Proximity-dependent mapping of the HCMV US28 interactome identifies RhoGEF signaling as a requirement for efficient viral reactivation.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes multiple putative G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). US28 functions as a viral chemokine receptor and is expressed during both latent and lytic phases of virus infection. US28 actively promotes cellular migration, transformation, and plays a major role in mediating viral latency and reactivation; however, knowledge about the interaction partners involved in these processes is still incomplete.

Human Cytomegalovirus US28 Ligand Binding Activity Is Required for Latency in CD34 Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells and Humanized NSG Mice.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection of CD34 hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34 HPCs) provides a critical reservoir of virus in stem cell transplant patients, and viral reactivation remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The HCMV chemokine receptor US28 is implicated in the regulation of viral latency and reactivation. To explore the role of US28 signaling in latency and reactivation, we analyzed protein tyrosine kinase signaling in CD34 HPCs expressing US28.

Impact of Pre-exposure History and Host Genetics on Antibody Avidity Following Norovirus Vaccination.

Background: Development of high avidity, broadly neutralizing antibodies (Abs) is a priority after vaccination against rapidly evolving, widely disseminated viruses like human norovirus. After vaccination with a multivalent GI.1 and GII.

Serum Immunoglobulin A Cross-Strain Blockade of Human Noroviruses.

Background.  Human noroviruses are the leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis, justifying vaccine development despite a limited understanding of strain immunity. After genogroup I (GI).

Particle conformation regulates antibody access to a conserved GII.4 norovirus blockade epitope.

Unlabelled: GII.4 noroviruses (NoVs) are the primary cause of epidemic viral acute gastroenteritis. One primary obstacle to successful NoV vaccination is the extensive degree of antigenic diversity among strains.

Bottom-up nutrient and top-down fish impacts on insect-mediated mercury flux from aquatic ecosystems.

Methyl mercury (MeHg) is one of the most hazardous contaminants in the environment, adversely affecting the health of wildlife and humans. Recent studies have demonstrated that aquatic insects biotransport MeHg and other contaminants to terrestrial consumers, but the factors that regulate the flux of MeHg out of aquatic ecosystems via emergent insects have not been studied. The authors used experimental mesocosms to test the hypothesis that insect emergence and the associated flux of MeHg from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems is affected by both bottom-up nutrient effects and top-down fish consumer effects.