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Transposable elements (TEs) occupy nearly 40% of mammalian genomes and, whilst most are fragmentary and no longer capable of transposition, they can nevertheless contribute to cell function. TEs within genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II can be copied as parts of primary transcripts; however, their full contribution to mature transcript sequences remains unresolved. Here, using long and short read (LR and SR) RNA sequencing data, we show that 26% of coding and 65% of noncoding transcripts in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) contain TE-derived sequences. Different TE families are incorporated into RNAs in unique patterns, with consequences to transcript structure and function. The presence of TE sequences within a transcript is correlated with TE-type specific changes in its subcellular distribution, alterations in steady-state levels and half-life, and differential association with RNA Binding Proteins (RBPs). We identify hPSC-specific incorporation of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and LINE:L1 into protein-coding mRNAs, which generate TE sequence-derived peptides. Finally, single cell RNA-seq reveals that hPSCs express ERV-containing transcripts, whilst differentiating subpopulations lack ERVs and express SINE and LINE-containing transcripts. Overall, our comprehensive analysis demonstrates that the incorporation of TE sequences into the RNAs of hPSCs is more widespread and has a greater impact than previously appreciated.

SummaryIn pancreatic cancer, emerging evidence suggests that PPAR-δ overexpression is associated with tumor progression and metastasis, but a mechanistic link is still missing. Here we now show that PPAR-δ acts as the integrating upstream regulator for the metabolic rewiring, which is preceding the subsequent initiation of an invasive/metastatic program. Specifically, paracrine and metabolic cues regularly found in the metastasis-promoting tumor stroma consistently enhance, via induction of PPAR-δ activity, the glycolytic capacity and reserve of pancreatic cancer cells, respectively, accompanied by decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Consequently, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of PPAR-δ results in reduced invasiveness and metastasis. Mechanistically, PPAR-δ acts by shifting the MYC/PGC1A balance towards MYC, enhancing metabolic plasticity. Targeting MYC similarly prevents the metabolic switch and subsequent initiation of invasiveness. Therefore, our data demonstrate that PPAR-δ is a key initiator for the metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer, thereby acting as a checkpoint for the phenotypic change towards invasiveness. These findings provide compelling evidence for a novel treatment strategy to combat pancreatic cancer progression.

Background: Whether vancomycin (VAN) plus piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) could increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) is still controversial in critically ill patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the risk of developing AKI and risk of developing AKI and treatment cost among this population receiving VAN/PTZ to a matched group receiving VAN/other antipseudomonal β-lactams. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, matched study included 700 critically ill patients who received ≥48 hours of VAN/PTZ or VAN/other antipseudomonal β-lactams. The risk of developing AKI was compared between these two combination therapies using propensity-adjusted analysis. Furthermore, a pharmacoeconomic decision-analytic model was performed.Results: According to three AKI-defined criteria, VAN/PTZ was associated with significantly higher incidence of than VAN/other antipseudomonal β-lactams (all P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, regardless of any VAN/other antipseudomonal β-lactams, VAN/PTZ was an independent predictor for stage 2 or 3 AKI. In the empiric treatment, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per additional nephrotoxic episode of 1147.35$, 1845.11$, and 3989.95$ were found for VAN/PTZ relative to, vancomycin plus imipenem-cilastatin, vancomycin plus meropenem, and vancomycin plus cefoperazone-sulbactam, respectively. Conclusion: In critically ill patients, VAN/PTZ was associated with both higher AKI risk and treatment cost when considering AKI occurence compared to VAN/other antipseudomonal β-lactams.Trial registration: retrospectively registered, ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03776409.

Transposable elements (TEs) occupy nearly 50% of mammalian genomes and are both potential dangers to genome stability and functional genetic elements. TEs can be expressed and exonised as part of a transcript, however, their full contribution to the transcript splicing remains unresolved. Here, guided by long and short read sequencing of RNAs, we show that 26% of coding and 65% of non-coding transcripts of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) contain TEs. Different TE families have unique integration patterns with diverse consequences on RNA expression and function. We identify hPSC-specific splicing of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) as well as LINE L1 elements into protein coding genes that generate TE-derived peptides. Finally, single cell RNA-seq reveals that proliferating hPSCs are dominated by ERV-containing transcripts, and subpopulations express SINE or LINE-containing transcripts. Overall, we demonstrate that TE splicing modulates the pluripotency transcriptome by enhancing and impairing transcript expression and generating novel transcripts and peptides.

A hydrostable and bromine-functionalized MOF with a sxd topology constructed from tetranuclear clusters, {[Mn2(Bript)2(4,4'-bpy).5(DMF)]·(H2O)}n (1) (H2Bript = 4-Bromoisophthalic acid, 4,4'-bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine, DMF = dimethylformamide) was synthesized and structurally characterized. TGA and PXRD results show high thermal and water stability for the framework. 1 displays a 3D framework with the channel of 4.6 × 4.6 A2 along the c axis. The framework exhibits a reversible and highly selective luminescent sensing function with respect to Hg2+ cation. Magnetic measurements reveal that the presence of weak antiferromagnetic couplings between the four Mn(II) ions in 1.

