Immunogenic and Protective Properties of mRNA Vaccine Encoding Hemagglutinin of Avian Influenza A/H5N8 Virus, Delivered by Lipid Nanoparticles and Needle-Free Jet Injection.

The development of a vaccine against highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses subtype A/H5 is an urgent task due to concerns about its pandemic potential. In this study, we have developed an experimental mRNA vaccine, mRNA-H5, encoding a modified hemagglutinin trimer of influenza virus A/turkey/Stavropol/320-01/2020 (H5N8). BALB/c mice were immunized with the mRNA-H5 vaccine using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and needle-free jet injection (JI).

First Report of the Yezo Virus Isolates Detection in Russia.

The recent discovery of the Yezo virus (YEZV) in Japan and China has raised particular concern due to its potential to cause human diseases ranging from mild febrile illnesses to severe neurological disorders. We report, for the first time, the detection of five YEZV isolates in ticks from three regions of Russia. The analysis was performed using 5318 ticks of two genus collected in 2024 from 23 regions of Russia.

The Immunogenicity of an Artificial Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Polyepitope Immunogen May Depend on Spacers Flanking Epitope.

The development of artificial polyepitope immunogens based on the conserved CD4 and CD8 epitopes from different virus proteins combined into a single molecule is a promising approach in the development of vaccines for activating a specific T-cell response. Selection of spacer sequences flanking the epitopes within the construct and providing the optimal processing of such immunogens within the cell is an important step in the design of such vaccines. We report the results of designing polyepitope T-cell immunogens of tick-borne encephalitis virus that differ in the presence or absence of optimally selected alanine spacers between epitopes, as well as the data of comparative analysis of immunogenic properties of DNA vaccines encoding the obtained polyepitope immunogens.

Immunogenicity of DNA Vaccines against COVID-19 That Encode B- and T-Cell Immunogens after Combined Injection.

The possibility of enhancing the immune response to a DNA vaccine encoding an artificial polyepitope T-cell immunogen containing a large number of conserved epitopes from different proteins of SARS-CoV-2 virus (pBSI-COV-Ub) was assessed by additional introduction of a plasmid encoding the secreted receptor-binding domain of the of SARS-CoV-2 S protein (pVAXrbd). Both a specific humoral response and a cellular response of broad specificity were observed in animals co-injected with pBSI-COV-Ub and pVAXrbd. This indicates the potential of this approach as a vaccine strategy.

[Needle-Free Jet-Delivered mRNA-Vaccine Encoding Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Hemagglutinin Protects Mice from Lethal Virus Infection].

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza A and B viruses that circulate worldwide. Due to high variability, new strains of the virus emerge every year. Therefore, vaccine formulation has to be revised every year.

Structural Features of Nucleoproteins from the Recently Discovered and .

The recent discovery of (SGLV) and (BJNV) in China has raised significant concern due to their potential to cause severe human disease. However, little is known about the structural features and function of their nucleoproteins, which play a key role in the viral life cycle. By combining small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data and AlphaFold 3 simulations, we reconstructed the BJNV and SGLV nucleoprotein structures for the first time.

Detection of potato virus S in Colorado potato beetle RNA-seq data.

Potato virus S (PVS) is a widely distributed potato pathogen that typically causes mild or asymptomatic infections. Still, certain genotypes can cause up to 20% yield losses, especially when co-infected with other viruses. Aphids are the only currently recognized insect vectors of PVS; however, the mechanical transmission through plant contact is also known.

Single-Cell Transcriptomic Changes in Patient-Derived Glioma and U87 Glioblastoma Cell Cultures Infected with the Oncolytic Virus VV-GMCSF-Lact.

Oncolytic virotherapy is a rapidly evolving approach to cancer treatment. Our group previously designed VV-GMCSF-Lact, a recombinant oncolytic vaccinia virus targeting solid tumors including gliomas. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to compare transcriptional responses in human glioma cells, non-malignant brain cells, and immortalized glioblastoma U87 MG cells following infection with this oncolytic virus.

Copper-enhanced electrochemical immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles for the quality control of hepatitis A virus vaccines.

