Immunology of Infectious Disease News Volume 2.48 | Dec 10 2014

Mechanisms of NDV-3 Vaccine Efficacy in MRSA Skin versus Invasive Infection
Researchers evaluated the efficacy and immunologic mechanisms of a vaccine containing a recombinant glycoprotein antigen (NDV-3) in mouse skin and skin structure infection due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Full Article | Press Release

The Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Tec Controls Assembly and Activity of the Noncanonical Caspase-8 Inflammasome
Scientists identified Tec kinase as a novel key mediator of the inflammatory immune response in macrophages invaded by the human fungal pathogen C. albicans. [PLoS Pathog] Full Article

Commensal Enteric Bacteria Lipopolysaccharide Impairs Host Defense against Disseminated Candida albicans Fungal Infection
Researchers show commensal bacteria eradication bolsters protection against disseminated C. albicans fungal infection. Enhanced antifungal immunity reflects more robust systemic expansion of Ly6G^hiLy6C^int neutrophils, and their mobilization into infected tissues among antibiotic-treated compared with commensal bacteria-replete control mice. [Mucosal Immunol] Abstract

Immunoendocrine Dysbalance during Uncontrolled T. cruzi Infection Is Associated with the Acquisition of a Th-1-Like Phenotype by Foxp3⁺ T Cells
Researchers previously showed that Trypanosoma cruzi infection in C57BL/6 mice results in lethal infection linked to unbalanced pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators production. Now they examine the dynamics of CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells within this inflammatory and highly Th1-polarized environment. [Brain Behav Immun] Abstract

Multiple Immune Factors Are Involved in Controlling Acute and Chronic Chikungunya Virus Infection
Scientists highlight the propensity of chikungunya virus infections to persist long term, both as persistent, steady-state, viremias in multiple B cell deficient mouse strains, and as persistent RNA (including negative-strand RNA) in wild-type mice. [PLoS Negl Trop Dis] Full Article

HIV

The Effect of HAART-Induced HIV Suppression on Circulating Markers of Inflammation and Immune Activation
Scientists investigated the impact of HAART-induced HIV suppression on levels of 24 serological biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation. Biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation moved towards HIV-negative levels within the first year after HAART-induced HIV suppression. [AIDS] Abstract

The Orientation of HIV-1 gp120 Binding to the CD4 Receptor Differentially Modulates CD4⁺ T Cell Activation
Scientists investigated how gp120 affects TCR-mediated activation of human CD4⁺ T cells by agonistic anti-CD3 mAb or by HLA class II-presented peptide Ags. They show that the spatial orientation of gp120-CD4 receptor binding relative to the site of TCR engagement differentially affects TCR signaling efficiency and hence CD4⁺ T cell activation. [J Immunol] Abstract | Full Article

TRIM5α Restriction Affects Clinical Outcome and Disease Progression in SIV Infected Rhesus Macaques
Investigators found that tripartite motif-containing protein 5 alpha (TRIM5α) restriction significantly delayed disease progression and improved survival rate of SIV-infected macaques, which supports the feasibility of exploiting TRIM5α as a target for gene therapy against HIV-1. [J Virol] Abstract

Escherichia coli Surface Display of Single-Chain Antibody VRC01 against HIV-1 Infection
Researchers employed a bacteria-based strategy to display a broadly neutralizing antibody VRC01, which could potentially be used to prevent HIV-1 infection. The VRC01 antibody mimics CD4-binding to gp120 and has broadly neutralization activities against HIV-1. [Virology] Abstract

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ADMA Biologics Announces Positive Top-Line Phase III Data for Primary Immune Deficiency Disease (PIDD) Patients
ADMA Biologics, Inc. announced its lead product candidate RI-002 has demonstrated positive Phase III results and successfully achieved its primary endpoint. Preliminary analysis indicates that treatment with RI-002 resulted in no serious bacterial infections observed in study subjects during the trial. [ADMA Biologics, Inc.] Press Release

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Postdoctoral Position – Mucosal Immunology (Karolinska Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Immunology (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Respiratory Immunology, Biology, and Drug Discovery Research (Washington University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Position – Mechanisms of Pathogen Infection-Associated Colon Inflammation and Tumorigenesis (Johns Hopkins University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Innate Immune Responses to Virus Infection or Autoimmune Diseases (Houston Methodist Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Universal Influenza Vaccine Development (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

Postdoctoral Fellow – B Cell Responses Induced by HPV Vaccines (Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Viral Pathogenesis (The Scripps Research Institute)

Associate Professor – Molecular Immunology (Chiba University)

Scientist – Recombinant Molecules and Antibodies (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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