Backgroud: Oncogenic RET is an actionable target across a variety of cancers. Selective RET inhibitors selpercatinib and pralsetinib were recently approved by the FDA and EMA for patients with RET-dependent NSCLC and thyroid cancers. The solvent front mutations (SFMs) RET G810C/S/R have been identified as mechanisms of acquired resistance to both drugs. The gatekeeper RET V804 mutation cannot be inhibited by selected next-generation RET inhibitors in development. APS03118 is a novel next-generation RET inhibitor which is potent against a range of RET fusions and mutations including both SFMs and gatekeeper mutations. Methods: The selectivity, anti-RET activity, and intracranial efficacy of APS03118 were confirmed in vitro and in vivo in a variety of RET-dependent tumor models. Results: APS03118 was highly selective against a panel of 468 kinases and demonstrated 130-fold selectivity over VEGFR-2. In enzymatic assays, APS03118 showed low nanomolar potency against wild type RET and 25 RET mutations/fusions, including the inhibition of RET G810R/C/S (IC50 0.04-5 nM) and RET V804M/L/E (IC50 0.04-1 nM). APS03118 inhibited RET phosphorylation (IC50 Conclusions: APS03118 is a novel highly selective next-generation RET inhibitor that possesses potent in vitro and in vivo activity against a diverse range of RET alterations, including SFMs-mediated resistance. A first-in-human phase 1 trial for patients with RET-driven solid tumors with activating RET alterations is planned for 2022. Citation Format: Alexander Drilon, Jun Zhong, Ying Lu, Yongbo Liu, Hao Wang, Minchun Chen, Xiaohu Chen, John Zhu, Shun Lu, Vivek Subbiah. The preclinical selectivity and activity of APS03118, a highly selective and potent next-generation RET inhibitor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5363.

e15107 Background: Oncogenic RET is an actionable target across a variety of cancers. Selective RET inhibitors selpercatinib and pralsetinib were recently approved by the FDA and EMA for patients with RET-dependent NSCLC and thyroid cancers. The solvent front mutations (SFMs) RET G810C/S/R have been identified as mechanisms of acquired resistance to both drugs. APS03118 is a novel next-generation RET inhibitor which is potent against a range of RET fusions and mutations including both SFMs and gatekeeper mutations. Methods: The selectivity, anti-RET activity, and intracranial efficacy of APS03118 were confirmed in vitro and in vivo in a variety of RET-dependent tumor models. Results: APS03118 was highly selective against a panel of 468 kinases and demonstrated 130-fold selectivity over VEGFR-2. In enzymatic assays, APS03118 showed low nanomolar potency against wild type RET and 25 RET mutations/fusions, including the inhibition of RET G810R/C/S (IC50 0.04-5 nM) and RET V804M/L/E (IC50 0.04-1 nM). APS03118 inhibited RET phosphorylation (IC50 < 15 nM) in Ba/F3 engineered RET cells (WT, G810R, V804M, M918T). In cell proliferation assays, APS03118 potently inhibited the proliferation of KIF5B-RET Ba/F3 (WT, V804M, V804L, M918T), CCDC6-RET Ba/F3 (WT, V804M, S904F), LC2/ad (CCDC6-RET), TT (RET C634W) (IC50 < 10nM); Ba/F3 RET G810R and G810S IC50 (8-65 nM). APS03118 demonstrated marked anti-tumor efficacy in vivo in RET-driven cell-derived (Ba/F3 KIF5B-RET, V804M, TT (C634W)) and patient-derived (KIF5B-RET, CCDC6-RET, CCDC6-RET V804M) xenograft tumor models at 10 mg/kg (TGI 87-108%). Tumors completely subsided in CCDC6-RET orthotopic brain model with a 100% survival rate. In the Ba/F3 KIF5B-RET G810R xenograft model, APS03118 30 mg/kg showed 90% TGI and was well tolerated, and RET G810 mutations often drive clinical progression on current RET inhibitors. The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of APS03118 in Ba/F3 KIF5B-RET G810R and WT xenograft tumor model was investigated, and the sustained decrease of the phosphorylated RET were observed at 30 mg/kg with the plasma exposure exceed cell IC90. Conclusions: APS03118 is a novel highly selective next-generation RET inhibitor that possesses potent in vitro and in vivo activity against a diverse range of RET alterations, including SFMs-mediated resistance. APS03118 has received IND approval and Fast Track Designation from FDA, and a first-in-human phase 1 trial for patients with RET-driven solid tumors with activating RET alterations is planned for 2022.

The phycosphere of phytoplankton harbors a diversity of microbes that can potentially interact with the host phytoplankton cells. In spite of increasing reports regarding the interactions between some model phytoplankton and bacteria, there remain many unknowns regarding interactions between the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea and its phycosphere bacteria. Here we used both cultivation and metagenomic sequencing methods to investigate the microbial community composition in A. sanguinea batch cultures under various growth conditions. The microbial community dynamics under different growth stages and nutrient (nitrogen and iron) depletion scenarios were determined by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Rhodobacteraceae, Alteromonadaceae and Flavobacteriaceae were the main bacterial families and varied significantly under different states of the host A. sanguinea. Selective fluorescence in situ hybridization was also performed to label Rhodobacterales and Alteromonas clade bacteria to confirm their attachment to A. sanguinea cells under confocal laser scanning microscopy. Plate streaking protocol isolated 19 bacterial strains from A. sanguinea cultures, identified through 16S rRNA analysis. Most culturable strains (11 of 19) belonged to Rhodobacteraceae consistent with Illumina MiSeq sequencing data. The possible interaction pathway between these epibiotic bacteria and A. sanguinea in the phycosphere is also discussed.

