Somatic Hypermutation and Framework Mutations of Variable Region Contribute to Anti-Zika Virus-Specific Monoclonal Antibody Binding and Function.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a global public health concern due to its ability to cause congenital Zika syndrome and lack of approved vaccine, therapeutic, or other control measures. We discovered eight novel rabbit monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that bind to distinct ZIKV envelope protein epitopes. The majority of the MAbs were ZIKV specific and targeted the lateral ridge of the envelope (E) protein domain III, while the MAb with the highest neutralizing activity recognized a putative quaternary epitope spanning E protein domains I and III.

TAK - 021, an inactivated Enterovirus 71 vaccine candidate, provides cross-protection against heterologous sub-genogroups in human scavenger receptor B2 transgenic mice.

Background: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major cause of outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease, most frequently in children, and is a public health concern in the Asia-Pacific region. Takeda is developing TAK-021, an inactivated EV71 vaccine candidate based on sub-genogroup B2 strain MS87. In a phase I clinical trial, TAK-021 was safe, well tolerated, and immunogenic in healthy adults and elicited cross-neutralizing antibodies against heterologous EV71 sub-genogroup viruses.

An inactivated enterovirus 71 vaccine is safe and immunogenic in healthy adults: A phase I, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, study of two dosages.

Background: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), especially that caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection, is a public health concern in the Asia-Pacific region. We report a phase I clinical trial of an EV71 candidate vaccine (INV21) based on a binary ethylenimine inactivated B2 sub-genotype formulated with aluminum hydroxide.

Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, dose escalation study adult volunteers received two vaccinations 28 days apart of low or high dose formulations of the candidate vaccine and were then monitored for safety and reactogenicity for four weeks after each dose, and for their immune responses up to 28 weeks.

Molecular identification and quantification of human rhinoviruses in respiratory samples.

PCR-based molecular assays have become standard diagnostic procedures for the identification and quantification of human rhinoviruses (HRVs) and other respiratory pathogens in most, if not all, clinical microbiology laboratories. Molecular assays are significantly more sensitive than traditional culture-based and serological methods. This advantage has led to the recognition that HRV infections are common causes for not only upper airway symptoms but also more severe lower respiratory illnesses.

Improved molecular typing assay for rhinovirus species A, B, and C.

Human rhinoviruses (RVs), comprising three species (A, B, and C) of the genus Enterovirus, are responsible for the majority of upper respiratory tract infections and are associated with severe lower respiratory tract illnesses such as pneumonia and asthma exacerbations. High genetic diversity and continuous identification of new types necessitate regular updating of the diagnostic assays for the accurate and comprehensive detection of circulating RVs. Methods for molecular typing based on phylogenetic comparisons of a variable fragment in the 5' untranslated region were improved to increase assay sensitivity and to eliminate nonspecific amplification of human sequences, which are observed occasionally in clinical samples.

Human rhinovirus species and season of infection determine illness severity.

Rationale: Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) consist of approximately 160 types that cause a wide range of clinical outcomes, including asymptomatic infections, common colds, and severe lower respiratory illnesses.

Objectives: To identify factors that influence the severity of HRV illnesses.

Methods: HRV species and types were determined in 1,445 nasal lavages that were prospectively collected from 209 infants participating in a birth cohort who had at least one HRV infection.

Association between human rhinovirus C and severity of acute asthma in children.

A new and potentially more pathogenic group of human rhinovirus (HRV), group C (HRVC), has recently been discovered. We hypothesised that HRVC would be present in children with acute asthma and cause more severe attacks than other viruses or HRV groups. Children with acute asthma (n = 128; age 2-16 yrs) were recruited on presentation to an emergency department.

Weekly monitoring of children with asthma for infections and illness during common cold seasons.

Background: Exacerbations of childhood asthma and rhinovirus infections both peak during the spring and fall, suggesting that viral infections are major contributors to seasonal asthma morbidity.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate rhinovirus infections during peak seasons in children with asthma and to analyze relationships between viral infection and illness severity.

Methods: Fifty-eight children aged 6 to 8 years with asthma provided 5 consecutive weekly nasal lavage samples during September and April; symptoms, medication use, and peak flow were recorded.

MtDNA point mutations are associated with deletion mutations in aged rat.

The age-dependent accumulation of point mutations in the control region of human mtDNA has been suggested to contribute to aging processes. We investigated whether mtDNA point mutations accumulate to detectable levels in this region of mtDNA from aged Fischer 344 X Brown Norway F(1) hybrid rats. The control region and a portion of the major arc region (nucleotides 4386-7707) of the mtDNA were PCR-amplified and directly sequenced from microdissected single cardiomyocytes and single skeletal muscle fibers of 36-month old rats.

[Effect of rodents on reforestation in the moumtain regions near Beijing].

From 1993 until 1995, the influence of rodents on reforestation in the mountain regions near Beijing was studied in order to estimate the pressure of rodents on the seed supply, search for effective ways to decrease the loss of seeds due to consumption by rodents, and increase seed germinating power. It was shown that acorns, apricot pits and nuts are almost entirely carried away from the soil surface by rodents, thus suggesting that rodents have a great impact on the seed supply. When the seeds were sowed at a depth of about 5 cm, many of them were not eaten by rodents; 39% of acrons and 18% of apricot pits germinated on the following year.