Article
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Mubashar Zafar, Abdul Rehman, Abdul Razzaq, Aqsa Parvaiz, Ghulam Mustafa, Faiza Sharif, Huijuan Mo, Yuan Youlu, Amir Shakeel, Maozhi Ren
Summary: This study investigated the AP2/ERF genes in cotton on a genome-wide scale, revealing their importance in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Through identification and distribution analysis of the genes, the evolutionary process of the ERF gene family was revealed. Additionally, experimental evidence demonstrated the potential role of certain genes in improving salinity stress tolerance in cotton.
Article
Immunology
Helen R. Wagstaffe, Elizabeth A. Clutterbuck, Viki Bockstal, Jeroen N. Stoop, Kerstin Luhn, Macaya Douoguih, Georgi Shukarev, Matthew D. Snape, Andrew J. Pollard, Eleanor M. Riley, Martin R. Goodier
Summary: This study highlights the importance of antibody concentration and NK cell differentiation status in promoting Fc-mediated NK cell activation after Ebola virus vaccination, suggesting a potential role for antibody-mediated NK cell activation in vaccine-induced immune responses.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Giovanni Annona, Iori Sato, Juan Pascual-Anaya, David Osca, Ingo Braasch, Randal Voss, Jan Stundl, Vladimir Soukup, Allyse Ferrara, Quenton Fontenot, Shigeru Kuratani, John H. Postlethwait, Salvatore D'Aniello
Summary: Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial signaling molecule in biological systems, playing important roles in cardiovascular, neurological, and immune functions. Understanding the evolution of NO synthases (Nos) genes, which produce NO in vivo, is still a puzzle, especially in fish compared to tetrapods. Recent studies have found the presence of nos3 gene, previously considered lost, in spotted gar, changing our perspective on the origin of nos genes. This study explored nos gene evolution in different vertebrate species and revealed lineage-specific gene duplications and losses, independent losses of nos3 in teleost lineages, and the expression of nos genes in the gills of certain gnathostome species. These findings provide insights into the roles and evolutionary history of nos genes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emily Kang, Cigall Kadoch, James L. Rubenstein, Lewis L. Lanier, James A. Wells
Summary: Through a functional screen, we identified five antibodies that can activate NK cells and enhance their cytotoxicity and interferon-gamma secretion. These antibodies can be further developed into bispecific antibodies to redirect NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity towards CD20+ B cell lymphoma cells and HER2+ breast cancer cells.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuanning Li, Hongyue Liu, Jacob L. Steenwyk, Abigail L. LaBella, Marie-Claire Harrison, Marizeth Groenewald, Xiaofan Zhou, Xing-Xing Shen, Tao Zhao, Chris Todd Hittinger, Antonis Rokas
Summary: Examining the changes in order and arrangement of homologous genes is crucial for understanding genome evolution in eukaryotes. This study analyzed 120 high quality genomes of budding yeast species to investigate the evolution of genome organization and compared it with animals and plants. The decay of macrosynteny and microsynteny was strongly associated with evolutionary divergence in the budding yeast major clades. However, the microsynteny of many genes, especially in metabolic clusters, was deeply conserved within major clades and across subphylum. Comparing genomes with similar divergence times, budding yeasts showed lower conservation in macrosynteny compared to animals and filamentous fungi, but higher conservation than angiosperms. In contrast, they exhibited similar levels of microsynteny conservation with mammals, while angiosperms had very low conservation.
Article
Immunology
Peng Sun, Yu Wang, Hang Yang, Cui Chen, Man Nie, Xiao-Qing Sun, Xiao-Hua He, Kang-Ming Huang, Jia-Jia Huang, Zhi-Ming Li
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combined regimen of anti-PD-1 antibody, anlotinib, and pegaspargase sandwiched with radiotherapy in localized NKTL. The results showed a high overall response rate and complete response rate, indicating the promising effectiveness and tolerability of this treatment approach.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jing Li, Shan Feng, Yuchuan Zhang, Lei Xu, Yan Luo, Yuhao Yuan, Qinghua Yang, Baili Feng
Summary: This study provides a preliminary exploration of the function and roles of FtPLATZ proteins in Tartary buckwheat and lays the foundation for genetic improvement of this crop.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Priyanka Rawat, Asmita Das
Summary: NK cells play important immune functions in autoimmune diseases and successful pregnancies, providing immunity against viral infections and tumors. They are distributed in various organs and exhibit functional differences due to the regulation of transcription factors.
