Characterization of pUL5, an HCMV protein interacting with the cellular protein IQGAP1.

Among the Herpesviridae, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) owns the largest genome and displays a huge coding potential. Here, we characterized the UL5 gene product (pUL5) of the clinical isolate TR strain. The protein was predicted as a 166-amino-acid membrane protein with a theoretical mass of 19 kDa.

Expression and Characterization of Recombinant, Tetrameric and Enzymatically Active Influenza Neuraminidase for the Setup of an Enzyme-Linked Lectin-Based Assay.

Developing a universal influenza vaccine that induces broad spectrum and longer-term immunity has become an important potentially achievable target in influenza vaccine research and development. Hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) are the two major influenza virus antigens. Although antibody responses against influenza virus are mainly directed toward HA, NA is reported to be more genetically stable; hence NA-based vaccines have the potential to be effective for longer time periods.

In vitro assessment of biopolymer-modified porous silicon microparticles for wound healing applications.

The wound healing stands as very complex and dynamic process, aiming the re-establishment of the damaged tissue's integrity and functionality. Thus, there is an emerging need for developing biopolymer-based composites capable of actively promoting cellular proliferation and reconstituting the extracellular matrix. The aims of the present work were to prepare and characterize biopolymer-functionalized porous silicon (PSi) microparticles, resulting in the development of drug delivery microsystems for future applications in wound healing.