A voltammetric sandwich immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugates and specific immunoglobulins (IgG@AuNPs) has been developed for the quantitative determination of inactivated hepatitis A virus (HAV) in a vaccine. For the first time, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were catalytically reduced from copper sulfate on the surface of AuNPs conjugates by a chemical reducing agent, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Control experiments showed that copper was not formed in the absence of AuNPs on the electrode surface or in the absence of NADH.

[DNA Vaccine Technologies: Design and Delivery].

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the development of new directions in vaccine development, among which DNA- and mRNA-based technologies are particularly noteworthy. The platform based on DNA vaccines is developing particularly intensively due to their high stability at ambient temperature and the ability to activate both humoral and cellular immunity. The full cycle of DNA vaccine creation, which includes the construction of plasmid DNA, obtaining a producer strain, fermentation, and purification, takes 2-4 weeks.

Papain-Like Protease of SARS-CoV-2 Induces Intestinal Inflammation via the ISG15 Pathway: Identification of Natural Compound Inhibitors.

The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) is a multifunctional viral protein that facilitates viral assembly and disrupts host immune responses by removing interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) modifications from target proteins. However, the mechanisms by which PLpro-mediated immune evasion leads to inflammatory responses are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that PLpro induces inflammation in colonic epithelial cells and colonic inflammation in a mouse model, acting through the ISG15 signaling pathway.

Internalization of extracellular double-stranded DNA as a potential marker of cancer stem cells in Epstein-Barr virus-induced B-cell lymphoma.

BackgroundAt present, there are no universal markers of tumor stem cells known, including for B-lymphomas. Previously, we have shown that Epstein-Barr virus-induced B-cell lymphoma culture contains cells capable of internalizing TAMRA-labeled DNA. These cells form sphere-forming centers and are essential for the development of xenografts genetically identical to the initial culture.

Ursane hybrids with 5-amino-1,2,3,4-thiatriazole, 1-tetrazole-5-thione, and 1-tetrazole-5-amines and study of their inhibition of main SARS-CoV-2 protease.

A series of new heterocyclic ursane and 28-norursane hybrids - derivatives of 5-amino-1,2,3,4-thiatriazole, 1-tetrazole-5-thione, and 1-tetrazole-5-amines were prepared. Reacting triterpenoids holding NCS groups at different distances from the pentacyclic backbone with hydrazine hydrate resulted in ursane-derived hydrazinecarbothioamides. Subsequent nitrosation afforded terpenoid derivatives of 5-amino-1,2,3,4-thiatriazole.

Seroprevalence of anti-influenza antibodies in humans and characterization of seasonal influenza viruses isolated in Russia during the 2023-2024 flu season.

The 2023-2024 flu season in Russia was dominated by influenza A(H3N2) viruses. In this study, we isolated seasonal influenza viruses from human respiratory specimens, analyzed their genetic and antigenic properties, and assessed their susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors. In total, we isolated 207 influenza virus isolates.

The synergistic antitumor effect of Karanahan technology and vaccination using anti-OX40 antibodies.

Objectives: Currently, there exist two approaches to the treatment of malignant neoplasms: the Karanahan technology and vaccination, which are based on chronometric delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumor depending on the characteristics of tumor cells, as well as the immune status. The main purpose of this study was to experimentally prove the feasibility of combining the Karanahan technology and vaccination with αOX40 antibodies into a single therapeutic platform to achieve a potent additive antitumor therapeutic effect.

Methods: BALB/c mice grafted with B-cellular lymphoma A20 were treated using the Karanahan technology consisting of intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide administrations and intratumoral DNA injections according to an individually determined therapeutic regimen, together with vaccination with αOX40.

Detection and characterization of the Dezidougou virus (genus Negevirus) in mosquitoes (Ochlerotatus caspius) collected in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

Introduction: Monitoring and research on arthropod-borne microorganisms is important. Recently, with the development of next-generation sequencing methods, many previously unknown viruses have been identified in insects.

Aim Of The Study: Isolation of viruses from mosquitoes sampled in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), followed by the study of a new for Russia negevirus isolated from mosquitoes of the species , including determination of its complete nucleotide sequence, phylogenetic and virological characteristics.

