Standardised quantitative assays for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response used in vaccine clinical trials by the CEPI Centralized Laboratory Network: a qualification analysis.

Background: Accurate quantitation of immune markers is crucial for ensuring reliable assessment of vaccine efficacy against infectious diseases. This study was designed to confirm standardised performance of SARS-CoV-2 assays used to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine candidates at the initial seven laboratories (in North America, Europe, and Asia) of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Centralized Laboratory Network (CLN).

Methods: Three ELISAs (pre-spike protein, receptor binding domain, and nucleocapsid), a microneutralisation assay (MNA), a pseudotyped virus-based neutralisation assay (PNA), and an IFN-γ T-cell ELISpot assay were developed, validated or qualified, and transferred to participating laboratories.

Sec22b Regulates Inflammatory Responses by Controlling the Nuclear Translocation of NF-κB and the Secretion of Inflammatory Mediators.

Soluble -ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) regulate the vesicle transport machinery in phagocytic cells. Within the secretory pathway, Sec22b is an endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC)-resident SNARE that controls phagosome maturation and function in macrophages and dendritic cells. The secretory pathway controls the release of cytokines and may also impact the secretion of NO, which is synthesized by the Golgi-active inducible NO synthase (iNOS).

IRF-5 Expression in Myeloid Cells Is Required for Splenomegaly in Infected Mice.

Persistent infection is characterized by chronic inflammation, immune suppression, and splenomegaly. We have previously reported that the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF-5) is largely responsible for inducing the inflammatory response and maintaining protective Th1 cells following inoculation in mice. However, the cellular source responsible for these effects is yet unknown.

IRF-5 Promotes Cell Death in CD4 T Cells during Chronic Infection.

The transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF-5) plays an important function in innate immunity and in initiating pro-inflammatory responses against pathogens. IRF-5 is constitutively expressed in several cell types, including plasmacytoid dendritic cells, monocytes, and B cells. We have previously reported that IRF-5 is also expressed in T cells during infection.

eIF4E-Binding Proteins 1 and 2 Limit Macrophage Anti-Inflammatory Responses through Translational Repression of IL-10 and Cyclooxygenase-2.

Macrophages represent one of the first lines of defense during infections and are essential for resolution of inflammation following pathogen clearance. Rapid activation or suppression of protein synthesis via changes in translational efficiency allows cells of the immune system, including macrophages, to quickly respond to external triggers or cues without de novo mRNA synthesis. The translational repressors eIF4E-binding proteins 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 (4E-BP1/2) are central regulators of proinflammatory cytokine synthesis during viral and parasitic infections.

HIF-1α is a key regulator in potentiating suppressor activity and limiting the microbicidal capacity of MDSC-like cells during visceral leishmaniasis.

Leishmania donovani is known to induce myelopoiesis and to dramatically increase extramedullary myelopoiesis. This results in splenomegaly, which is then accompanied by disruption of the splenic microarchitecture, a chronic inflammatory environment, and immunosuppression. Chronically inflamed tissues are typically hypoxic.

Synthesis, structures, and antimalarial activities of some silver(I), gold(I) and gold(III) complexes involving N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.

A series of mono-and dinuclear silver(I) and mononuclear gold(I) complexes containing bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) (NHC) or N-functionalized NHC ligands were synthesized and fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and, in some cases, by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The in vitro antiplasmodial and antifungal activities of a previously described family of N-functionalized bis(imidazolium) proligands and their corresponding silver(I), gold(I) and gold(III) complexes but also the new here described compounds were investigated in a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum, and against two Candida strains, respectively. For the first family, interesting antiplasmodial and antifungal activities were found for the dinuclear silver(I) species but they also showed strong hemolytic properties.