The αvβ6 integrin specific virotherapy, Ad5-A20.FCU1, selectively delivers potent "in-tumour" chemotherapy to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represent an unmet clinical need. Approximately 90% of PDACs express high levels of αvβ6 integrin. We have previously described Ad5-A20, an adenovirus vector with ablated native means of cell entry and retargeted to αvβ6 integrin by incorporation of an A20 peptide.

Masters of manipulation: Viral modulation of the immunological synapse.

In order to thrive, viruses have evolved to manipulate host cell machinery for their own benefit. One major obstacle faced by pathogens is the immunological synapse. To enable efficient replication and latency in immune cells, viruses have developed a range of strategies to manipulate cellular processes involved in immunological synapse formation to evade immune detection and control T-cell activation.

The Ticking CLOCK of HSV-2 Pathology.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the causative agent of genital herpes. Matsuzawa et al have demonstrated that, in a mouse model, HSV-2 pathology is influenced by the time infection occurs. Increased expression of the HSV-2 receptor Nectin-1 under the control of CLOCK coincided with an increase in viral titer suggesting that HSV-2 infection is regulated by the host circadian clock.