Reducing IRF-1 to Levels Observed in HESN Subjects Limits HIV Replication, But Not the Extent of Host Immune Activation.

Cells from women who are epidemiologically deemed resistant to HIV infection exhibit a 40-60% reduction in endogenous IRF-1 (interferon regulatory factor-1), an essential regulator of host antiviral immunity and the early HIV replication. This study examined the functional consequences of reducing endogenous IRF-1 on HIV-1 replication and immune response to HIV in natural HIV target cells. IRF-1 knockdown was achieved in ex vivo CD4(+) T cells and monocytes with siRNA.

CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD26/DPPIV) is highly expressed in peripheral blood of HIV-1 exposed uninfected female sex workers.

Background: Design of effective vaccines against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) continues to present formidable challenges. However, individuals who are exposed HIV-1 but do not get infected may reveal correlates of protection that may inform on effective vaccine design. A preliminary gene expression analysis of HIV resistant female sex workers (HIV-R) suggested a high expression CD26/DPPIV gene.

Human infection with a triple-reassortant swine influenza A(H1N1) virus containing the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of seasonal influenza virus.

A reassortant influenza A(H1N1) virus of swine origin distinct from the pandemic H1N1 2009 strain was isolated from 3 patients, all of whom worked at the same large hog operation in Saskatchewan, Canada. The genomic composition of the isolates has not been previously reported, to our knowledge, and was the product of a genetic reassortment between seasonal H1N1 and triple-reassortant influenza virus that emerged in North American swine during the late 1990s. The neuraminidase and hemagglutinin genes of A/Saskatchewan/5350/2009, A/Saskatchewan/5351/2009, and A/Saskatchewan/5131/2009 were derived from human H1N1 virus and were closely related to those of A/Brisbane/59/2007.

A comparative analysis of gene expression patterns and cell phenotypes between cervical and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Studies of the immunological environment in the female genital tract (FGT) are critical for the development of vaccines or microbicides to halt the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Challenges arise due to the difficulties of sampling from this site, and the majority of studies have been conducted utilising peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Identifying functional differences between immune cells of the FGT and peripheral blood would aid in our understanding of mucosal immunology.

Cervical HIV-specific IgA in a population of commercial sex workers correlates with repeated exposure but not resistance to HIV.

We conducted a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of total and HIV-specific cervical antibody levels in HIV-1-resistant, uninfected, and infected women in order to examine the role of HIV-specific antibody responses in the female genital tract and examine the effect on antibody levels of various epidemiologic factors in this population. Cervical lavages were collected from 272 subjects of the Pumwani commercial sex worker cohort. Total and HIV-specific genital tract IgA and IgG levels were measured using an ELISA and correlated with behavioral and demographic factors.

Molecular characterization of a panel of murine monoclonal antibodies specific for the SARS-coronavirus.

The availability of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for the SARS-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is important for the development of both diagnostic tools and treatment of infection. A molecular characterization of nine monoclonal antibodies raised in immune mice, using highly purified, inactivated SARS-CoV as the inoculating antigen, is presented in this report. These antibodies are specific for numerous viral protein targets, and six of them are able to effectively neutralize SARS-CoV in vitro, including one with a neutralizing titre of 0.

Characterization of protein-protein interactions between the nucleocapsid protein and membrane protein of the SARS coronavirus.

The human coronavirus, associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), was identified and molecularly characterized in 2003. Sequence analysis of the virus indicates that there is only 20% amino acid (aa) identity with known coronaviruses. Previous studies indicate that protein-protein interactions amongst various coronavirus proteins are critical for viral assembly.

Analysis of multimerization of the SARS coronavirus nucleocapsid protein.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an emerging disease characterized by atypical pneumonia, has recently been attributed to a novel coronavirus. The genome of SARS Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) has recently been sequenced, and a number of genes identified, including that of the nucleocapsid protein (N). It is noted, however, that the N protein of SARS-CoV (SARS-CoV N) shares little homology with nucleocapsid proteins of other members of the coronavirus family [Science 300 (2003) 1399; Science 300 (2003) 1394].

Modelling HIV/AIDS epidemics in Botswana and India: impact of interventions to prevent transmission.

Objective: To describe a dynamic compartmental simulation model for Botswana and India, developed to identify the best strategies for preventing spread of HIV/AIDS.

Methods: The following interventions were considered: a behavioural intervention focused on female sex workers; a conventional programme for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections; a programme for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission; an antiretroviral treatment programme for the entire population, based on a single regimen; and an antiretroviral treatment programme for sex workers only, also based on a single regimen.

Findings: The interventions directed at sex workers as well as those dealing with sexually transmitted infections showed promise for long-term prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, although their relative ranking was uncertain.