Publications by authors named "T-W Chun"

Successful CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in skeletal muscle is dependent on efficient propagation of Cas9 to all myonuclei in the myofiber. However, nuclear-targeted gene therapy cargos are strongly restricted to their myonuclear domain of origin. By screening nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals, we identify "Myospreader," a combination of short peptide sequences that promotes myonuclear propagation.

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As higher-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) become available for pediatric populations in the US, it is important to understand healthcare provider (HCP) preferences for and acceptability of PCVs. US HCPs (pediatricians, family medicine physicians and advanced practitioners) completed an online, cross-sectional survey between March and April 2023. HCPs were eligible if they recommended or prescribed vaccines to children age <24 months, spent ≥25% of their time in direct patient care, and had ≥2 y of experience in their profession.

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Article Synopsis
  • - This study analyzed antibody concentrations in 3,067 COVID-19-unvaccinated individuals with detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, revealing significantly lower neutralizing and binding antibody levels compared to those seen after vaccination.
  • - Approximately 88% of participants had neutralizing antibody levels associated with 70% vaccine efficacy against symptomatic infection, but only about 30% had levels indicative of 90% vaccine efficacy; binding antibody levels were even lower.
  • - The findings underline the importance of vaccination for enhanced protection and recommend using standardized assays to measure antibody levels, which can inform public health decisions regarding booster doses, especially as new variants emerge.
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Background: Administration of a single broadly neutralizing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific antibody to HIV-infected persons leads to the development of antibody-resistant virus in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is possible that monotherapy with UB-421, an antibody that blocks the virus-binding site on human CD4+ T cells, could induce sustained virologic suppression without induction of resistance in HIV-infected persons after analytic treatment interruption.

Methods: We conducted a nonrandomized, open-label, phase 2 clinical study evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity of UB-421 monotherapy in HIV-infected persons undergoing analytic treatment interruption.

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Background: The discovery of potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has made passive immunization a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of HIV infection. We sought to determine whether passive administration of VRC01, a bNAb targeting the HIV CD4-binding site, can safely prevent or delay plasma viral rebound after the discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods: We conducted two open-label trials (AIDS Clinical Trials Group [ACTG] A5340 and National Institutes of Health [NIH] 15-I-0140) of the safety, side-effect profile, pharmacokinetic properties, and antiviral activity of VRC01 in persons with HIV infection who were undergoing interruption of ART.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Genetic defects in the MOGS gene lead to congenital disorder of glycosylation type IIb (CDG-IIb), which involves issues with N-linked oligosaccharide processing.
  • - The study evaluated two siblings with CDG-IIb who experienced multiple neurologic issues and unusual immune responses, notably low antibody levels but few infection symptoms.
  • - Findings showed a shortened half-life of immunoglobulins as the cause of low antibody levels, and the siblings' immune system might be less susceptible to infections due to impaired viral replication and entry.
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An infant born to a woman with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection began receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) 30 hours after birth owing to high-risk exposure. ART was continued when detection of HIV-1 DNA and RNA on repeat testing met the standard diagnostic criteria for infection. After therapy was discontinued (when the child was 18 months of age), levels of plasma HIV-1 RNA, proviral DNA in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells, and HIV-1 antibodies, as assessed by means of clinical assays, remained undetectable in the child through 30 months of age.

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