of smaller VLPs observed when overexpressing CPs.
Article
Immunology
Anne-Cathrine S. Vogt, Lukas Joerg, Byron Martina, Pascal S. Krenger, Xinyue Chang, Andris Zeltins, Monique Vogel, Mona O. Mohsen, Martin F. Bachmann
Summary: Heterologous prime-boost vaccination strategies using mRNA and virus-like particles can induce high levels of antibody responses and may optimize the efficacy and economics of novel vaccine strategies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Giuditta De Lorenzo, Rapeepat Tandavanitj, Jennifer Doig, Chayanee Setthapramote, Monica Poggianella, Ricardo Sanchez-Velazquez, Hannah E. Scales, Julia M. Edgar, Alain Kohl, James Brewer, Oscar R. Burrone, Arvind H. Patel
Summary: The study developed ZIKV subunit and virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines, which induced antibodies with a higher capacity to neutralize virus infection and protected animals from lethal challenge with both the African and Asian lineages of ZIKV. The engineered immunogens reduced the potential to induce antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection and showed promising efficacy in comparison with the wild-type derivatives.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Esmeralda Cuevas-Juarez, Victoria Pando-Robles, Laura A. Palomares
Summary: The Flavivirus genus, including human pathogens such as dengue and Zika virus, poses a significant threat to human health. Vaccination remains the most effective method to combat these viruses, with recombinant vaccines like virus-like particles and single-round infectious particles showing promise in inducing immune responses. Challenges remain in the design, production, safety, and efficacy of these alternative vaccines for flaviviruses.
Article
Allergy
Jan M. Sobczak, Pascal S. Krenger, Federico Storni, Mona O. Mohsen, Ina Balke, Gunta Resevica, Matthew D. Heath, Thalia Carreno L. Velazquez, Matthias F. Kramer, Callum J. W. Scott, Murray A. Skinner, Andris Zeltins, Thomas M. Kundig, Monique Vogel, Martin F. Bachmann
Summary: A novel vaccine candidate (VLP Peanut) based on virus-like particles (VLPs) has been developed for the treatment of peanut allergy. The vaccine has shown to be highly immunogenic and effective in preventing and treating severe reactions caused by peanut allergy in mouse models. These findings suggest that VLP Peanut holds promise as a breakthrough immunotherapy vaccine candidate for peanut allergy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksander Strugala, Jakub Jagielski, Karol Kamel, Grzegorz Nowaczyk, Marcin Radom, Marek Figlerowicz, Anna Urbanowicz
Summary: The study investigated the self-assembly principles of virus-like particles (VLPs) and their influencing factors, including ionic strength, pH, and encapsulated cargo. Empty VLP assembly was significantly influenced by pH, while the ionic strength of the buffer also played an important role. The structured tRNA was found to profoundly increase the stability of VLPs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pratik Shah, Riddhi Nagda, Il Lae Jung, Yong Joo Bhang, Sang-Woo Jeon, Chang Seop Lee, Changwoo Do, Keonwook Nam, Young Min Kim, Sooyeon Park, Young Hoon Roh, Peter Waaben Thulstrup, Morten Jannik Bjerrum, Tae-Hwan Kim, Seong Wook Yang
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jeong Un Kim, Hafiz Muhammad Shahbaz, Hyunah Lee, Taehyung Kim, Kyungjik Yang, Young Hoon Roh, Jiyong Park
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2020)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wooil Kwon, Jin-Young Jang, Ki Byung Song, Dae Wook Hwang, Song Cheol Kim, Jin Seok Heo, Dong Wook Choi, Ho Kyoung Hwang, Chang Moo Kang, Yoo-Seok Yoon, Ho-Seong Han, Joon Seong Park, Tae Ho Hong, Chol Kyoon Cho, Keun Soo Ahn, Huisong Lee, Seung Eun Lee, Chi-Young Jeong, Young Hoon Roh, Hee Joon Kim
Summary: This study identified risk factors for recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) including margin status, WHO grade, and lymph node (LN) status. PNETs <= 2 cm had lower risk and higher 5-year survival rate. Tumors sized 1-2 cm required limited surgery with LN resection to reduce recurrence risk.
NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taehyung Kim, Keonwook Nam, Young Min Kim, Kyungjik Yang, Young Hoon Roh
Summary: Breakthroughs in nanotechnology have led to the emergence of smart delivery mechanisms in biomedical research and therapeutic development. Stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems utilizing DNA nanotechnology show promise in providing precise drug release based on changes in the pathophysiological microenvironment. These systems have the potential to address challenges in accurate drug delivery and release, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.