Article
Immunology
Helen R. Wagstaffe, Omu Anzala, Hannah Kibuuka, Zacchaeus Anywaine, Sodiomon B. Sirima, Rodolphe Thiebaut, Laura Richert, Yves Levy, Christine Lacabaratz, Viki Bockstal, Kerstin Luhn, Macaya Douoguih, Martin R. Goodier
Summary: This study assesses the NK cell phenotype and function in African trial participants with universal exposure to HCMV, and reveals consistent changes in NK cell phenotypic composition and robust antibody-dependent NK cell function after heterologous two-dose Ebola vaccination.
Article
Agronomy
Cao Zhi, Muhammad Moaaz Ali, Shariq Mahmood Alam, Shaista Gull, Sajid Ali, Ahmed F. Yousef, Mohamed A. A. Ahmed, Songfeng Ma, Faxing Chen
Summary: This study identified and characterized the PEPC gene family in Rosaceae species, including loquat, apple, peach, strawberry, and pear. The results showed that PEPC genes have multiple potential roles in plant metabolism and have undergone duplication and selection during evolution.
Article
Cell Biology
Kristen D. Pawlowski, Joseph T. Duffy, Arushi Tiwari, Markella Zannikou, Irina V. Balyasnikova
Summary: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor and there are limited therapeutic options. Bi-specific killer cell engagers (BiKEs) are new immunotherapies designed to activate natural killer (NK) cells against cancer. In this study, we demonstrate that a BiKE molecule targeting the IL13Ralpha2 antigen is capable of activating NK cells and increasing glioma cell killing in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Article
Oncology
Annelisa M. Cornel, Ester Dunnebach, Damon A. Hofman, Sanjukta Das, Satyaki Sengupta, Femke van den Ham, Judith Wienke, Josephine G. M. Strijker, Denise A. M. H. van den Beemt, Anke H. W. Essing, Bianca Koopmans, Sem A. G. Engels, Vania Lo Presti, Celina S. Szanto, Rani E. George, Jan J. Molenaar, Sebastiaan van Heesch, Miranda P. Dierselhuis, S. Nierkens
Summary: This study explores the potential of combining immunotherapy with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) to enhance T cell-driven and NK cell-driven immune responses in high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NBL). Screening drug repurposing libraries, the researchers identified compounds that upregulated major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) surface expression in NBL cells. Treatment with HDACi enhanced the cytotoxic capacity of tumor-specific T cells against NBL in vitro and increased the expression of factors regulating T cell and NK cell cytotoxicity. The findings suggest a promising strategy to enhance immune responses in patients with HR-NBL through (immuno)therapy and HDACi.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Xiaobo Cheng, Jing Wang, Chenli Qiu, Yanling Jin, Bili Xia, Ran Qin, Huiliang Hu, Jia Yan, Xiaoyan Zhang, Jianqing Xu
Summary: This study is an ongoing single-arm exploratory clinical trial that used iNKT cells, PD-1+CD8+ T cells, and dendritic cells as treatment for patients. Preliminary results showed manageable tolerance and positive tumor response for this immunotherapy.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manu Kumar Gundappa, Thu-Hien To, Lars Gronvold, Samuel A. M. Martin, Sigbjorn Lien, Juergen Geist, David Hazlerigg, Simen R. Sandve, Daniel J. Macqueen
Summary: This study investigates the long-term outcomes of autopolyploid rediploidization in salmonid fishes using genome-wide resolution. Analysis reveals an initial wave of rediploidization in the late Cretaceous followed by a period of genomic stasis and a second rediploidization wave in the early Eocene, coinciding with species diversification. Insights into potential functional outcomes of delayed rediploidization are provided through gene set enrichment, gene expression, and codon-based selection analyses. The study enhances our understanding of delayed autopolyploid rediploidization and has broad implications for future studies of WGD events.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Ying Gong, Roel G. J. Klein Wolterink, Valeriia Gulaia, Silvie Cloosen, Femke A. I. Ehlers, Lotte Wieten, Yvo F. Graus, Gerard M. J. Bos, Wilfred T. V. Germeraad
Summary: The study describes a novel fully humanized anti-MUC1 antibody, which, especially after defucosylation, is a promising therapeutic candidate for cellular immunotherapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Maccari, James Robinson, Keith Ballingall, Lisbeth A. Guethlein, Unni Grimholt, Jim Kaufman, Chak-Sum Ho, Natasja G. de Groot, Paul Flicek, Ronald E. Bontrop, John A. Hammond, Steven G. E. Marsh
