A novel anti-CD22 scFv-apoptin fusion protein induces apoptosis in malignant B-cells.

CD22 marker is a highly internalizing antigen which is located on the surface of B-cells and is being used as a promising target for treatment of B cell malignancies. Monoclonal antibodies targeting CD22 have been introduced and some are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Building on the success of antibody drug conjugates, we developed a fusion protein consisting of a novel anti-CD22 scFv and apoptin and tested binding and therapeutic effects in lymphoma cells.

Identification and Evaluation of Novel Drug Targets against the Human Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus with Elaboration on the Possible Role of RNA-Binding Protein.

Background: Aspergillus fumigatus is an airborne opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause fatal infections in immunocompromised patients. Although the current anti-fungal therapies are relatively efficient, some issues such as drug toxicity, drug interactions, and the emergence of drug-resistant fungi have promoted the intense research toward finding the novel drug targets.

Methods: In search of new antifungal drug targets, we have used a bioinformatics approach to identify novel drug targets.

Generation of a Uracil Auxotroph Strain of the Probiotic Yeast Saccharomyces boulardii as a Host for the Recombinant Protein Production.

Background: Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is the best known probiotic yeast. The genetic engineering of this probiotic strain requires the availability of appropriate mutants to accept various gene constructs carrying different selection markers.

NCE102 homologue in Aspergillus fumigatus is required for normal sporulation, not hyphal growth or pathogenesis.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Nce102 encodes a 173 amino acid transmembrane protein, which acts as a key player in eisosome assembly and plasma membrane organization. Here, we describe the characterization of Nce102 homologue in the human pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus. Our results demonstrated that AfuNce102 is continuously expressed during fungal growth.