Intranasal and intrapulmonary vaccination with an M protein-deficient respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine improves clinical signs and reduces viral replication in infant baboons after an RSV challenge infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major viral respiratory pathogen for human infants and children. Despite a severe global burden incurred by annual RSV epidemics, there is no licensed RSV vaccine. We have developed an RSV vaccine from a human RSV strain from which the gene for the viral M protein has been deleted ("Mnull RSV").

TLR4 modulates inflammatory gene targets in the retina during Bacillus cereus endophthalmitis.

Background: Endophthalmitis is a serious intraocular infection that frequently results in significant inflammation and vision loss. Because current therapeutics are often unsuccessful in mitigating damaging inflammation during endophthalmitis, more rational targets are needed. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize specific motifs on invading pathogens and initiate the innate inflammatory response.

Unexpected Roles for Toll-Like Receptor 4 and TRIF in Intraocular Infection with Gram-Positive Bacteria.

Inflammation caused by infection with Gram-positive bacteria is typically initiated by interactions with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Endophthalmitis, an infection and inflammation of the posterior segment of the eye, can lead to vision loss when initiated by a virulent microbial pathogen. Endophthalmitis caused by Bacillus cereus develops as acute inflammation with infiltrating neutrophils, and vision loss is potentially catastrophic.