Immunology of Infectious Disease News Volume 1.33 | Oct 30 2013

Acute Emergence and Reversion of Influenza A Virus Quasispecies within CD8⁺ T Cell Antigenic Peptides
Influenza A virus-specific CD8⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) provide a degree of cross-strain protection that is potentially subverted by mutation. Here investigators describe the sequential emergence of such variants within CTL epitopes for a persistently infected, immunocompromised infant. [ Nat Commun] Abstract

Pulmonary M. tuberculosis Infection Delays Th1 Immunity via Immunoadaptor DAP12-Regulated IRAK-M and Interleukin-10 Expression in Antigen-Presenting Cells
Interaction of mycobacteria with the host leads to retarded expression of T helper cell type 1 (Th1) immunity in the lung. However, the immune mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using in vivo and in vitro models of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, researchers found the immunoadaptor DAP12 (DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa) in antigen-presenting cells to be critically involved in this process. [Mucosal Immunol] Abstract

Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Damage in HIV-Tuberculosis Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
Scientists investigated the involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in HIV-tuberculosis (TB) associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS). They determined MMP transcript abundance and secreted protein in M. tuberculosis-stimulated PBMCs from 22 TB-IRIS patients and 22 non-IRIS controls. [Eur J Immunol] Full Article

HIV

The HIV-1 Envelope Protein gp120 Impairs B Cell Proliferation by Inducing TGF-β1 Production and FcRL4 Expression
The HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 binds to and signals through integrin α4β7 on T cells. They found that gp120 also bound to and signaled through α₄β₇ on naive B cells, which resulted in an abortive proliferative response. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

Simultaneous Zinc-Finger Nuclease Editing of the HIV Coreceptors ccr5 and cxcr4 Protects CD4⁺ T Cells from HIV-1 Infection
The authors used zinc-finger nucleases to drive the simultaneous genetic modification of both ccr5 and cxcr4 in primary human CD4⁺ T cells. These gene-modified cells proliferated normally and were resistant to both CCR5- and CXCR4-using HIV-1 in vitro. [Blood] Abstract

CD4⁺ T-Cell Activation Impairs Serogroup C Neisseria meningitis Vaccine Response in HIV-Infected Children
Scientists investigated the influence of CD4⁺ T-cell activation and regulatory populations in HIV-infected children antibody response to vaccination with a conjugate C polysaccharide vaccine. [AIDS] Abstract

HIV-1 Tat Protein Binds to TLR4-MD2 and Signals to Induce TNF-Alpha and IL-10
Investigators hypothesized that during early HIV-1 infection, HIV-1 Tat protein acts on monocytes/macrophages to induce anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines and participates in immune dysregulation. [Retrovirology] Abstract | Full Article

Therapeutic Potential of Interleukin-17 in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases
The authors discuss the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-17 receptors signals, and their regulation. IL-17 expression was abnormal in the bacterium, virus and fungus infection, and its higher level caused tissue inflammation. [Expert Opin Ther Targets] Abstract

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Sangamo BioSciences Presents Clinical Data from HIV Study Demonstrating Sustained Control Of Viremia
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. announced the presentation of new data demonstrating sustained control of HIV viral load at or below the limit of detection for 14 weeks in an SB-728-T- treated HIV-infected subject who was not on antiretroviral therapy. [Press release from Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. discussing research to be presented at the Annual Meeting of European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT), Madrid]
Press Release

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CEL-SCI and Ergomed Sign Co-Development and Profit Sharing Agreement for Multikine in HIV/HPV Co-Infected Men and Women with Peri-Anal Warts
CEL-SCI Corporation announced that it has signed a co-development and profit sharing agreement with Ergomed Clinical Research Ltd. for CEL-SCI’s investigational immunotherapy drug Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin Inj.) in HIV/HPV co-infected men and women with peri-anal warts. [CEL-SCI Corporation]
Press Release

Nanobio Awarded up to $10 Million in NIH Funding to Develop a Pandemic Influenza Vaccine
NanoBio Corporation announced that the company has been awarded an initial contract worth $5.5 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to develop a nanoemulsion adjuvant for use with a pandemic influenza vaccine. [NanoBio Corporation]
Press Release

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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PhD Studentship – HIV Transcriptional Latency and Activation (Erasmus MC)

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)

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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