Dose-Dependent Effect of DNA Vaccine pVAX-H5 Encoding a Modified Hemagglutinin of Influenza A (H5N8) and Its Cross-Reactivity Against A (H5N1) Influenza Viruses of Clade 2.3.4.4b.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 clade 2.3.4.

The Use of Heterologous Antigens for Biopanning Enables the Selection of Broadly Neutralizing Nanobodies Against SARS-CoV-2.

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population, the virus genome has undergone numerous mutations, enabling it to enhance transmissibility and evade acquired immunity. As a result of these mutations, most monoclonal neutralizing antibodies have lost their efficacy, as they are unable to neutralize new variants. Antibodies that neutralize a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 variants are of significant value in combating both current and potential future variants, making the identification and development of such antibodies an ongoing critical goal.

Treatment of Ebola Virus Disease: From Serotherapy to the Use of Monoclonal Antibodies.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is an acute illness with a high-case fatality rate (CFR) caused by an RNA virus belonging to the Filoviridae family. Over the past 50 years, regular EVD outbreaks have been reported. The West African EVD outbreak of 2013-2016 proved to be significantly more widespread and complex than previous ones, resulting in approximately 11,000 deaths.

Monoclonal Antibodies in Light of Mpox Outbreak: Current Research, Therapeutic Targets, and Animal Models.

The rapid rise in monkeypox virus infections among humans from 2022 to 2024 has captured the attention of the global healthcare community. In light of the lack of mandatory vaccination and limited data on next-generation vaccines for monkeypox prevention, the urgent development of therapeutic agents has become a priority. One promising approach involves the use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.

Imaging Flow Cytometry in HIV Infection Research: Advantages and Opportunities.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of retrovirus that infects humans and belongs to the Lentivirus group. Despite the availability of effective treatments, HIV infections are still increasing in some parts of the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Another major challenge is the growing problem of HIV becoming resistant to drugs.

Evaluation of Antiseptic Drug Candidate Pyridosept in Preclinical in Vitro Studies.

Introduction: This work provides preclinical in vitro studies of an innovative antimicrobial agent named pyridosept, belonging to the quaternary bis-ammonium salts and synthesized on the base of pyridoxine. Since the wide spread of pathogens with tolerance to both antibiotics and antiseptics challenges the development of new antimicrobials providing high efficiency against fungi and microorganisms with multiple resistance.

Method: This work presents in vitro studies of pyridosept, such as antibacterial and anti-fungal activities (determination of minimal inhibitory concentration and quantitative suspension test method), as well as antibacterial activity of metal surface test, sporicidal and spermicidal activities, formation of resistance (to bacteria and fungi), Skin-PAMPA (study of membrane transdermal permeability), mutagenicity assays (in Ames test and OS-chromotest), cytotoxicity (MTT-assay) and comet assay in human skin fibroblasts.

The Proviral Reservoirs of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) proviral reservoirs are cells that harbor integrated HIV proviral DNA within their nuclear genomes. These cells form a heterogeneous group, represented by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), tissue-resident lymphoid and monocytic cells, and glial cells of the central nervous system. The importance of studying the properties of proviral reservoirs is connected with the inaccessibility of integrated HIV proviral DNA for modern anti-retroviral therapies (ARTs) that block virus reproduction.

Jet Injection of Naked mRNA Encoding the RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces a High Level of a Specific Immune Response in Mice.

Although mRNA vaccines encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have demonstrated a safety profile with minimal serious adverse events in clinical trials, there is opportunity to further reduce mRNA reactogenicity. The development of naked mRNA vaccines could improve vaccine tolerability. Naked nucleic acid delivery using the jet injection method may be a solution.

Tertiary Structures of Haseki Tick Virus Nonstructural Proteins Are Similar to Those of .

Currently, a large number of novel tick-borne viruses potentially pathogenic to humans are discovered. Studying many of them by classical methods of virology is difficult due to the absence of live viral particles or a sufficient amount of their genetic material. In this case, the use of modern methods of bioinformatics and synthetic and structural biology can help.