Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Qianqian Zhao, Kun He, Xiuhua Zhang, Mingjie Xu, Xiuping Zhang, Huanjie Li
Summary: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health challenge, and vaccines are the most effective method to eliminate the infection. Different types of preventive vaccines have entered clinical trials, and specific vaccine structures with broad spectrum and strong immunogenicity can be obtained through rational design. Different vaccine antigens can evoke different immune responses and can be produced using various expression systems. Intracellular and insoluble production and a narrow immune spectrum are challenges in vaccine application.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexander I. Mosa, David S. Campo, Yury Khudyakov, Mounir G. AbouHaidar, Adam J. Gehring, Atif Zahoor, Jonathan K. Ball, Richard A. Urbanowicz, Jordan J. Feld
Summary: A new strategy has been developed to overcome the genetic diversity of the hepatitis C virus by eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies. The strategy involves immunizing mice with variants from different clusters of the immunodominant hyper-variable region 1, resulting in sera that can neutralize diverse HCV variants. This approach offers a potential solution for antigenic variability in other highly mutable viruses.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Leyi Lin, Michael A. Koren, Kristopher M. Paolino, Kenneth H. Eckels, Rafael De La Barrera, Heather Friberg, Jeffrey R. Currier, Gregory D. Gromowski, Naomi E. Aronson, Paul B. Keiser, Marvin J. Sklar, Erica L. Sondergaard, Louis E. Jasper, Timothy P. Endy, Richard G. Jarman, Stephen J. Thomas
Summary: The study demonstrates that the heterologous prime-boost vaccination strategy can induce higher levels of immune response and may be superior to homologous strategies in maintaining durable tetravalent immunity.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reethu Vivekanandam, Kamarajan Rajagopalan, Madesh Jeevanandam, Harsha Ganesan, Vaishnavi Jagannathan, Jackson Durairaj Selvan Christyraj, Kalishwaralal Kalimuthu, Johnson Retnaraj Samuel Selvan Christyraj, Manikandan Mohan
Summary: Researchers constructed a multi-epitope vaccine based on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), screening 121 immunogenic CTL epitopes using various prediction methods and binding them with their respective HLA alleles. The candidate vaccine was shown to provoke a robust CTL response against SARS-CoV2.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Rodrigo Velazquez-Moctezuma, Elias H. Augestad, Matteo Castelli, Christina Holmboe Olesen, Nicola Clementi, Massimo Clementi, Nicasio Mancini, Jannick Prentoe
Summary: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes severe liver-related diseases and leads to a significant number of deaths annually. The lack of an efficient prophylactic vaccine can be attributed to the high genetic variability and escape mutations of the virus, posing challenges to vaccine development efforts.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johnathan D. Guest, Ruixue Wang, Khadija H. Elkholy, Andrezza Chagas, Kinlin L. Chao, Thomas E. Cleveland, Young Chang Kim, Zhen-Yong Keck, Alexander Marin, Abdul S. Yunus, Roy A. Mariuzza, Alexander K. Andrianov, Eric A. Toth, Steven K. H. Foung, Brian G. Pierce, Thomas R. Fuerst
Summary: The variability of HCV poses a challenge for vaccine development, but a soluble form of E1E2 has been designed to elicit neutralizing antibodies in vivo and potentially optimize E1E2-based antigen production for future studies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Tian Feng, Mingzhi Li, Lirong Zhang, Sha Li, Zibing Yang, Lumei Kang, Yunli Guo, Lingbao Kong, Ting Wang
Summary: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious global public health burden and currently lacks an effective vaccine. This study successfully constructed recombinant vectors expressing multiple epitopes of HCV E1 and E2 proteins and demonstrated their ability to induce robust humoral immune response in mice. These findings suggest that E. coli-based vaccines could be promising strategies for HCV.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruixue Wang, Saori Suzuki, Johnathan D. Guest, Brigitte Heller, Maricar Almeda, Alexander K. Andrianov, Alexander Marin, Roy A. Mariuzza, Zhen-Yong Keck, Steven K. H. Foung, Abdul S. Yunus, Brian G. Pierce, Eric A. Toth, Alexander Ploss, Thomas R. Fuerst
Summary: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global disease burden that requires a preventive vaccine. The study found that a vaccine based on sE1E2.LZ can induce broadly neutralizing antibodies, indicating its potential as a promising vaccine candidate for further development.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jordan H. Salas, Richard A. Urbanowicz, Johnathan D. Guest, Nicole Frumento, Alexis Figueroa, Kaitlyn E. Clark, Zhenyong Keck, Vanessa M. Cowton, Sarah J. Cole, Arvind H. Patel, Thomas R. Fuerst, Heidi E. Drummer, Marian Major, Alexander W. Tarr, Jonathan K. Ball, Mansun Law, Brian G. Pierce, Steven K. H. Foung, Justin R. Bailey
Summary: This study describes the selection and validation of a genetically and antigenically diverse reference panel of 15 HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpps) for neutralization assays. It suggests that measuring neutralizing breadth of HCV antibodies should involve viruses spanning multiple tiers of neutralization sensitivity rather than panels selected solely for genetic diversity.