Article
Polymer Science
Kyungsene Lee, Taehyung Kim, Young Min Kim, Kyungjik Yang, Inseok Choi, Young Hoon Roh
Summary: Multifunctional DNA nanogels have been developed for potential cancer-targeted delivery and stimuli-responsive release of cancer therapeutics, exhibiting features such as temperature-induced disassembly, aptamer-mediated cancer cell targeting, and light-triggered temperature increase.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Keonwook Nam, Byeol I. Im, Taehyung Kim, Young Min Kim, Young Hoon Roh
Summary: The study investigates the efficiency of anisotropically functionalized DNA nanostructures as biological signal inducers in 3D cell cultivation, with a focus on controlling cell adhesion capability. The results demonstrate significantly enhanced cell proliferation and homogeneous distribution of encapsulated cells within hydrogel matrices, showing promise for advancing conventional 3D culture platforms.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hyung Sun Yoon, Kyungjik Yang, Young Min Kim, Keonwook Nam, Young Hoon Roh
Summary: The research developed a dual droplet-based, freeform 3D printing method for pseudoplastic alginate biomaterial inks using Bingham plastic cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as support nanomaterials, offering enhanced printability with improved shape fidelity and structural stability.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eunji Kwak, Taehyung Kim, Kyungjik Yang, Young Min Kim, Hwa Seung Han, Kyung Hoon Park, Ki Young Choi, Young Hoon Roh
Summary: In this study, a triple-targeting moiety-functionalized nanoparticle was developed for efficient targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics to hematologic cancer cells. The optimized nanoparticle showed almost 10-fold enhanced NHL-specific intracellular delivery and induced significant in vitro anticancer effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Young Min Kim, Kyungsene Lee, Yuyeon Lee, Kyungjik Yang, Deokyeong Choe, Young Hoon Roh
Summary: In this study, thermoresponsive gelatin-alginate hybrid hydrogels and microcapsules were used to control the release of scent molecules from plant-based meats, providing a potential solution for enhancing market acceptance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Seyeon Park, Min Gyoung Park, Young Hoon Roh, Dong Kyun Kim
Summary: Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic neoplasms are rare tumors, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:9 and metastasis occurring in only a few cases. Surgery for the primary tumor is recommended for patients with SPN, even in cases with residual metastatic lymph nodes.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Riddhi Nagda, Sooyeon Park, Il Lae Jung, Keonwook Nam, Hari Chandana Yadavalli, Young Min Kim, Kyungjik Yang, Jooyoun Kang, Peter Waaben Thulstrup, Morten Jannik Bjerrum, Minhaeng Cho, Tae-Hwan Kim, Young Hoon Roh, Pratik Shah, Seong Wook Yang
Summary: A greater understanding of the interaction between DNA and nanomaterials can provide alternative strategies for designing DNA nanomachines. This study found that the fluorescence of AgNCs encapsulated within DNA can be controlled by pH changes. AgNCs can also act as nanoscale rivets, linking different DNA nanostructures.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sung Yeon Cho, Seokjae Lee, Kyungjik Yang, Young Min Kim, Deokyeong Choe, Jeong Un Kim, Dong-Un Lee, Jiyong Park, Young Hoon Roh
Summary: Advanced vacuum ultraviolet TiO2 photocatalysis with an oxygen nanobubble system (VUV-TP-NB) was used to produce high-quality low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA) from high molecular weight HA (HMW-HA). The VUV-TP-NB treatment resulted in a satisfactory LMW-HA yield with low endotoxin levels and no structural changes. Compared to acid and enzyme hydrolysis methods, VUV-TP-NB showed similar degradation degree and reduced process time by at least 8-fold. This nanobubble-based photocatalysis system can be used cost-effectively for biosafe LMW-HA production in various applications.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Keonwook Nam, Young Min Kim, Inseok Choi, Hwa Seung Han, Taehyung Kim, Ki Young Choi, Young Hoon Roh
Summary: Researchers successfully developed ultrasoft self-supporting polymerized DNA networks with variable crystallinities to control sequence-mediated drug release efficiency, addressing the challenge in precise control of mechanical and physicochemical properties in utilizing rolling circle amplification (RCA)-based DNA networks for bioapplications.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyunbin D. Huh, Yujin Sub, Jongwook Oh, Ye Eun Kim, Ju Young Lee, Hwa-Ryeon Kim, Soyeon Lee, Hannah Lee, Sehyung Pak, Sebastian E. Amos, Danielle Vahala, Jae Hyung Park, Ji Eun Shin, So Yeon Park, Han Sang Kim, Young Hoon Roh, Han-Woong Lee, Kun-Liang Guan, Yu Suk Choi, Joon Jeong, Junjeong Choi, Jae-Seok Roe, Heon Yung Gee, Hyun Woo Park
Summary: A specialized mechanism named Adherent-to-Suspension Transition (AST) has been discovered, which can reprogram adhesive tumor cells into circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The role of AST factors in CTCs derived from patients with de novo metastasis and mouse models has been validated. Inhibition of AST factors can suppress CTC formation and prevent lung metastases without affecting primary tumor growth.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lin-Lin Luo, Jie Xu, Bing-Qiao Wang, Chen Chen, Xi Chen, Qiu-Mei Hu, Yu-Qiu Wang, Wan-Yun Zhang, Wan-Xiang Jiang, Xin-Ting Li, Hu Zhou, Xiao Xiao, Kai Zhao, Sen Lin
Summary: A novel AAV serotype, AAVYC5, introduced in this study, showed more efficient transduction into multiple retinal layers compared to AAV2, and enabled successful delivery of anti-angiogenic molecules in mice and non-human primates.
