scholarly journals From Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immune Responses to COVID-19 via Molecular Mimicry

Antibodies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darja Kanduc
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Protein Targets ◽  
Immune Epitope ◽  
Clinical Investigations ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Human Proteins ◽  
Immune Epitope Database

Aim: To define the autoimmune potential of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Methods: Experimentally validated epitopes cataloged at the Immune Epitope DataBase (IEDB) and present in SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed for peptide sharing with the human proteome. Results: Immunoreactive epitopes present in SARS-CoV-2 were mostly composed of peptide sequences present in human proteins that—when altered, mutated, deficient or, however, improperly functioning—may associate with a wide range of disorders, from respiratory distress to multiple organ failure. Conclusions: This study represents a starting point or hint for future scientific–clinical investigations and suggests a range of possible protein targets of autoimmunity in SARS-CoV-2 infection. From an experimental perspective, the results warrant the testing of patients’ sera for autoantibodies against these protein targets. Clinically, the results warrant a stringent surveillance on the future pathologic sequelae of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

scholarly journals Computer-aided prediction and design of IL-6 inducing peptides: IL-6 plays a crucial role in COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjali Dhall ◽  
Sumeet Patiyal ◽  
Neelam Sharma ◽  
Salman Sadullah Usmani ◽  
Gajendra P S Raghava
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Community ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Validation Dataset ◽  
Independent Validation ◽  
Immune Epitope ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Immune Epitope Database

Abstract Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that stimulates acute phase responses, hematopoiesis and specific immune reactions. Recently, it was found that the IL-6 plays a vital role in the progression of COVID-19, which is responsible for the high mortality rate. In order to facilitate the scientific community to fight against COVID-19, we have developed a method for predicting IL-6 inducing peptides/epitopes. The models were trained and tested on experimentally validated 365 IL-6 inducing and 2991 non-inducing peptides extracted from the immune epitope database. Initially, 9149 features of each peptide were computed using Pfeature, which were reduced to 186 features using the SVC-L1 technique. These features were ranked based on their classification ability, and the top 10 features were used for developing prediction models. A wide range of machine learning techniques has been deployed to develop models. Random Forest-based model achieves a maximum AUROC of 0.84 and 0.83 on training and independent validation dataset, respectively. We have also identified IL-6 inducing peptides in different proteins of SARS-CoV-2, using our best models to design vaccine against COVID-19. A web server named as IL-6Pred and a standalone package has been developed for predicting, designing and screening of IL-6 inducing peptides (https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/il6pred/).

scholarly journals A Comparison of Epitope Repertoires Associated with Myasthenia Gravis in Humans and Nonhuman Hosts

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerrie Vaughan ◽  
Yohan Kim ◽  
Alessandro Sette
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Molecular Targets ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Hla Typing ◽  
Immune Epitope ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Immune Epitope Database

Here we analyzed the molecular targets associated with myasthenia gravis (MG) immune responses, enabled by an immune epitope database (IEDB) inventory of approximately 600 MG-related epitopes derived from 175 references. The vast majority of epitopes were derived from theα-subunit of human AChR suggesting that other MG-associated autoantigens should be investigated further. Humanα-AChR was mostly characterized in humans, whereas reactivity primarily toT. californicaAChR was examined in animal models. While the fine specificity of T-cell response was similar in the two systems, substantial antibody reactivity to the C-terminus was detected in the nonhuman system, but not in humans. Further analysis showed that the reactivity of nonhuman hosts to the C-terminus was eliminated when data were restricted to hosts tested in the context of autoimmune disease (spontaneous or induced), demonstrating that the epitopes recognized in humans and animals were shared when disease was present. Finally, we provided data subsets relevant to particular applications, including those associated with HLA typing or restriction, sets of epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies, and epitopes associated with modulation of immunity or disease. In conclusion, this analysis highlights gaps, differences, and similarities in the epitope repertoires of humans and animal models.

scholarly journals Molecular Characterization of the Native (Non-Linked) CD160–HVEM Protein Complex Revealed by Initial Crystallographic Analysis

