Search

An updated time line of the B-Z transition models, proposed from both chemical and physicochemical points of view, help towards the understanding of the molecular mechanism of the B-Z transition in [d(G-C).d(G-C)] polymers. The mechanism proposed and reviewed attempts to explain the conformation change underlying the common characteristics that several reported models share.

The generation of vaccines against HIV/AIDS able to induce long-lasting protective immunity remains a major goal in the HIV field. The modest efficacy (31.2%) against HIV infection observed in the RV144 phase III clinical trial highlighted the need for further improvement of HIV vaccine candidates, formulation, and vaccine regimen. In this study, we have generated two novel NYVAC vectors, expressing HIV-1 clade C gp140(ZM96) (NYVAC-gp140) or Gag(ZM96)-Pol-Nef(CN54) (NYVAC-Gag-Pol-Nef), and defined their virological and immunological characteristics in cultured cells and in mice. The insertion of HIV genes does not affect the replication capacity of NYVAC recombinants in primary chicken embryo fibroblast cells, HIV sequences remain stable after multiple passages, and HIV antigens are correctly expressed and released from cells, with Env as a trimer (NYVAC-gp140), while in NYVAC-Gag-Pol-Nef-infected cells Gag-induced virus-like particles (VLPs) are abundant. Electron microscopy revealed that VLPs accumulated with time at the cell surface, with no interference with NYVAC morphogenesis. Both vectors trigger specific innate responses in human cells and show an attenuation profile in immunocompromised adult BALB/c and newborn CD1 mice after intracranial inoculation. Analysis of the immune responses elicited in mice after homologous NYVAC prime/NYVAC boost immunization shows that recombinant viruses induced polyfunctional Env-specific CD4 or Gag-specific CD8 T cell responses. Antibody responses against gp140 and p17/p24 were elicited. Our findings showed important insights into virus-host cell interactions of NYVAC vectors expressing HIV antigens, with the activation of specific immune parameters which will help to unravel potential correlates of protection against HIV in human clinical trials with these vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to develop a single and highly effective vaccine against the emerging chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which causes a severe disease in humans. Here, we have generated and characterized the immunogenicity profile and the efficacy of a novel CHIKV vaccine candidate based on the highly attenuated poxvirus vector modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing the CHIKV C, E3, E2, 6K, and E1 structural genes (termed MVA-CHIKV). MVA-CHIKV was stable in cell culture, expressed the CHIKV structural proteins, and triggered the cytoplasmic accumulation of Golgi apparatus-derived membranes in infected human cells. Furthermore, MVA-CHIKV elicited robust innate immune responses in human macrophages and monocyte-derived dendritic cells, with production of beta interferon (IFN), proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. After immunization of C57BL/6 mice with a homologous protocol (MVA-CHIKV/MVA-CHIKV), strong, broad, polyfunctional, and durable CHIKVspecific CD8+ T cell responses were elicited. The CHIKV-specific CD8+ T cells were preferentially directed against E1 and E2 proteins and, to a lesser extent, against C protein. CHIKV-specific CD8+ memory T cells of a mainly effector memory phenotype were also induced. The humoral arm of the immune system was significantly induced, as MVA-CHIKV elicited high titers of neutralizing antibodies against CHIKV. Remarkably, a single dose of MVA-CHIKV protected all mice after a high-dose challenge with CHIKV. In summary, MVA-CHIKV is an effective vaccine against chikungunya virus infection that induced strong, broad, highly polyfunctional, and long-lasting CHIKV-specific CD8+ T cell responses, together with neutralizing antibodies against CHIKV. These results support the consideration of MVA-CHIKV as a potential vaccine candidate against CHIKV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been shown to complete its final envelopment on cytoplasmic membranes prior to its secretion to the extracellular medium. However, the nature of these membranes has not been characterized. It is thought that HCMV acquires its final envelope from the trans-Golgi network (TGN), though we and others have previously reported a role for endocytic membranes. Here we studied the localization of cellular markers in HCMV-infected cells and in isolated viruses. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that HCMV induces the recruitment of TGN and endosomal markers to the virus factory. Immuno-gold labelling of isolated viral particles and electron microscopy demonstrated the incorporation of TGN46, endosomal markers early endosomal antigen 1, annexin I, transferrin receptor and CD63, and the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor, which traffics between the TGN and endosomes into the viral envelope. Virus immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that virions containing TGN46 and CD63 were infectious. This study reconciles the apparent controversy regarding the nature of the HCMV assembly site and suggests that HCMV has the ability to generate a novel membrane compartment containing markers for both TGN and endosomes, or that the membranes that HCMV uses for its envelope may be vesicles in transit between the TGN and endosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dekkera bruxellensis is the major contaminant yeast in the wine industry worldwide. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of D. bruxellensis LAMAP2480 isolated from a Chilean wine. Genomic evidence reveals shared and exclusive genes potentially involved in colonization and survival during alcoholic fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metagenomic studies have primarily relied on de novo assembly for reconstructing genes and genomes from microbial mixtures. While reference-guided approaches have been employed in the assembly of single organisms, they have not been used in a metagenomic context. Here we describe the first effective approach for reference-guided metagenomic assembly that can complement and improve upon de novo metagenomic assembly methods for certain organisms. Such approaches will be increasingly useful as more genomes are sequenced and made publicly available., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Unlabelled: The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a very valuable commercial salmonid species. As with other aquaculture species, intensive aquaculture of Atlantic salmon often faces disease problems especially in early life stages which can limit stable production of the species. 'Ssa miRNAs DB', a bioinformatics and manually curated database, aims at providing a comprehensive resource of microRNA in Altantic salmon, with a user friendly interface for a convenient retrieval of each entry by microRNA ID or target gene. The current version of Ssa miRNAs DB involved the prediction of 41 and 266 homologous and novel microRNAs, respectively., Availability: The database is available for free at http://www.molgenv.com/ssa_mirnas_db_home.php.