In this study, we used four ways to represent ionic liquids (ILs), namely, molecular fingerprint (MF), molecular descriptor (MD), the addition of MF (MF + MF) and the combination of MF and MD (MF_MD), to develop quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) models for predicting the refractive index and viscosity of ILs. Results showed that the predictive performance of QSPR models followed the order: MD

Ionic liquids (ILs) have many applications in, for example, organic synthesis, batteries and drug delivery. In this study, molecular fingerprint (MF) was used to represent ionic liquids (ILs) and was combined with machine learning (ML) to develop quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for predicting the refractive index and viscosity of ILs. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, four datasets with different sizes containing different numbers of ILs' refractive indexes and viscosity, which were previously used to develop QSAR models by molecular descriptor (MD)-based method and group contribution method (GCM), were employed to develop QSAR models by MF-ML method. The results showed that the models developed by MF-ML showed comparative predictive performance with the MD-based method and GCM for these four datasets, but MF-ML can more quickly obtain the representations of IL within milliseconds. Moreover, the MF-ML models were interpreted by the recently developed shapely additive explanation (SHAP) method. The results showed that the models made the predictions based on the reasonable understanding of how different features affect the related properties of IL, thus building the trustworthiness of MF-ML models. This study offered a new approach with theoretical support to rapidly developing trustful QSAR models to predict the properties of ILs.

Background Oxidative stress-induced vascular endothelial cell injury is a major factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Several evidences indicate that ellagic acid (EA), a phenolic compound, contributes to cardiovascular health. This study was to investigate the effects of EA on endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis via antioxidant-related mechanisms. Methods In animal studies, wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoE −/− ) mice were fed: a high-fat (21%) diet (HFD) or a HFD plus with EA (HFD+EA), for 14weeks. Vascular reactivity was studied in mice aortas. The effect of EA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HAECs) exposed to hypochlorous acid (HOCl) was also investigated. Results Compared with animals on HFD alone, EA attenuated atherosclerosis in WT mice. In aortic rings from two mice models, EA significantly improved endothelium-dependent relaxation and attenuated HOCl-induced endothelial dysfunction. Besides, EA significantly improved nitric oxide synthase activity, antioxidant capacity and markers of endothelial dysfunction in plasma. Western blot analysis showed that EA increased NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) expression in the aortas (P Conclusions Our results provide further support for the protective effects of dietary EA particularly oxidant-induced endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis partly via Nrf2 activation.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is common in patients with type 2 diabetes. A common treatment is the co-administration of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and metformin. To date, however, the effects of co-administration of PPIs, which inhibit organic cation transporter (OCT) activity, on the action of metformin (a well-known substrate of OCTs) have not been clearly demonstrated.This was a randomized, double-blind, two-way crossover, placebo-controlled trial. Healthy male volunteers (n = 20) received metformin (single dose 1,000 mg on day 1 and single dose 750 mg on day 2, with a 12-h interval) co-administered with placebo or with lansoprazole (30 mg). Plasma concentrations of metformin were measured up to 24 h after the second dose. The glucose-lowering effects of metformin were evaluated by the oral glucose tolerance test before and after each single dose of metformin within the 2-day period.Lansoprazole increased the mean metformin maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to 24 h after the second dosing by 15 and 17 %, respectively (P 0.05). Moreover, lansoprazole prolonged the metformin elimination half-life from 3.9 to 4.5 h and decreased its renal clearance by 13 % (P 0.05). However, lansoprazole had no effect on the maximum glucose level and the area under the serum glucose concentration-time curve of metformin.Collectively, we found a modest pharmacokinetic drug interaction between lansoprazole and metformin, which suggests that the concomitant use of these drugs should be appropriately monitored. Further studies are warranted to assess changes in metformin pharmacokinetics in patients with diabetes receiving long-term lansoprazole therapy.

The aim of this study is to investigate a food effect on the single-dose pharmacokinetics and tolerability of clinofibrate tablets in 12 Chinese healthy volunteers. The authors evaluated the effect of being under a fasting or fed state at the time of drug intake on the single-dose of clinofibrate 400 mg tablets in a randomized, balanced, single-dose, two-treatment (fed and fasting), two-period, two-sequence study design with a 7-day washout period. The end points were the maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) and areas under the plasma-concentration curve (AUC) for 72 hours exposure (AUC0-72) and total exposure (AUC0-∞). All participants completed the whole study without side effects being observed. The Cmax mean of clinofibrate glucuronides and parent clinofibrate were 21.91, 17.85 μ/ml for the fasting state and 13.14, 11.25 μ/ml for the fed state, respectively. The AUC0-72 and AUC0-∞ of clinofibrate glucuronides and parent clinofibrate were 381.60, 307.07 μ/ ml and 404.55, 342.24 μ/ml for the fasting state and 379.02, 321.14 μ/ml and 432.24, 351.80 μ/ml for the fed state. The authors showed that food intake was associated with a significant decrease in Cmax, but no significant change in AUC values.