Crystals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 820
Author(s):  
Simona Lenhartová ◽  
Marek Nemčovič ◽  
Radka Šebová ◽  
Mário Benko ◽  
Dirk M. Zajonc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Crystallographic Analysis ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Wide Range

An increasing number of surface-exposed ligands and receptors acting on immune cells are being considered as a starting point in drug development applications. As they are dedicated to manipulating a wide range of immune responses, accurately predicting their molecular interactions will be necessary for the development of safe and effective therapeutics to enhance immune responses and vaccination. Here, we focused on the characterization of human CD160 and HVEM immune receptors, whose mutual engagement leads to bidirectional signaling (e.g., T cell inhibition, natural killer cell activation or mucosal immunity). In particular, our study reports on the molecule preparation, characterization and initial crystallographic analysis of the CD160–HVEM complex and both HVEM and CD160 in the absence of their binding partner. Despite the importance of the CD160–HVEM immune signaling and its therapeutic relevance, the structural and mechanistic basis underlying CD160–HVEM engagement has some controversial evidence. On one hand, there are studies reporting on the CD160 molecule in monomeric form that was produced by refolding from bacterial cells, or as a covalently linked single-chain complex with its ligand HVEM in insect cells. On the other hand, there are older reports providing evidence on the multimeric form of CD160 that acts directly on immune cells. In our study, the native non-linked CD160–HVEM complex was co-expressed in the baculovirus insect host, purified to homogeneity by anion-exchange chromatography to provide missing evidence of the trimeric form in solution. Its trimeric existence was also confirmed by the initial crystallographic analysis. The native CD160–HVEM complex crystallized in the orthorhombic space group with unit cell parameters that could accommodate one trimeric complex (3:3) in an asymmetric unit, thus providing ample space for the multimeric form. Crystals of the CD160–HVEM complex, CD160 trimer and HVEM monomer (reported in two space groups) diffracted to a minimum Bragg spacing of 2.8, 3.1 and 1.9/2.1 Å resolution, respectively. The obtained data will lead to elucidating the native structure of the complex.

scholarly journals Molecular mimicry of HIV gp120: Possible implications on prevention and therapy of AIDS

2005 ◽  
Vol 13 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 126-130
Author(s):  
Nevena Veljkovic
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
Host Cell Proteins ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Proteins ◽  
Human Immune ◽  
Hiv Gp120 ◽  
Hiv 1

A broad range of similarities between HIV-1 gp120 and human proteins-especially those participating in immune responses-highlight gp120 as a pleiotropic protein which can influence many important functions of the human immune system. The molecular mimicry that serves to the human immunodeficiency virus as potent destructive arms against immune system could be the weak point we are in search of over decades. Examples involving sequence and informational similarities of HIV-1 gp120 and immunerelated host cell proteins important for prevention and treatment of HIV infection are presented. .

Discovery of Antibacterial Agents Inhibiting the Energy-Coupling Factor (ECF) Transporters by Structure-Based Virtual Screening

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Diamanti ◽  
Inda Setyawati ◽  
Spyridon Bousis ◽  
leticia mojas ◽  
lotteke Swier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Screening ◽  
Antibacterial Agents ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Energy Coupling ◽  
Coupling Factor ◽  
Design Synthesis ◽  
Screening Design ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Vitamin Uptake

Here, we report on the virtual screening, design, synthesis and structure–activity relationships (SARs) of the first class of selective, antibacterial agents against the energy-coupling factor (ECF) transporters. The ECF transporters are a family of transmembrane proteins involved in the uptake of vitamins in a wide range of bacteria. Inhibition of the activity of these proteins could reduce the viability of pathogens that depend on vitamin uptake. Because of their central role in the metabolism of bacteria and their absence in humans, ECF transporters are novel potential antimicrobial targets to tackle infection. The hit compound’s metabolic and plasma stability, the potency (20, MIC Streptococcus pneumoniae = 2 µg/mL), the absence of cytotoxicity and a lack of resistance development under the conditions tested here suggest that this scaffold may represent a promising starting point for the development of novel antimicrobial agents with an unprecedented mechanism of action.<br>

scholarly journals Consumer Neuroscience Techniques in Advertising Research: A Bibliometric Citation Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1589
Author(s):  
Juan Sánchez-Fernández ◽  
Luis-Alberto Casado-Aranda ◽  
Ana-Belén Bastidas-Manzano
Keyword(s):  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Consumer Neuroscience ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Performance Analysis Tools

