Deep mutational engineering of broadly-neutralizing nanobodies accommodating SARS-CoV-1 and 2 antigenic drift.

Here, we report the molecular engineering of nanobodies that bind with picomolar affinity to both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domains (RBD) and are highly neutralizing. We applied deep mutational engineering to VHH72, a nanobody initially specific for SARS-CoV-1 RBD with little cross-reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 antigen. We first identified all the individual VHH substitutions that increase binding to SARS-CoV-2 RBD and then screened highly focused combinatorial libraries to isolate engineered nanobodies with improved properties.

ImmunoPET in Multiple Myeloma-What? So What? Now What?

Despite constant progress over the past three decades, multiple myeloma (MM) is still an incurable disease, and the identification of new biomarkers to better select patients and adapt therapy is more relevant than ever. Recently, the introduction of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (including direct-targeting mAbs and immune checkpoint inhibitors) appears to have changed the paradigm of MM management, emphasizing the opportunity to cure MM patients through an immunotherapeutic approach. In this context, immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET), combining the high sensitivity and resolution of a PET camera with the specificity of a radiolabelled mAb, holds the capability to cement this new treatment paradigm for MM patients.

Affitins: Ribosome Display for Selection of Aho7c-Based Affinity Proteins.

Engineered protein scaffolds have made a tremendous contribution to the panel of affinity tools owing to their favorable biophysical properties that make them useful for many applications. In 2007, our group paved the way for using archaeal Sul7d proteins for the design of artificial affinity ligands, so-called Affitins. For many years, Sac7d and Sso7d have been used as molecular basis to obtain binders for various targets.

What is the Best Radionuclide for Immuno-PET of Multiple Myeloma? A Comparison Study Between Zr- and Cu-Labeled Anti-CD138 in a Preclinical Syngeneic Model.

Although positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) is a promising technique in multiple myeloma (MM), the development of other radiopharmaceuticals seems relevant. CD138 is currently used as a standard marker for the identification of myeloma cells and could be used in phenotype tumor imaging. In this study, we used an anti-CD138 murine antibody (9E7.

Conduction mechanisms and voltage drop during field electron emission from diamond needles.

We report results of experimental investigation of field electron emission from diamond nanoemitters. The measurements were performed with single crystal diamond needles fixed at tungsten tips. The voltage drop along diamond needles during emission was revealed and measured using electron energy spectroscopy.

Comparison of Immuno-PET of CD138 and PET imaging with CuCl and F-FDG in a preclinical syngeneic model of multiple myeloma.

Purpose: Although recent data from the literature suggest that PET imaging with [18]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) is a promising technique in multiple myeloma (MM), the development of other radiopharmaceuticals seems relevant. CD138 is currently used as a standard marker in many laboratories for the identification and purification of myeloma cells, and could be used in phenotype tumor imaging. In this study, we evaluated a Cu-labeled anti-CD138 murine antibody (Cu-TE2A-9E7.

A lineage-specific methylation pattern controls the transcription of the polycistronic mRNA coding MELOE melanoma antigens.

We recently characterized two melanoma antigens MELOE-1 and MELOE-2 derived from a polycistronic RNA overexpressed in the melanocytic lineage. This transcription profile was because of hypomethylation of the meloe proximal promoter in melanomas and melanocytes. Here, we investigate whether this demethylation was restricted to the meloe promoter or was linked to a general lack of methylation at the meloe locus in the melanocytic lineage.

First results on laser-induced field emission from a CNT-based nanotip.

We present the first demonstration of ultrafast laser-induced field emission and measurement of the energy distribution of electrons from a nanotip based on a carbon nanotube (CNT). Our experimental setup extends the studies performed on conventional tungsten or gold tips by using this new innovative tip. The carbon tip consists of concentric carbon layers in the shape of a cone, and has been previously studied as a very good candidate for cold field emission.

Nonclassical light manipulation in a multiple-scattering medium.

We investigate the possibility of using a scattering medium as a highly multimode platform for implementing quantum walks. We demonstrate the manipulation of a single photon propagating through a strongly scattering medium using wavefront-shaping technique. Measurement of the scattering matrix allows the wavefront of the photon to be shaped to compensate the distortions induced by multiple scattering events.

Generation and characterization of multimode quantum frequency combs.

Multimode nonclassical states of light are an essential resource in quantum computation with continuous variables, for example, in cluster state computation. We report in this Letter the first experimental evidence of a multimode nonclassical frequency comb in a femtosecond synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator. In addition to a global reduction of its quantum intensity fluctuations, the system features quantum correlations between different parts of its frequency spectrum.

Direct generation of a multi-transverse mode non-classical state of light.

Quantum computation and communication protocols require quantum resources which are in the continuous variable regime squeezed and/or quadrature entangled optical modes. To perform more and more complex and robust protocols, one needs sources that can produce in a controlled way highly multimode quantum states of light. One possibility is to mix different single mode quantum resources.

Frequency doubling of low power images using a self-imaging cavity.

A self-imaging resonator can be simultaneously resonant for many transverse modes and therefore allows cavity build-up for images of various shapes. The stability properties of such a cavity are reviewed. We have used this device for the first time to enhance the efficiency of second harmonic generation of weak images.

Quantum processing of images by continuous wave optical parametric amplification.

We have experimentally shown that a degenerate optical parametric oscillator pumped by a cw laser, inserted in a cavity having degenerate transverse modes such as a hemiconfocal or confocal cavity, and operating below the oscillation threshold in the regime of phase sensitive amplification, is able to process input images of various shapes in the quantum regime. More precisely, when deamplified, the image is amplitude squeezed; when amplified, its two polarization components are intensity correlated at the quantum level. In addition, the amplification process of the images is shown to take place in the noiseless regime.