Immunology of Infectious Disease News Volume 7.45 | Nov 20 2019

TOP STORY

RNA-Binding Protein Isoforms ZAP-S and ZAP-L Have Distinct Antiviral and Immune Resolution Functions

Scientists found that isoforms of the RNA-binding protein ZAP functioned as both a direct antiviral restriction factor and an interferon-resolution factor. The short isoform of ZAP bound to and mediated the degradation of several host interferon messenger RNAs, and thus acted as a negative feedback regulator of the interferon response. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

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Inducible Degradation of lncRNA Sros1 Promotes IFN-γ-Mediated Activation of Innate Immune Responses by Stabilizing Stat1 mRNA

The authors found that the microRNA miR-1 promoted interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-mediated clearance of Listeria monocytogenes in macrophages by indirectly stabilizing the Stat1 messenger RNA through the degradation of the cytoplasmic long noncoding RNA Sros1. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

Large-Scale HLA Tetramer Tracking of T Cells during Dengue Infection Reveals Broad Acute Activation and Differentiation into Two Memory Cell Fates

Using mass cytometry and a highly multiplexed peptide-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) tetramer staining strategy, researchers probed T cells from dengue patients-a total of 430 dengue and control candidate epitopes-together with key markers of activation, trafficking, and differentiation. [Immunity] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Antigenic Competition in CD4⁺ T Cell Responses in a Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind Clinical HIV Vaccine Trial

Mapping of individual epitopes revealed greater breadth of the Gag/Pol-specific T cell response in the absence of Env compared to Env coimmunization. Addition of an Env component to a Gag/Pol vaccine led to reduced Gag/Pol CD4⁺ T cell response rate and magnitude as well as reduced epitope breadth, confirming the presence of antigenic competition. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract

Strong T_h1-Biased CD4 T Cell Responses Are Associated with Diminished SIV Vaccine Efficacy

Using the data obtained from four macaque studies, researchers showed that the DNA prime/modified vaccinia Ankara boost vaccine induced interferon γ CD4 T cells to rapidly migrate to multiple tissues including colon, cervix, and vaginal mucosa. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract

Helminth Infections Suppress the Efficacy of Vaccination against Seasonal Influenza

Investigators analyzed the impact of helminth infections on the efficacy of vaccinations using Litomosoides sigmodontis-infected mice. Concurrent helminth infection reduces the quantity and quality of antibody responses to vaccination against seasonal influenza. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Transcription Factor T-bet in B Cells Modulates Germinal Center Polarization and Antibody Affinity Maturation in Response to Malaria

Using an infection model of severe malaria, scientists found that germinal center (GC) B cells upregulated the transcription factor T-bet during infection. Molecular and cellular analyses revealed that T-bet in B cells was required not only for IgG2c switching but also favored commitment of B cells to the dark zone of the GC. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

Lung CD4⁺ Resident Memory T Cells Remodel Epithelial Responses to Accelerate Neutrophil Recruitment during Pneumonia

Depletion of CD4⁺ cells in pneumococcus-experienced mice diminished CXCL5 (but not CXCL1 or CXCL2) and downstream neutrophil accumulation in the lungs. [Mucosal Immunol] Abstract

Regulation of Macrophage Activity by Surface Receptors Contained within Borrelia burgdorferi-Enriched Phagosomal Fractions

The authors applied a multiomic approach, including the proteomic analysis of B. burgdorferi-containing phagosome-enriched fractions, to identify surface receptors that were involved in the phagocytic capacity of macrophages as well as their inflammatory output. [PLoS Pathog] Full Article

Engineering a Virus-Like Particle as an Antigenic Platform for a Pfs47-Targeted Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine

Investigators report the development and evaluation of a Pfs47-based virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine generated by conjugating their 58 amino acid Pfs47 antigen to Acinetobacter phage AP205-VLP using the SpyCatcher:SpyTag adaptor system. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Differential Pattern of Soluble Immune Markers in Asymptomatic Dengue, West Nile and Zika Virus Infections

