Immunology of Infectious Disease News Volume 1.32 | Oct 23 2013

Perpetual Expression of PAMPs Necessary for Optimal Immune Control and Clearance of a Persistent Pathogen
Using the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is deficient in strong pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), researchers demonstrated a requirement for the continuous expression of PAMPs for optimal anti-pathogen immunity. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Cytomegalovirus-Seropositive Children Show Inhibition of In Vitro EBV Infection that Is Associated with CD8⁺CD57⁺ T Cell Enrichment and IFN-γ
Scientists used mononuclear cells from cord blood and from 2- and 5-year-old EBV-naive children for in vitro EBV infection. They showed that the degree of EBV-induced B cell activation and expansion differs between age groups and in particular in relationship to IFN-γ production capacity. [J Immunol] Abstract

Co-Expression of S. Typhi GroEL and IL-22 Gene Augments Immune Responses against Salmonella Infection
The immunomodulatory effect of Interleukin 22 (IL-22) as an adjuvant was studied by DNA vaccination with S. Typhi Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60/GroEL) in mice. DNA construct of IL-22 gene fused with GroEL was developed and immunization studies were carried out in mice. [Immunol Cell Biol] Abstract

HIV

CD36-Specific Antibodies Block Release of HIV-1 from Infected Primary Macrophages and Its Transmission to T Cells
The authors showed that upon HIV-1 infection of primary human macrophages, Gag is recruited to preexisting compartments containing the scavenger receptor CD36, which then become virus-containing compartments. Silencing of CD36 in HIV-1-infected macrophages decreases the amount of virions released. [J Exp Med] Abstract

Recognition of Synthetic Glycopeptides by HIV-1 Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies and Their Unmutated Ancestors
Researchers report that synthetic, homogeneously glycosylated peptides that bind avidly to variable loop 1/2 (V1V2) broadly neutralizing antibodies PG9 and CH01 bind minimally to strain-specific neutralizing V2 antibodies that are targeted to the same envelope polypeptide site. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA]
Abstract | Press Release

Regulatory T Cells Prevent Liver Fibrosis during Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in a Humanized Mouse Model
Investigators report that regulatory T (Treg) cells prevent liver immunopathogenesis during HIV-1 infection using a humanized mouse model. In the absence of Treg cells, HIV-1 infection induced liver fibrosis associated with hepatic stellate cell activation, hepatitis and liver injury. [J Infect Dis] Abstract

Both HLA-B*57 and Plasma HIV RNA Levels Contribute to the HIV-Specific CD8⁺ T Cell Response in HIV Controllers
The authors performed an extensive study in 101 HIV controllers (HIC) to determine the impact of HLA-B*57 on the HIV-specific CD8⁺ response. HLA-B*57-restricted response displayed better qualitative features such as higher functional avidity, higher proliferation capacity, higher cytokine production than responses not restricted by HLA-B*57. [J Virol] Abstract

Lower HIV Provirus Levels Are Associated with More APOBEC3G Protein in Blood Resting Memory CD4+ T Lymphocytes of Controllers In Vivo
Provirus levels in resting memory cells that can serve as latent reservoirs of HIV in blood were compared between controllers and antiretroviral therapy-suppressed non-controllers. APOBEC3G, a cellular factor that blocks provirus formation at multiple steps if not antagonized by HIV virion infectivity factor, was also studied. [PLoS One] Full Article | Press Release

Human T Follicular Helper (Tfh) Cells and Disease
Traditionally Tfh cells have been identified by their anatomical location in secondary lymphoid tissues, which has hindered the study of these cells in humans as access to these tissues is often not feasible. However, recent studies have identified the circulating counterparts to tissue Tfh cells and with this has come a wealth of knowledge gained from the study of these cells in human disease. [Immunol Cell Biol] Abstract

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AMRIC Scientist Leads Studies on Infectious Disease Prevention at HSN
The Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada (AMRIC) and Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord (HSN) announced they are working on two separate studies to develop improved methods of detecting and treating C. difficile and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and prevent their spread in a hospital setting. [Health Sciences North] Press Release

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Opens HIV-Vaccine Lab in South Africa
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will celebrate the grand opening of a state-of-the-art HIV vaccine laboratory in Cape Town, South Africa. The lab is part of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, which is headquartered at Fred Hutch in Seattle and is the world’s largest network dedicated to testing vaccine candidates for the prevention of HIV. [Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center] Press Release

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Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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NEW Junior and Senior Research Scientists – Novel, Small Molecule HIV Drug Discovery (Sirga Advanced Biopharma, Inc.)

Tenure-Track Faculty Position – Women’s Infectious Disease Research (Washington University School of Medicine)

Faculty Position – Basic Research in Infectious Diseases (Harvard Medical School & Boston Children’s Hospital)

Research Fellow – HIV-Associated Neurological Disorders (University of Texas Medical Branch)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunopathogenesis of HIV-1 Infection (MGH – Harvard Medical School)

Residency in Infectious Diseases (University of Florida)

PhD Position – Study of the Loading of Antigens and Immunomodulating Agents in Nanoparticles for Improved Delivery of Antigens in Mucosa (Universite Lille 2 Droit et Sante)

Research Technologist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate/Scientist – Antibodies Group (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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