The limitations of self-report techniques (i.e., questionnaires or surveys) in measuring consumer response to advertising stimuli have necessitated more objective and accurate tools from the fields of neuroscience and psychology for the study of consumer behavior, resulting in the creation of consumer neuroscience. This recent marketing sub-field stems from a wide range of disciplines and applies multiple types of techniques to diverse advertising subdomains (e.g., advertising constructs, media elements, or prediction strategies). Due to its complex nature and continuous growth, this area of research calls for a clear understanding of its evolution, current scope, and potential domains in the field of advertising. Thus, this current research is among the first to apply a bibliometric approach to clarify the main research streams analyzing advertising persuasion using neuroimaging. Particularly, this paper combines a comprehensive review with performance analysis tools of 203 papers published between 1986 and 2019 in outlets indexed by the ISI Web of Science database. Our findings describe the research tools, journals, and themes that are worth considering in future research. The current study also provides an agenda for future research and therefore constitutes a starting point for advertising academics and professionals intending to use neuroimaging techniques.

scholarly journals Effect of Resveratrol Dry Suspension on Immune Function of Piglets

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuting Fu ◽  
Qiankun Cui ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Xinghong Zhao ◽  
Xu Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Foot And Mouth Disease ◽  
Classical Swine Fever ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Humoral And Cellular Immunity ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Humoral Immune Responses ◽  
Mouth Disease Virus ◽  
Wide Range

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic plant antitoxin, has a wide range of pharmacological activities. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of resveratrol dry suspension (RDS) on immune function in piglets that were treated with different doses of RDS for 2 weeks. The results showed that the RDS has significant effects on the development, maturation, proliferation, and transformation of T lymphocytes. RDS could regulate humoral immune responses by upregulating the release of IFN-γ and downregulating the release of TNF-α. After piglets were vaccinated against classical swine fever virus and foot-and-mouth disease virus, the antibody titers were significantly increased. RDS treatment showed an excellent resistance to enhance T-SOD activity. Values of blood routine and blood biochemistry showed no toxicity. These results suggested that RDS could be considered as an adjuvant to enhance immune responses to vaccines, as well as dietary additives for animals to enhance humoral and cellular immunity.

scholarly journals Mini-review: antibody therapeutics targeting G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-264
Author(s):  
Catherine J Hutchings
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽  
Protein Targets ◽  
Antibody Therapeutics ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Abstract Antibodies are now well established as therapeutics with many additional advantages over small molecules and peptides relative to their selectivity, bioavailability, half-life and effector function. Major classes of membrane-associated protein targets include G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels that are linked to a wide range of disease indications across all therapeutic areas. This mini-review summarizes the antibody target landscape for both GPCRs and ion channels as well as current progress in the respective research and development pipelines with some example case studies highlighted from clinical studies, including those being evaluated for the treatment of symptoms in COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals Case of an unusual diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome with multiple clinical complications

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stathis Tsiakas ◽  
Chrysanthi Skalioti ◽  
Paraskevi Kotsi ◽  
Ioannis Boletis ◽  
Smaragdi Marinaki
Keyword(s):  
Antiphospholipid Syndrome ◽  
Thrombotic Event ◽  
Renal Involvement ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Systemic Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Antiphospholipid Antibody ◽  
Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome ◽  
Wide Range

ABSTRACT Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in association with thrombotic events and/or obstetric complications. Renal involvement is not infrequent in both primary and secondary APS. Kidney manifestations comprise a wide range of clinical features, including hypertension, major renal vessel thrombosis or microvascular endothelial injury, also described as APS nephropathy. In the absence of a thrombotic event, clinical manifestations of APS are often non-specific. We recently encountered a case of primary APS in a young male with newly diagnosed hypertension and renal impairment. The diagnosis of APS was initially suspected by his kidney biopsy findings, when electron microscopy examination showed the features of chronic microangiopathy, and was later confirmed by a triple positive antiphospholipid antibody profile and multiple organ involvement.

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