Summary What is known and Objective Tenofovir dipivoxil fumarate is a novel ester prodrug of tenofovir, a specific anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) drug candidate. The pharmacokinetic properties and the effects of food intake on tenofovir dipivoxil have not yet been reported in healthy adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties and food interaction of tenofovir dipivoxil in healthy Chinese volunteers. Methods Pharmacokinetic studies included an ascending single dose of 150, 300, 600 mg and multiple doses of 300 mg. Food interaction was evaluated following a single oral dose of tenofovir dipivoxil fumarate 300 mg administered with a high-fat and high-energy standard breakfast or after a 12-h fast. Pharmacokinetic parameters of tenofovir given in each treatment period were calculated using non-compartmental analysis. Results After a single dose of 150, 300 and 600 mg, the main pharmacokinetic parameters for tenofovir were as follows: Cmax 209·6, 456·7, 989·8 ng/mL; AUClast 1744·9, 2663·5, 6010·2 ng h/mL, respectively. After multiple doses of 300 mg, the main pharmacokinetic parameters for tenofovir were Cmax 523·4 ng/mL, AUClast 4152·4 ng h/mL. After a single dose of 300 mg with a high-fat and high-energy standard breakfast, the main pharmacokinetic parameters for tenofovir were Cmax 448·5 ng/mL, AUClast 3286·8 ng h/mL. The plasma Cmax and AUC of tenofovir showed significance difference between a single dose of 300 mg and the accordingly multiple doses (P

Measurement uncertainty although introduced to medical laboratories some years ago, this concept is not familiar to all medical researchers, especially for the measurement of biological samples. Therefore, it is important to highlight the evaluation and expression of measurement uncertainty using a practical example. In accordance with published procedures for evaluating and expressing uncertainty, we analyzed the sources of uncertainty in the determination of repaglinide in human plasma using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). We investigated each component of uncertainty and calculated the combined and expanded uncertainties. We evaluated the uncertainty associated with repeatability, weighing, purity, solution and sample preparation, recovery, calibration fitting, and temperature. The expanded uncertainty for low, medium, and high concentrations of repaglinide was 0.090, 0.25, and 3.16 ng/mL, respectively (p = 95 %, k = 2). This example provides an important reference for the evaluation of uncertainty in biological sample determinations using LC–MS/MS and human plasma and will be helpful in explaining the reliability of test results.

Vascular endothelial cells play an important role in modulating anti-thrombus and maintaining the natural function of vascular by secreting many active substances. β-boswellic acid (β-BA) is an active triterpenoid compound from the extract of boswellia serrate. In this study, it is demonstrated that β-BA ameliorates plasma coagulation parameters, protects endothelium from blood stasis induced injury and prevents blood stasis induced impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Moreover, it is found that β-BA significantly increases nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine 3’, 5’-monophosphate (cGMP) levels in carotid aortas of blood stasis rats. To stimulate blood stasis-like conditions in vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to transient oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). Treatment of β-BA significantly increased intracellular NO level. Western blot and immunofluorescence as well as immunohistochemistry reveal that β-BA increases phosphorylation of enzyme nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at Ser1177. In addition, β-BA mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilatation can be markedly blocked by eNOS inhibitor L-NAME in blood stasis rats. In OGD treated HUEVCs, the protective effect of β-BA is attenuated by knockdown of eNOS. In conclusion, the above findings provide convincing evidence for the protective effects of β-BA on blood stasis induced endothelial dysfunction by eNOS signaling pathway.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the initiation and development of myocardial injury (MI). The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is considered to be a potential target for cardioprotection in MI. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is the major organic acid component extracted from Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is the principal active constituent of Carthamus tinctorius L. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of HSYA and AKBA in combination in vivo and in vitro, as well as the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects. For this purpose, MI was produced in Sprague-Dawley rats by subcutaneous injection with isoproterenol. To model ischemic-like conditions in vitro, H9C2 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were examined as well as apoptotic cell death. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm or MMP) were measured using MitoSOX Red and 5,5′,6,6′-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocya-nine iodide (JC-1) dye. The expression of PGC-1α and Nrf2 was quantified by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. HSYA and AKBA prevented myocardial pathological changes, significantly reduced the blood levels of CK-MB and LDH, and decreased apoptotic cell death. They significantly increased the expression of PGC-1α and Nrf2, and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD and also decreased the levels of MDA and ROS. Moreover, the reduction in MMP was partly prevented by HSYA and AKBA. Taken together, these findings elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which HSYA and AKBA protect against MI. Additionally, HSYA and AKBA appear to act synergistically in order to exert cardioprotective effects.

The prophylactic efficacy of DNA and replication-incompetent adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vaccine vectors expressing simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Gag was examined in rhesus macaques using an SIVmac239 challenge. Cohorts of either Mamu-A*01(+) or Mamu-A*01(−) macaques were immunized with a DNA prime-Ad5 boost regimen; for comparison, a third cohort consisting of Mamu-A*01(+) monkeys was immunized using the Ad5 vector alone for both prime and boost. All animals, along with unvaccinated control cohorts of Mamu-A*01(+) and Mamu-A*01(−) macaques, were challenged intrarectally with SIVmac239. Viral loads were measured in both peripheral and lymphoid compartments. Only the DNA prime-Ad5-boosted Mamu-A*01(+) cohort exhibited a notable reduction in peak plasma viral load (sevenfold) as well as in early set-point viral burdens in both plasma and lymphoid tissues (10-fold) relative to those observed in the control monkeys sharing the same Mamu-A*01 allele. The degree of control in each animal correlated with the levels of Gag-specific immunity before virus challenge. However, virus control was short-lived, and indications of viral escape were evident as early as 6 months postinfection. The implications of these results in vaccine design and clinical testing are discussed.