The authors showed that even in the absence of symptoms, increased IL levels of IL-12, IL-17, IL-10, IL-5, CXCL9, E-Selectin and ST2/IL-1R4; and decreased levels of IL-13 and CD40 were found in all flavivirus group samples, compared to those from non-infected donors. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Incorporating B Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) into the Membrane of Rabies Virus (RABV) Particles Improves the Speed and Magnitude of Vaccine-Induced Antibody Responses

In vivo, rabies virus-based vector expressing virus membrane-anchored murine BAFF (RABV-ED51-mBAFF) induced significantly faster and higher virus neutralizing antibody titers than RABV while not adversely affecting the longevity of the vaccine-induced antibody response. [PLoS Negl Trop Dis] Full Article | Editorial

Ketogenic Diet Activates Protective γδ T Cell Responses against Influenza Virus Infection

Researchers showed that the consumption of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet (KD) protected mice from lethal Influenza A virus infection and disease. KD feeding resulted in an expansion of γδ T cells in the lung that improved barrier functions, thereby enhancing antiviral resistance. [Sci Immunol] Full Article | Editorial

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Aedes aegypti Immune Response and Its Potential Impact on Dengue Virus Transmission

The authors review the effects of Dengue virus infection on mosquito tissue cells and the immunity pathways and molecules that are involved in this infection. [Viral Immunol] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the immunology of infectious disease research field.

VBI Vaccines and Brii Biosciences Initiate Phase Ib/IIa Study of BRII-179 (VBI-2601) in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

VBI Vaccines Inc. and Brii Biosciences announced the first patient dosed in a Phase Ib/IIa proof-of-concept study of BRII-179, a novel recombinant, protein-based immuno-therapeutic candidate in development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. [VBI Vaccines Inc.] Press Release

Viome Announces Scientific Collaboration with GSK to Research the Prevention of Specific Chronic Diseases

Viome announced a partnership with GSK, the world’s leading vaccine company, to increase understanding of chronic diseases and a potential role for vaccines. [Viome (GlobeNewswire, Inc.)] Press Release

World’s First Candidate Antibody Treatment for Yellow Fever, Developed by Tychan, Tested Safe and Effective in Human Volunteers

Tychan’s first-in-class monoclonal antibody candidate treatment for Yellow Fever, called TY014, has successfully completed Phase IA/IB safety trials in Singapore. [Tychan Pte. Ltd.] Press Release

FETROJA^® (Cefiderocol) Approved by the FDA for Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI) in Adult Patients with Limited or No Alternative Treatment Options

Shionogi & Co., Ltd. announced the FDA has approved FETROJA^® for patients 18 years of age or older who have limited or no alternative treatment options, for the treatment of cUTI, including pyelonephritis, caused by the following: susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter cloacae complex. [Shionogi & Co., Ltd.] Press Release

Science Funders Gamble on Grant Lotteries

Albert Einstein famously insisted that God does not play dice. But the Health Research Council of New Zealand does. The agency is one of a growing number of funders that award grants partly through random selection. Earlier this year, for example, David Ackerley, a biologist at Victoria University of Wellington, received NZ$150,000 (US$96,000) to develop new ways to eliminate cells – after his number came up in the council’s annual lottery. [Nature News] Editorial

Foreign Interference Fears Prompt Guidelines for Australian Universities

New guidelines will help Australian universities protect themselves against foreign interference, says the country’s government. The advice follows concerns that foreign groups or governments, such as the government of China, might be seeking to instigate campus activities that are against Australia’s interests. [Nature News] Editorial

Violent Clashes at Hong Kong Universities Disrupt Research

Three universities in Hong Kong have cancelled classes on campus for the rest of the term after violent clashes between police and protestors erupted in the grounds. At least another four universities have also cancelled classes — in some cases for the rest of the year — over safety concerns. [Nature News] Editorial

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Cerebral Malaria (European Molecular Biology Laboratory)

NEW Postdoctoral Positions – HIV (University of New South Wales)

Research Associate – Immunology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Faculty Position – Infectious Disease Research (Tsinghua University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Associates – Virology and Vaccine Development (University of Minnesota)

Scientist – Infectious Disease (Infectious Disease Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – HIV (Tulane University)

Postdoctoral Position/PhD Student – Infectious Diseases, Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunology (Purdue University)

Postdoctoral Associate – Lung Inflammation (The University of Georgia)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Flavivirus Infection (Pasteur Institute of Cambodia)

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