Selective Translocation of Cyclic Sugars through Dynamic Bacterial Transporter.

The selective translocation of molecules through membrane pores is an integral process in cells. We present a bacterial sugar transporter, CymA of unusual structural conformation due to a dynamic N terminus segment in the pore, reducing its diameter. We quantified the translocation kinetics of various cyclic sugars of different charge, size, and symmetry across native and truncated CymA devoid of the N terminus using single-channel recordings.

Chandipura virus induces cell death in cancer cell lines of human origin and promotes tumor regression .

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an emerging human pathogen of great clinical significance. In this study, we have investigated the susceptibility pattern of both normal and cancer cell lines of human origin to wild-type (wt) CHPV in order to explore the possibility of developing CHPV as an oncolytic vector (OV). Marked cytopathic effect along with enhanced virus output was observed in cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, U-138, PC-3, and HepG2) in comparison to normal human adult dermal fibroblast (HADF) cells.

Functional Dissection of the Dominant Role of CD55 in Protecting Vesicular Stomatitis Virus against Complement-Mediated Neutralization.

The human complement system is an important part of the innate immune system. Its effector pathways largely mediate virus neutralization. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) activates the classical pathway of the complement, leading to virus neutralization by lysis.

In the Crosshairs: RNA Viruses OR Complement?

Complement, a part of the innate arm of the immune system, is integral to the frontline defense of the host against innumerable pathogens, which includes RNA viruses. Among the major groups of viruses, RNA viruses contribute significantly to the global mortality and morbidity index associated with viral infection. Despite multiple routes of entry adopted by these viruses, facing complement is inevitable.

A Factor I-Like Activity Associated with Chikungunya Virus Contributes to Its Resistance to the Human Complement System.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging pathogen capable of causing explosive outbreaks. Prior studies showed that exacerbation in arthritogenic alphavirus-induced pathogenesis is attributed to its interaction with multiple immune components, including the complement system. Viremia concomitant to CHIKV infection makes exposure of the virus to complement unavoidable, yet very little is known about CHIKV-complement interactions.

Complement-Mediated Neutralization of a Potent Neurotropic Human Pathogen, Chandipura Virus, Is Dependent on C1q.

Among the innate immune sentinels, the complement system is a formidable first line of defense against pathogens, including viruses. Chandipura virus (CHPV), a neurotropic vesiculovirus of the family , is a deadly human pathogen known to cause fatal encephalitis, especially among children. The nature of interaction and the effect of human complement on CHPV are unknown.

Self-assembling peptide nanofibers containing phenylalanine for the controlled release of 5-fluorouracil.

The study shows that RADA-F6 peptide with pH-responsive self-assembling nature can be effectively used as a drug delivery system for the sustained release of a potent anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) at basic pH. As 5-FU contains the aromatic pyrimidine ring, RADA-F6 system is suitable for entrapping an aromatic drug due to effective π-π stacking with phenylalanine and be able to show better controlled release behavior. The stability and controlled release nature of RADA-F6 in different conditions followed by 5-FU entrapment at in silico conditions was confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation taking RADA-16 as control.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Phase IIB Trial of Curcumin in Oral Leukoplakia.

Oral leukoplakia is a potentially malignant lesion of the oral cavity, for which no effective treatment is available. We investigated the effectiveness of curcumin, a potent inhibitor of NF-κB/COX-2, molecules perturbed in oral carcinogenesis, to treat leukoplakia. Subjects with oral leukoplakia (n = 223) were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive orally, either 3.

5-Fluorouracil-lipid conjugate: potential candidate for drug delivery through encapsulation in hydrophobic polyester-based nanoparticles.

The encapsulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in hydrophobic polymeric materials is made feasible by a lipid-based prodrug approach. A lipid-5-FU conjugate of 5-FU with palmitic acid was synthesized in two-step process. A synthesized dipalmitoyl derivative (5-FUDIPAL) was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance.

Dual drug delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and methotrexate (MTX) through random copolymeric nanomicelles of PLGA and polyethylenimine demonstrating enhanced cell uptake and cytotoxicity.

We now report the synthesis of a random copolymer of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) grafted branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) and the use of it as a multi drug delivery system (DDS). The methotrexate (MTX) was conjugated to BPEI through DCC/NHS chemistry. The copolymer-drug conjugate (PBP-MTX) was characterised by FT-IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy.

Methacrylic-based nanogels for the pH-sensitive delivery of 5-fluorouracil in the colon.

Methacrylic-based copolymers in drug-delivery systems demonstrate a pH-sensitive drug-releasing behavior in the colon. In this study, copolymers of methacrylic acid and 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate were prepared using a microemulsion polymerization technique. The purified copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry.

Poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolide) nanoparticles for the improved therapeutic efficacy of all-trans-retinoic acid: a study of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell differentiation in vitro.

All-trans-retinoic acid reverses malignant cell growth and induces cell differentiation and apoptosis. Poor aqueous solubility and uncertain bioavailability are the limiting factors for using all-trans-retinoic acid for tumor therapy. The objective of present study was to encapsulate the hydrophobic drug all-trans-retinoic acid in the polymer poly (lactide-coglycolide).