We compared the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific cellular immune responses elicited in nonhuman primates by HIV-1 gag -expressing replication-defective adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) or poxvirus vectors, used either alone or in combination with each other. The responses arising from a heterologous Ad5 priming-poxvirus boosting regimen were significantly greater than those elicited by homologous regimens with the individual vectors or by a heterologous poxvirus priming-Ad5 boosting regimen. The heterologous Ad5 priming-poxvirus boosting approach may have potential utility in humans as a means of inducing high levels of cellular immunity.

Set-point viral load is positively correlated with the extent of initial viral replication in pathogenic simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the correlation, we conducted a systematic investigation in rhesus monkeys infected with the highly pathogenic SHIV 89.6P. This model is widely used in the preclinical evaluation of AIDS vaccine candidates and a thorough understanding of the model's biology is important to the proper interpretation of these evaluations. We found that the levels of peak viremia were positively correlated not only with the levels of set-point viremia but, importantly, with the extent of initial overall immune destruction as indicated by the degree of CD4+ T cell depletion and lymph node germinal center (GC) formation. The extent of initial overall immune destruction was inversely correlated with subsequent development and maintenance of virus-specific cellular and humoral immune responses. Thus, these data suggest that the extent of early immune damage determines the development and durability of virus-specific immunity, thereby playing a critical role in establishing the levels of set-point viral replication in SHIV infection. Vaccines that limit both the initial viral replication and the extent of early immune damage will therefore mediate long-term virus replication control and mitigation of long-term immune destruction in this model of immunodeficiency virus infection.

A synthetic gene consisting of the reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) domains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) pol was constructed using codons most frequently used in humans. The humanized pol gave dramatically improved levels of Rev-independent, in vitro protein production in mammalian cells and elicited much stronger cellular immunity in rodents than did virus-derived gene. Specifically, BALB/c mice were immunized with plasmids and/or recombinant vaccinia virus constructs expressing the synthetic gene. High frequencies of Pol-specific T lymphocytes were detected in these animals by the gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assay against pools of short overlapping peptides. Characterization of the stimulatory peptides from these pools indicates that the optimized gene constructs are able to effectively activate both CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. Immunization of rhesus macaques with DNA vaccines expressing the humanized pol coupled to a human tissue plasminogen activator leader sequence led to pronounced in vitro cytotoxic T-lymphocyte killing activities and enhanced levels of circulating Pol-specific T cells, comparable to those observed in HIV-1-infected human subjects. Thus, optimizing the immunogenic properties of HIV-1 Pol at the level of the gene sequence validates it as an antigen and provides an important step toward the construction of a potent pol -based HIV-1 vaccine component.

Stroke is a complex disease involved oxidative stress-related pathways in its pathogenesis. The nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway has been considered a potential target for neuroprotection in stroke. Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid (AKBA) is an active triterpenoid compound from the extract of Boswellia serrate. The present study was to determine whether AKBA, a novel Nrf2 activator, can protect against cerebral ischemic injury. The stroke model was produced in Sprague–Dawley rats via middle cerebral artery occlusion. To model ischemia-like conditions in vitro, primary cultured cortical neurons were exposed to transient oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). Treatment of AKBA significantly reduced infarct volumes and apoptotic cells and also increased neurologic scores by elevating the Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in brain tissues in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats at 48 hours post reperfusion. In primary cultured neurons, AKBA increased the Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, which provided protection against OGD-induced oxidative insult. Additionally, AKBA treatment increased Nrf2 binding activity to antioxidant-response elements (ARE). The protective effect of AKBA was attenuated by knockdown of Nrf2 or HO-1. In conclusion, these findings provide evidence that AKBA protects neurons against ischemic injury and this neuroprotective effect involves the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Oxidative stress is well known to play a pivotal role in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. The nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway has been considered a potential target for neuroprotection in stroke. 11-Keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) is a triterpenoid compound from extracts of Boswellia serrata. The aim of the present study was to determine whether KBA, a novel Nrf2 activator, can protect against cerebral ischemic injury. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was operated on male Sprague-Dawley rats. KBA (25 mg/kg) applied 1 h after reperfusion significantly reduced infarct volumes and apoptotic cells as well as increased neurologic scores at 48 h after reperfusion. Meanwhile, posttreatment with KBA significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, restored the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and increased the protein Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in brain tissues. In primary cultured astrocytes, KBA increased the Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, which provided protection against oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced oxidative insult. But knockdown of Nrf2 or HO-1 attenuated the protective effect of KBA. In conclusion, these findings provide evidence that the neuroprotection of KBA against oxidative stress-induced ischemic injury involves the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Three-hundred and seventy-six strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens and nasopharyngeal swabs from children at daycare centers and hospitals in Beijing China, between January 1997 and March 1998, were serotyped. Twenty-seven different serotypes were identified. The most prevalent serotypes in the carriage isolates were 6A, 19F, 23F, and 15 and were found in 66.8% of cases. Serotype data indicate that 51.8% of carrier strains would be included in the 11-valent conjugate vaccine formulation, while inclusion of vaccine-related serotypes, increased the potential vaccine coverage to 79.4%. Serotypes 7, 6B, 23F, 19F, 15, and 3 accounted for 62% of clinical strains, with 70% vaccine-related serotypes. DNA fingerprinting of 47 penicillin resistant and 71 penicillin-susceptible/macrolide-resistant strains by BOX polymerase chain reaction (PCR), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and penicillin binding protein (PBP)-fingerprinting identified two novel clones: one a serotype 23F multiresistant clone resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, and variably resistant to chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole; and the second a multiresistant penicillin-susceptible, macrolide-resistant serotype 6A clone, highly resistant also to tetracycline, clindamycin, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. The macrolide resistance determinant in 89% of erythromycin-resistant strains tested (penicillin-susceptible and penicillin-resistant) was the erm gene, both the erm and mef genes were simultaneously found in 6%, and mef alone in 3.4%. The data demonstrates that macrolide resistant strains in China include clonal strains and strains with dual mef and erm resistance determinants.

