Structure-based identification of herbacetin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester as inhibitors of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent viral methyltransferase.

Chikungunya (CHIKV) and dengue (DENV) viruses pose a public health risk and lack antiviral treatments. Structure-based molecular docking of a natural MTase substrates library identified herbacetin (HC) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) as potential CHIKV nsP1 and DENV NS5 MTase inhibitors. Binding affinities and MTase inhibition were confirmed using purified proteins.

Designing and bioengineering of CDRs with higher affinity against receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant highlights the need for innovative strategies to address evolving viral threats. This study bioengineered three nanobodies H11-H4, C5, and H3 originally targeting the Wuhan RBD, to bind more effectively to the Omicron RBD. A structure-based in silico affinity maturation pipeline was developed to enhance their binding affinities.

Optimized high-yield expression of envelope glycoprotein domain III from dengue virus serotypes 1 to 4.

Dengue virus (DENV) envelope glycoprotein Domain III (EDIII) is critical for viral entry, highly immunogenic, and induces robust neutralizing antibody response. It is a prominent candidate for designing subunit-based vaccines and can also be harnessed as an antigenic bait for isolation of neutralizing human mAbs. Here, we describe an optimized method for high-yield expression of recombinant domain EDIII protein from DENV serotypes 1 to 4 in different Escherichia coli (E.

Purification and characterization of kyasanur forest disease virus EDIII domain of major envelope glycoprotein.

Current research efforts are underway to create novel approaches for the efficient diagnosis, monitoring, and mitigation of Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV) infections. Flavivirus subunit-based vaccines based on envelope glycoprotein EDIII are now in preclinical and clinical research stages. Efficient purification and isolation methods for surface immunogenic viral antigens, including the recombinant envelope immunoglobulin-like domain III (rEDIII) protein, are crucial for the production and manufacturing of promising vaccine candidates that have been extensively assessed in previous literature.

Viral methyltransferase inhibitors: berbamine, venetoclax, and ponatinib as efficacious antivirals against chikungunya virus.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted by mosquitoes, poses a significant global health threat. Presently, no effective treatment options are available to reduce the disease burden. The lack of approved therapeutics against CHIKV and the complex spectrum of chronic musculoskeletal and neurological manifestations raise significant concerns, and repurposing drugs could offer swift avenues in the development of effective treatment strategies.

Stratified sero-prevalence revealed overall high disease burden of dengue but suboptimal immunity in younger age groups in Pune, India.

Background: In India, dengue disease is emerging as the most important vector borne public health problem due to rapid and unplanned urbanization, high human density and week management of the disease. Clinical cases are grossly underreported and not much information is available on prevalence and incidence of the disease.

Methodology: A cross sectional, stratified, facility based, multistage cluster sampling was conducted between May 4 and June 27, 2017 in Pune city.

Infectivity and growth kinetics of Herpes Simplex Virus type-2 in MOLT4 CCR5+ and CEM CCR5+ T cell lines.

Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) is an important sexually transmitted pathogen that infects the genital mucosal epithelial cells causing ulcerative lesions at the site of entry, facilitating HIV infection. The infection of epithelial cells and skin resident dendritic cells with HSV-2 causes a release of chemokine and retinoic acid which attracts CD4 T-cells to the genital mucosa. In this study, we investigated whether HSV-2 (ATCC VR734) could infect and replicate in two T-cell lines (CEM CCR5+ and MOLT4 CCR5+).