Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daniel Ponndorf, Yulia Meshcheriakova, Eva C. Thuenemann, Albor Dobon Alonso, Ross Overman, Nicholas Holton, Stuart Dowall, Emma Kennedy, Martin Stocks, George P. Lomonossoff, Hadrien Peyret
Summary: This study describes the production of DENV VLPs in Nicotiana benthamiana using transient expression, resulting in VLPs that were comparable in appearance and size to those produced in mammalian cells. Immunogenicity assays in BALB/c mice showed that plant-made DENV1-SP + NSP VLPs led to a higher antibody response compared to other vaccine candidates.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
N. Veena Rani, Neera Kapoor, Anuja Krishnan
Summary: This study explores the importance of utilizing viral-like particles (VLPs) for diagnostics, drug delivery, and vaccine production, as well as their role as a model system for studying virus assembly and fusion processes. By replacing certain regions of the E protein of Dengue virus (DENV) with corresponding regions of the G protein of Vesicular Stomatitis virus (VSV), chimeric VLPs were generated that showed higher levels of VLP production compared to the wild type. These chimeric VLPs also demonstrated effective recognition by dengue-infected patient sera, suggesting their potential for vaccine production and serodiagnosis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Wen-Hung Wang, Aspiro Nayim Urbina, Chih-Yen Lin, Zih-Syuan Yang, Wanchai Assavalapsakul, Arunee Thitithanyanont, Po-Liang Lu, Yen-Hsu Chen, Sheng-Fan Wang
Summary: The development of dengue vaccines is crucial in preventing and controlling the global health threat caused by Dengue virus. Current approved vaccines have demonstrated low efficacy in certain populations, leading to ongoing investigation and development of novel strategies for dengue vaccines.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(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
Engineering, Biomedical
Beom Jeung Hwang, Yohan Jang, Soon Bin Kwon, Ji Eun Yu, Jongkwan Lim, Young Hoon Roh, Baik L. Seong
Summary: Virus-like particles (VLPs) represent a high-priority vaccine platform against emerging viral infections, with RNA and tRNA playing crucial roles in protein folding and antigen assembly.
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
Immunology
Xinyao Zhou, Mingchun Gao, Xinqi De, Tong Sun, Zhikun Bai, Jilong Luo, Fang Wang, Junwei Ge
Summary: Bacterium-like particles (BLPs) are hollow peptidoglycan particles obtained from food-grade Lactococcus lactis, which have been widely used in vaccine carriers, virus/antigen purification, and enzyme immobilization. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the technical composition, characteristics, and applications of BLPs, as well as the mechanisms behind their superior adaptive immune responses. The latest developments in the field of BLPs, including Lactobacillus-derived BLPs and novel anchors, are also discussed, along with proposed breakthrough points to enhance the immunogenicity of BLPs vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Gabriela Brzuska, Boguslaw Szewczyk, Ewelina Krol
Summary: This study demonstrates the influence of vaccination schedules and adjuvants on the immunogenicity of recombinant ZIKV virus-like particles. The findings can be used in the design of new vaccines against not only ZIKV but also other important viral pathogens.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Chung-Hao Huang, Yu-Te Tsai, Seng-Fan Wang, Wen-Hung Wang, Yen-Hsu Chen
Summary: Development of efficient dengue vaccines is still lacking despite the presence of licensed vaccines like CYD-TDV. Efforts are being made to improve vaccine efficacy and eliminate the risk of severe dengue through heterologous prime-boost regimens. Additionally, the absence of an ideal animal model remains a challenge in dengue vaccine development.
EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTI-INFECTIVE THERAPY
(2021)
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)
Review
Microbiology
Jisang Park, Ju Kim, Yong-Suk Jang
Summary: Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes dengue fever, and its cases have significantly increased in the past two decades. Currently, there is only one available vaccine with age restrictions. Researchers are actively working on developing effective vaccines and understanding the viral antigen configuration.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanguang Cong, Sijin Yang, Xiancai Rao
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Weilong Shang, Yi Yang, Yifan Rao, Xiancai Rao
Article
Microbiology
Leigiong Gao, Yanguang Cong, Gregory Plano, Xiancai Rao, Lyndsey N. Gisclair, Sara Schesser Bartra, Megan A. Macnaughtan, Li Shen
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan Chen, Huyue Zhou, Jingbin Huang, Rong Zhang, Xiancai Rao
Summary: This review explores the impact of sub-MICs of antibiotics on the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus, focusing on various aspects such as changes in cell morphology, virulence factor expression, bacterial adherence and invasion, biofilm formation, and small-colony variant production. Antibiotics at sub-MIC levels can alter bacterial virulence in S. aureus, leading to deformed cells, abnormal immune responses, and changes in disease development. The study also addresses the mechanisms underlying these antibiotic-induced alterations in virulence.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Li Qiao, Yi Yang, Keting Zhu, Yifan Rao, Gang Li, Xiancai Rao, Ming Li, Renjie Zhou
Summary: The SigB(Q225P) mutation in Staphylococcus aureus increases membrane vesicle (MVs) production, possibly due to reduced binding of SigB to the thermonuclease gene (nuc) promoter and decreased Nuc expression. This finding sheds light on the biogenesis of MVs in S. aureus and has implications for the development of a MV-based platform for this important pathogen.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Li Qiao, Yifan Rao, Keting Zhu, Xiancai Rao, Renjie Zhou
Summary: Bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) are nanoscale vesicular structures produced by bacteria, which can stimulate immune response. Genetic modification of vesicle-producing bacteria has been studied to improve vesicle immunogenicity and yield. The engineered MVs have broad applications in vaccine and drug delivery systems.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yifan Rao, Huagang Peng, Weilong Shang, Zhen Hu, Yi Yang, Li Tan, Ming Li, Renjie Zhou, Xiancai Rao
Summary: The WalK(S221P) mutation enhances vancomycin resistance and decreases virulence in Staphylococcus aureus.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Huyue Zhou, Yi Yang, Weilong Shang, Yifan Rao, Juan Chen, Huagang Peng, Jingbin Huang, Zhen Hu, Rong Zhang, Xiancai Rao
Summary: This study investigated the sterilization effect of a portable cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) device on different P. aeruginosa strains, and found that pyocyanin and its intermediate play important roles in P. aeruginosa resistance to CAP treatment.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shengzhe Zhou, Yifan Rao, Jia Li, Qiaoyi Huang, Xiancai Rao
Summary: This review summarizes the significance of genetic mutations involved in diverse biosynthesis pathways that contribute to the promotion of small-colony variants (SCVs) of Staphylococcus aureus (Sau). It addresses the persistent infections caused by Sau-SCVs and discusses the prospects and challenges in their treatment. The progress in managing Sau-SCVs may provide guidance for addressing long-term and recurrent infections caused by other bacterial SCVs.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jiao Zou, Weilong Shang, Ling Yang, Tianyao Liu, Lian Wang, Xin Li, Jinghui Zhao, Xiancai Rao, Junwei Gao, Xiaotang Fan
Summary: This study found that S. aureus USA300 infection can lead to neuroinflammation in the mPFC of mice, which may contribute to the development of anxiety.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mingxia Zheng, Keting Zhu, Huagang Peng, Weilong Shang, Yan Zhao, Shuguang Lu, Xiancai Rao, Ming Li, Renjie Zhou, Gang Li
Summary: This study elucidates a novel model of CcpA-controlled Staphylococcus aureus biofilm through direct inhibition of staphylokinase expression, highlighting the multifaceted roles and multiple networks regulated by CcpA.
Article
Microbiology
Qixuan Su, Ping Cheng, Jiyuan Sun, Yulin Zhang, Yang Zheng, Xiao-Ran Jiang, Xiancai Rao
Summary: In this study, H. bluephagenesis strain was engineered to produce lycopene by introducing a heterologous MVA pathway. By optimizing downstream genes and promoters, the lycopene yield was significantly increased to 1.22 mg/g. This research demonstrates that genetic engineering and optimization of production systems can enhance lycopene overproduction.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Keting Zhu, Gang Li, Jia Li, Mingxia Zheng, Xiaohui Peng, Yifan Rao, Ming Li, Renjie Zhou, Xiancai Rao
Summary: A new strategy for developing a vaccine against B. pseudomallei melioidosis was found, and staphylococcal membrane vesicles incorporating Hcp1 were identified as a promising candidate for prevention of acute melioidosis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Li Tan, Yi Yang, Weilong Shang, Zhen Hu, Huagang Peng, Shu Li, Xiaomei Hu, Xiancai Rao
Summary: The study identified lysine succinylation (Ksucc) and acetylation (Kac) sites in vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) and revealed their enrichment in critical metabolic pathways. The cross talk between Ksucc and Kac modifications was observed, and a bifunctional enzyme, SaCobB, with both deacetylation and desuccinylation activities was identified. These findings provide valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of PTMs in Staphylococcus aureus.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lu Liu, Huagang Peng, Naan Zhang, Mengyang Li, Zhaozhe Chen, Weilong Shang, Zhen Hu, Yuting Wang, Yi Yang, Dongmei Wang, Qiwen Hu, Xiancai Rao
Summary: This study investigated the genomic and phenotypic characteristics of 201 Staphylococcus aureus isolates collected from a tertiary hospital in Tianjin, China. The predominant clones identified were ST59, ST398, and ST5527, with ST59 and ST5527 mainly including MRSA isolates, while ST398 and other major clones mainly including MSSA isolates. The different clones exhibited unique characteristics that could aid in disease control.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