BACKGROUND The human xenoreactive T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire is not well documented. The aim of this study was to analyze the TCR repertoire in human anti-porcine xenoresponses. METHODS Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from healthy donors were used to generate human T-cell lines against two different haplotypes of inbred Yucatan miniature swine (y/y and z/z). The variable region of TCR beta-chain (Vbeta) gene usage was determined by fluorescence CDR3 spectrotyping. RESULTS TCR Vbeta usage of an established human antiporcine T-cell line analyzed at weeks 5, 7, and 9 showed a sequential increase in Vbeta 1, 2, 6.2, 11, and 19 as compared to unprimed peripheral blood lymphocytes, whereas the usage of other Vbetas decreased. The selection of limited Vbeta genes correlated with the sequential increase in the specific lysis of the T-cell line, suggesting a non-random clonal selection and expansion of T-cell clones that recognized porcine targets. Different Vbeta restriction was found using the same peripheral blood lymphocytes against a different haplotype of swine, indicating this selection of Vbeta gene was swine leukocyte antigen-dependent. CONCLUSIONS There is restricted TCR Vbeta usage in the human anti-porcine response, suggesting that a limited number of xenogeneic epitopes are recognized by human T cells. The selection of particular TCR Vbeta clonotypes depends on the swine leukocyte antigen background.

Safe and efficient methods for in vivo delivery of transgenes of interest must be developed so that the promise of these therapies can be practically used in the clinic. In this work, we describe the use of electrostimulation to enhance the in vivo efficiency of plasmid DNA delivery. The method was optimized to work over a range of moderate frequencies, utilizing low field strengths and simple symmetrical waveforms. After studying several parameters of delivery in mice, we demonstrate how this methodology can be employed to significantly improve both gene expression (over 16-fold) and the immunogenicity of HIV-1 vaccines (over 28-fold) compared to naked DNA in non-human primates. Compared to an efficient viral Ad5 vector system, the gene expression levels of DNA + electrostimulation were surprisingly within a factor of four of the viral delivery system.

Lack of virus specific antibody response is commonly observed in both HIV-1-infected humans and SIV-infected monkeys with rapid diseaseprogression. However, the mechanisms underlying this important observation still remain unclear. In a titration study of a SIVmac239 viral stock,three out of six animals with viral inoculation rapidly progressed to AIDS within 5 months. Unexpectedly, there was no obvious depletion ofCD4 + T cells in both peripheral and lymph node (LN) compartments in these animals. Instead, progressive depletion of proliferating B cells anddisruption of the follicular dendritic cell (FDC) network in germinal centers (GC) was evident in the samples collected at as early as 20 days afterviral challenge. This coincided with undetectable, or weak and transient, virus-specific antibody responses over the course of infection. In situhybridization of SIV RNA in the LN samples revealed a high frequency of SIV productively infected cells and large amounts of accumulated viralRNA in the GCs in these animals. Early severe depletion of GC proliferating B cells and disruption of the FDC network may thus result in aninability to mount a virus-specific antibody response in rapid progressors, which has been shown to contribute to accelerated disease progressionof SIV infection.© 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) challenge studies in rhesus macaques were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of adenovirus-based vaccines in the context of different major histocompatibility complex class I genetic backgrounds and different vaccine compositions. Mamu-A * 01 allele-negative rhesus monkeys were immunized with one of the following vaccine constructs: (i) replication-defective recombinant adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) expressing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat (Ad5/HIVTat); (ii) Ad5 vector expressing simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Gag (Ad5/SIVGag); (iii) Ad5 vector expressing the truncated HIV-1 jrfl Env, gp140 (Ad5/gp140_jrfl); (iv) Ad5 vector expressing the SHIV-89.6P gp140 (Ad5/gp140_89.6P); or (v) the combination of Ad5/SIVGag and Ad5/gp140_jrfl. Following intravenous challenge with SHIV-89.6P, only those cohorts that received vaccines expressing Gag or Env exhibited an attenuation of the acute viremia and associated CD4-cell lymphopenia. While no prechallenge neutralizing antibody titers were detectable in either Ad5/gp140-vaccinated group, an accelerated neutralizing antibody response was observed in the Ad5/gp140_89.6P-vaccinated group upon viral challenge. The set-point viral loads in the Ad5/SIVGag- and Ad5/gp140_jrfl-vaccinated groups were associated with the overall strength of the induced cellular immune responses. To examine the contribution of Mamu-A * 01 allele in vaccine efficacy against SHIV-89.6P challenge, Mamu-A * 01-positive monkeys were immunized with Ad5/SIVGag. Vaccine-mediated protection was significantly more pronounced in the Mamu-A * 01-positive monkeys than in Mamu-A * 01-negative monkeys, suggesting the strong contributions of T-cell epitopes restricted by the Mamu-A * 01 molecule. The implications of these results in the development of an HIV-1 vaccine will be discussed.