Article
Immunology
Xin Cheng, Gan Zhao, Aihua Dong, Zhonghuai He, Jiarong Wang, Brian Jiang, Bo Wang, Miaomiao Wang, Xuefen Huai, Shijie Zhang, Shuangshuang Feng, Hong Qin, Bin Wang
Summary: This study conducted a first-in-human trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity response of the BARS13 vaccine in healthy adults. The vaccine demonstrated good safety and tolerability, and there were no significant differences in adverse reaction severity or frequency between different dose groups. The immune response in repeat-dose recipients showed potential for further study and guiding the dose selection for future studies.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Keigo Yato, Mami Matsuda, Noriyuki Watanabe, Koichi Watashi, Hideki Aizaki, Takanobu Kato, Koji Tamura, Takaji Wakita, Masamichi Muramatsu, Ryosuke Suzuki
Summary: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been used for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV), but a vaccine for preventing HCV infection is still unavailable. In this study, a Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) subviral particle (SVP)-based vaccine was utilized as a platform for DNA immunization, and new positions for inserting HCV epitopes were identified. The results showed that the modified vaccine induced higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against HCV and had minimal impact on neutralization activity against JEV.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Anais Vallet-Pichard, Stanislas Pol
Summary: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant risk of liver-related complications, including cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. The development of the HBV vaccine has been proven to prevent liver cancer, making it a priority tool for achieving the World Health Organization's goals for viral hepatitis elimination by 2030.
ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Joey McGregor, Joshua M. Hardy, Chan-Sien Lay, Irene Boo, Michael Piontek, Manfred Suckow, Fasseli Coulibaly, Pantelis Poumbourios, Rob J. Center, Heidi E. Drummer
Summary: There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C virus, but researchers have developed a virus-like particle vaccine that can induce the production of neutralizing antibodies and has shown immunogenicity in guinea pigs. This vaccine platform holds promise as a low-cost candidate for large-scale production of an HCV vaccine.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yu-Sun Lee, So-Hee Hong, Hyo-Jung Park, Ho-Young Lee, Ji-Yeon Hwang, Seo Yeon Kim, Jun Won Park, Kang-Seuk Choi, Je Kyung Seong, Sang-In Park, Sang-Myeong Lee, Kyung-Ah Hwang, Jun-Won Yun, Jae-Hwan Nam
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 and the potential of peptide vaccines to induce protective immune responses. Immunization with these peptides increases effector memory T cells and IFN-gamma, IL-4, TNF-alpha, and granzyme B-producing T cells, while some peptides induce IFN-gamma-producing T cells and CTL responses, leading to cytotoxic T lymphocytes that eliminate target cells. Peptide vaccines also show promise in reducing viral titers and alleviating pulmonary pathology in animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Nicole E. Skinner, Clinton O. Ogega, Nicole Frumento, Kaitlyn E. Clark, Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian, Kornel Schuebel, Jennifer Meyers, Anuj Gupta, Sarah Wheelan, Andrea L. Cox, James E. Crowe Jr, Stuart C. Ray, Justin R. Bailey
Summary: By analyzing the B cell receptors (BCRs) of HCV-infected individuals, researchers identified distinctive BCR features associated with broad neutralization of HCV. These features include long heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (CDRH3) regions, specific VH gene usage, increased frequencies of somatic hypermutation, and particular VH gene mutations. Further study of these antibodies can inform HCV vaccine development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soojung Hahn, Gyuri Kim, Sang-Man Jin, Jae Hyeon Kim
Summary: This study utilized three-dimensional intestinal organoids to investigate the effects of metformin on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and found that metformin can enhance intestinal barrier function and reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
V. V. Sudarev, M. S. Gette, S. V. Bazhenov, O. M. Tilinova, E. V. Zinovev, I. V. Manukhov, A. I. Kuklin, Yu. L. Ryzhykau, A. V. Vlasov
Summary: This study investigated the self-assembly processes of ferritin-based protein complexes and obtained structurally characterized oligomeric states. These results provide new potential and opportunities for the application of ferritin in various fields.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yalda Sabaghi, Farnaz Pourfarzad, Leila Zolghadr, Azita Bahrami, Tahereh Shojazadeh, Alireza Farasat, Nematollah Gheibi
Summary: p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) is a plant compound with anti-cancer activities. This study designed a nano-liposomal carrier containing p-CA to enhance its effectiveness against melanoma cells. The findings showed that the liposomal form of p-CA had a greater impact on the cells. Kinetic modeling indicated that the best fitting model was zero-order.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. D. Nazmul Hasan, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Al Asmaul Husna, Nobuhiro Nozaki, Osamu Yamato, Naoki Miura