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2017)
Review
Immunology
Jim Kaufman
TRENDS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Immunology
Lei Chen, Michaela Fakiola, Karen Staines, Colin Butter, Jim Kaufman
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Keith T. Ballingall, Ronald E. Bontrop, Shirley A. Ellis, Unni Grimholt, John A. Hammond, Chak-Sum Ho, Jim Kaufman, Lorna J. Kennedy, Giuseppe Maccari, Donald Miller, James Robinson, Steven G. E. Marsh
Article
Biology
Alison Caldwell, Rachel Coleby, Cesar Tovar, Maximilian R. Stammnitz, Young Mi Kwon, Rachel S. Owen, Marios Tringides, Elizabeth P. Murchison, Karsten Skjodt, Gareth J. Thomas, Jim Kaufman, Tim Elliott, Gregory M. Woods, Hannah V. T. Siddle
Article
Immunology
Jin Xiao, Wangzhen Xiang, Yongli Zhang, Weiyu Peng, Min Zhao, Ling Niu, Yan Chai, Jianxun Qi, Fei Wang, Peng Qi, Chungang Pan, Lingxia Han, Ming Wang, Jim Kaufman, George F. Gao, William J. Liu
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2018)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Hassnae Afrache, Clive A. Tregaskes, Jim Kaufman
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nicola D. Potts, Coraline Bichet, Laurence Merat, Edouard Guitton, Andrew P. Krupa, Terry A. Burke, Lorna J. Kennedy, Gabriele Sorci, Jim Kaufman
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samer Halabi, Michael Ghosh, Stefan Stevanovic, Hans-Georg Rammensee, Luca D. Bertzbach, Benedikt B. Kaufer, Martin C. Moncrieffe, Bernd Kaspers, Sonja Haertle, Jim Kaufman
Summary: Viral diseases pose significant threats to humans and animals, with chicken MHC playing a role in determining resistance to these diseases. Research has shown that the majority of viral peptide epitopes presented by chicken class II molecules come from only a few viral genes, shedding light on the differential MHC-determined resistance to MDV and raising questions about mechanism and vaccine targets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clive A. Tregaskes, Jim Kaufman
Summary: Chickens have served as a valuable model species for scientific research, combining advantages of humans and mice in studying diseases at various levels. Their simplified and compact major histocompatibility complex system has facilitated the discovery of fundamental principles in immune response mechanisms, such as the significance of generalist and specialist MHC alleles.
MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Jim Kaufman
Summary: Compared to typical mammals, the chicken MHC region is small and simple, with genes mainly playing roles in the adaptive immune response. Some genes are likely involved in innate immunity, such as C4 and BNK/Blec. Classical class I molecule BF1 is recognized by NK cells, while other molecules may be recognized by adaptive immune lymphocytes with semi-invariant receptors.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jim Kaufmana
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Michal Vinkler, Steven R. Fiddaman, Martin Tesicky, Emily A. O'Connor, Anna E. Savage, Tobias L. Lenz, Adrian L. Smith, Jim Kaufman, Daniel I. Bolnick, Charli S. Davies, Neira Dedic, Andrew S. Flies, M. Mercedes Gomez Samblas, Amberleigh E. Henschen, Karel Novak, Gemma Palomar, Nynke Raven, Kalifa Samake, Joel Slade, Nithya Kuttiyarthu Veetil, Eleni Voukali, Jacob Hoglund, David S. Richardson, Helena Westerdahl
Summary: Driven by co-evolution with pathogens, host immunity continuously adapts to optimize defence against pathogens within a given environment. Recent advances in genetics, genomics and transcriptomics have enabled a more detailed investigation into how immunogenetic variation shapes the diversity of immune responses seen across domestic and wild animal species. However, a deeper understanding of the diverse molecular mechanisms that shape immunity within and among species is still needed to gain insight into-and generate evolutionary hypotheses on-the ultimate drivers of immunological differences.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nicolas I. E. Rocos, Felicity J. Coulter, Thomas C. J. Tan, Jim Kaufman
Summary: The chicken MHC is small and simple with few genes, mainly involved in antigen processing and presentation. BF1, a class I gene, is expressed tenfold less than BF2 due to defects in the promoter or splice site. Deletions caused by short direct repeats can lead to the loss of key genes in the chicken MHC.