We have evaluated the stability profiles of adenovirus type-5 (Ad5)-based vaccine formulations to identify liquid formulations that are stable during long-term storage at 4 degrees C. By identifying the major physiochemical inactivation pathway(s) during storage, formulations of Ad5 were designed with specific pharmaceutical excipients leading to greatly enhanced stability. For example, results indicate that Ad5 is stabilized by non-ionic surfactants and cryoprotectants as well as excipients known to inhibit free-radical oxidation. A non-ionic surfactant is necessary to prevent adsorption of adenovirus to glass surfaces during storage, and a cryoprotectant is needed to prevent freeze-thaw-induced virus inactivation. In a base formulation (A105) containing sucrose as the cryoprotectant and polysorbate-80 as the non-ionic surfactant, metal-ion catalyzed free-radical oxidation is an important mechanism of Ad5 inactivation. The free-radical oxidation inhibitors ethanol and histidine, combined with the metal-ion chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), were determined to be effective stabilizers of Ad5. Arrhenius plots of stability data are consistent with a first-order inactivation mechanism with apparent activation energies for virus inactivation of 26.5 +/- 0.9 and 28.7 +/- 0.6 kcal/mol in the absence and presence of free-radical oxidation inhibitors, respectively. Optimization of formulation pH, as well as the EDTA and ethanol concentrations, allowed for the identification of formulations that further enhanced long-term storage stability. For example, Ad5 in an optimized liquid formulation (A195) lost

Cellular immune responses, particularly those associated with CD3 + CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), play a primary role in controlling viral infection, including persistent infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Accordingly, recent HIV-1 vaccine research efforts have focused on establishing the optimal means of eliciting such antiviral CTL immune responses. We evaluated several DNA vaccine formulations, a modified vaccinia virus Ankara vector, and a replication-defective adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vector, each expressing the same codon-optimized HIV-1 gag gene for immunogenicity in rhesus monkeys. The DNA vaccines were formulated with and without one of two chemical adjuvants (aluminum phosphate and CRL1005). The Ad5- gag vector was the most effective in eliciting anti-Gag CTL. The vaccine produced both CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell responses, with the latter consistently being the dominant component. To determine the effect of existing antiadenovirus immunity on Ad5- gag -induced immune responses, monkeys were exposed to adenovirus subtype 5 that did not encode antigen prior to immunization with Ad5- gag . The resulting anti-Gag T-cell responses were attenuated but not abolished. Regimens that involved priming with different DNA vaccine formulations followed by boosting with the adenovirus vector were also compared. Of the formulations tested, the DNA-CRL1005 vaccine primed T-cell responses most effectively and provided the best overall immune responses after boosting with Ad5- gag . These results are suggestive of an immunization strategy for humans that are centered on use of the adenovirus vector and in which existing adenovirus immunity may be overcome by combined immunization with adjuvanted DNA and adenovirus vector boosting.

Numerous observations have shown that host genetic factors play important roles in disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection (24, 28). The genetics of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) appears to be a particularly critical factor (5). Rapid disease progression has been demonstrated to be associated with certain class I HLA molecules, such as the HLA-B35-Cw∗04 haplotype (3, 11). Slow disease progression is linked with several class I HLA molecules, notably HLA-B∗27 and HLA-B∗57 (13, 17, 23). Recently, this protective effect was demonstrated in a mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission setting, where it was found that HLA-B∗27-restricted immunodominant cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses play a crucial role in delaying disease progression (12). Similar protective effects were also observed in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, particularly in association with expression of the Mamu-A∗01 MHC allele. For instance, expression of Mamu-A∗01 significantly delayed disease progression in SIVmac 251 infection (8, 9, 25). Since this allele has been consistently associated with the CTL response to an immunodominant epitope derived from the SIV Gag region (SIV Gag residues 181 to 189, designated p11CM), detectable by sensitive tetramer and ELISPOT assays, Mamu-A∗01 monkeys have been favored for evaluation of AIDS vaccine candidates (1, 2, 29). Infection with a pathogenic isolate of simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV 89.6P), causes severe CD4 lymphopenia and rapid disease progression in rhesus monkeys (16, 27). Because of the highly pathogenic nature of this virus and its consistent replication kinetics in rhesus monkeys, this challenge model is widely adopted for evaluation of potential AIDS vaccines (1, 2, 29). To further understand the pathogenesis of SHIV 89.6P infection, particularly the impact of expression of the Mamu-A∗01 allele on disease progression, we monitored a cohort of intravenously infected rhesus monkeys with and without expression of the Mamu-A∗01 allele. Here we report that expression of the Mamu-A∗01 allele was associated with delayed disease progression to AIDS in SHIV 89.6P infection. Early virus-specific CTL responses, especially Mamu-A∗01-restricted CTL responses, likely contributed to the significant reduction of initial viral replication observed in lymphoid tissue. Reduced viral replication in lymphoid tissue allowed lymphoid tissue structure to remain relatively intact, thereby resulting in attenuation of disease progression.

Recent studies of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in humans and of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in rhesus monkeys have shown that resolution of the acute viral infection and control of the subsequent persistent infection are mediated by the antiviral cellular immune response. We comparatively assessed several vaccine vector delivery systems-three formulations of a plasmid DNA vector, the modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus, and a replication incompetent adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vector-expressing the SIV gag protein for their ability to elicit such immune responses in monkeys. The vaccines were tested either as a single modality or in combined modality regimens. Here we show that the most effective responses were elicited by a replication-incompetent Ad5 vector, used either alone or as a booster inoculation after priming with a DNA vector. After challenge with a pathogenic HIV-SIV hybrid virus (SHIV), the animals immunized with Ad5 vector exhibited the most pronounced attenuation of the virus infection. The replication-defective adenovirus is a promising vaccine vector for development of an HIV-1 vaccine.