Summary: This study investigated the expression of ncRNAs other than miRNAs in different histologic subtypes of canine mammary gland tumors (MGT). Three aberrantly expressed ncRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers for differentiating MGT subtypes. YRNA and tRFs expression levels were found to be decreased in metastatic compared to primary MGT cell lines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seine A. Shintani
Summary: In this study, the researchers used signal analysis to study the instantaneous amplitude and phase of sarcomeric oscillations in skeletal muscle. They identified two types of oscillations, sarcomeric oscillations and sarcosynced oscillations, and visualized their behavior during propagating waves. The researchers discovered the presence of sarcomeric defect holes and sarcomeric collision holes, which are important indicators for understanding the oscillation properties of sarcomeres. This finding has important implications for improving our understanding of muscle function and its regulatory mechanisms.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuanglin Zhang, Yuzhong Jia, Guolan Ma, Yanyan Yang, Zhenzhen Cao, Antao Luo, Zefu Zhang, Shihan Li, Jie Wen, Hanfeng Liu, Jihua Ma
Summary: Bupleurum is an antiarrhythmic agent that may exert its effects by inhibiting L-type calcium channels.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomotaka Ohkubo, Yasuhiko Matsumoto, Hiroaki Sasaki, Kaoru Kinoshita, Yuki Ogasawara, Takashi Sugita
Summary: This study found that Citrobacter koseri inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis, disrupting the balance between S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, and exacerbating inflammation in atopic dermatitis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toshifumi Asano, Philipp Sasse, Takao Nakata
Summary: A Cre recombination-based fluorescent reporter system was developed to monitor cell-cell fusion. The system successfully detected the formation of multinuclear myotubes and placental syncytiotrophoblast. This tool could facilitate the study of cell-to-cell fusion.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ke Shi, Yunlong Shan, Xiao Sun, Kuida Chen, Qiong Luo, Qiang Xu
Summary: This study found that low expression of TP53INP2 is associated with poor survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. As the malignancy of CRC progresses, TP53INP2 expression gradually decreases. Knockdown of TP53INP2 promotes CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Mechanistically, TP53INP2 deficiency decreases phosphorylation of beta-catenin, leading to increased accumulation and enhanced nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. Additionally, TP53INP2 sequesters TIM50, inhibiting its activation of beta-catenin. In conclusion, downregulation of TP53INP2 promotes CRC progression by activating beta-catenin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Rossi, Fabio Tomaselli, Alejandro Hochkoeppler
Summary: Oligomeric enzymes are known for their higher catalytic rates compared to monomeric enzymes, but the extent of additivity in their activity is still not well understood. This study used tetrameric rabbit lactate dehydrogenase as a model to examine the kinetics of its catalytic action. Surprisingly, when the concentration of the limiting reactant exceeded that of a single subunit, there was a significant slowdown in the enzyme's conformational rearrangements.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amin Sahraei, Mohammad Javad Shamsoddini, Fakhrossadat Mohammadi, Leila Hassani
Summary: This study explored the inhibitory effects of gallium curcumin, indium curcumin, and vanadyl curcumin on the amyloid fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme, as well as the binding interactions of these metal complexes with the enzyme. The results showed that indium curcumin and vanadyl curcumin exhibited higher binding affinities and stronger inhibitory effects on amyloid fibrillation compared to gallium curcumin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takahiro Sasaki, Yoshiki Kuse, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masamitsu Shimazawa
Summary: PGRN deficiency plays a significant role in cardiac remodeling and arrhythmias post-myocardial infarction (MI), potentially by promoting metabolic abnormalities in macrophages.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongwei Zhao, Yiqiang Li, Yibo Zhang, Chi Zhang
Summary: Electrical brain stimulation technology is commonly used to treat brain neurological disorders, but it can cause side effects. This study investigated the impact of electric fields on nerve fibers and revealed the possible origin of side effects. The findings provide guidance for selecting electrical parameters in clinical stimulation therapy.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia S. Scott, Lake-Ee Quek, Andrew J. Hoy, Johannes V. Swinnen, Zeyad D. Nassar, Lisa M. Butler
Summary: The fatty acid elongation enzyme ELOVL5 plays a critical role in promoting metastasis in prostate cancer. Knocking down ELOVL5 leads to the accumulation of malonyl-CoA, which inhibits fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria. This study highlights the importance of fatty acid elongation in regulating cell viability and provides a potential target for prostate cancer treatment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zan Zhou, Wen-jun Jiang, Li Li, Jun-qiang Si
Summary: This study investigates the effect of noise exposure on cognitive function in mice and explores the underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings suggest that noise exposure leads to increased inflammation, increased phosphorylation of Tau protein, and decreased levels of postsynaptic density protein, resulting in cognitive impairment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)