Using apoE phenotyping by immunoblotting and apoE genotyping we identified four heterozygous carriers of a rare apolipoprotein (apo) E2 variant, apoE2 (Arg136 --> Cys). ApoE2 (Arg136 --> Cys) was not distinct from apoE2 (Arg158 --> Cys) by phenotyping, but produced a unique pattern of bands on CfoI restriction typing of a 244 bp apoE gene fragment. Two of the four apoE2 (Arg136 --> Cys)/3 heterozygotes had elevated triglycerides, two were normolipidemic. The composition of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) was normal in each of the four apoE2 (Arg136 --> Cys) carriers, regardless of the triglyceride concentrations. None of the apoE2 (Arg136 --> Cys) carriers displayed a broad beta-band and none revealed beta-migrating particles in the VLDL. The two hypertriglyceridemic carriers of apoE2 (Arg136 --> Cys) were, therefore, classified as having type IV rather than type III hyperlipoproteinemia. LDL receptor binding activities were studied using recombinant apoE loaded to dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) vesicles and to VLDL and from an apoE-deficient individual. LDL receptor binding of apoE2 (Arg136 --> Cys) was 14% of apoE3 and was thus higher than that of apoE2 (Arg158 --> Cys). Both apoE2 (Arg136 --> Cys) and apoE2 (Arg158 --> Cys) displayed substantial heparin binding (61 and 53% of apoE3, respectively). As the dominant apoE variants known so far are characterized by more pronounced reductions of heparin binding, we suggest that apoE2 (Arg136 --> Cys) is not associated with dominant expression of type III hyperlipoproteinemia. These findings lend support to the concept that apoE variants predisposing to dominant type III hyperlipoproteinemia differ from recessive mutations by a more severe defect in heparin binding.

Four alleles are currently recognised at the HLA-DRB3 locus (DRB3 ∗ 0101, DRB3 ∗ 0201, DRB3 ∗ 0202 and DRB3 ∗ 0301). We studied whether 271 bp fragments of the polymorphic second exon, which were prepared using the polymerase chain reaction, could be typed using temperature gradient gel electrophoresis. Thermal stability curves for the allelic DNA molecules were calculated by computer simulation and the results were validated experimentally. The DRB3 ∗ 0201 and DRB3 ∗ 0202 derived homoduplexes were predicted to have identical thermal stability. Thus, only three denaturation and relative mobility curves were obtained for the four homoduplex fragments DRB3 ∗ 0101, DRB3 ∗ 0201, DRB3 ∗ 0202 and DRB3 ∗ 0301. Computational analysis predicted that DRB3 ∗ 0201 and DRB3 ∗ 0202 could be distinguished by electrophoresis of artificially generated heteroduplexes. When verified experimentally, the results of the theoretical analyses were confirmed. We conclude, that computational simulation of the melting behaviour of DNA molecules permits the resolution of allelic sequences to be predicted by temperature gradient gel electrophoresis. We also demonstrate that temperature gradient gel electrophoresis is a powerful tool for the assessment of HLA genotypes. It may have wide application in transplantation immunology and in the study of disease associations of allelic variation at the HLA loci.

A HLA-DRB3-subtyping system that uses TGGE for analyzing DRB3 alleles was developed. The polymorphic second exon of the HLA-DRB3 gene was amplified from four homozygous typing cell lines, 223 healthy individuals, and 102 patients with Graves' disease by using the PCR. The PCR products were electrophoresed in a temperature gradient from 35°C to 70°C, and the resulting fragments were visualized by silver staining. Four DRB3 alleles (HLA-DRB3 ∗ 0101, ∗ 0201, ∗ 0202, and ∗ 0301) were distinguished from one another by the migration of the corresponding homoduplex with the exception that DRB3 ∗ 0201 was indistinguishable from DRB3 ∗ 0202. The latter two alleles, however, were resolved by the artificial heteroduplexing approach. Agrinine in position 74 of the DRB3 gene product (i.e., HLA-DRB ∗ 0101) was significantly more frequent in Graves' patients than in controls. The relative risk conferred by the presence of the DRB3 ∗ 0101 was 15.8 ( p ≤ 0.001). The presence of arginine in position 74 contributed to an etiologic fraction of 75% in our study population. The PCR-TGGE technique is a simple, nonisotopic method, which may be useful in rapid screening of large populations for HLA disease markers.

The measurement of triglyceride lipase activity in microgram and nanogram quantities of tissue is reported. The method involves quantitation of glycerol released from a triglyceride substrate, which is shown to provide a value of approximately one-third of that obtained by quantitation of free fatty acid release. Influences on glycerol release, including pH optimum, NaCl inhibition, and activation by serum and heparin are characterized. Two separate assays are described for the measurement of glycerol that yield identical results with nanogram quantities of tissue. The advantage of one assay is its simplicity, while the advantage of the other is that it can be adjusted to measure very small tissue samples (nanogram) with the use of microanalytical procedures (i.e., enzymatic amplification of the NAD+ product of glycerol analysis). Sensitivity of the method is demonstrated by the analysis of triglyceride lipase activity in nanogram samples of single soleus muscle fibers. Measurement of picomole quantities of glycerol produced by lipase activity in single muscle fibers represents at least a 1,000-fold increase in sensitivity compared to currently available methods.