Expansion of exhausted CD8+ T cells associates with increased pulmonary fungal infection risk in anti-melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVES: Anti-MDA5+ dermatomyositis was associated with poor prognosis due to the high incidence of rapid progressive interstitial lung disease, pulmonary infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the abundance and clinical relevance of exhaustion markers on peripheral CD8 T cells from patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy controls (HCs) and 71 patients with IIM were enrolled, including 42 with anti-MDA5+ and 18 with anti-MDA5- dermatomyositis (DM) and 11 with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS). Flow cytometry was applied to detect PD-1, TIM-3 and LAG-3 in CD8 T cells. The clinical associations of the CD8 T cell exhaustion phenotype in patients with anti-MDA5+ DM were analysed. RESULTS: CD8 T cells from patients with anti-MDA5+ DM showed significantly increased LAG-3, TIM-3 and PD-1 compared to those from patients with anti-MDA5- IIM (18 with anti-MDA5- DM and 11 with ASS) or HCs (adjusted p all < 0.05). CD8 T cells with distinct exhaustion levels were all significantly increased in anti-MDA5+ DM patients compared with HCs (p all < 0.05). Patients with high level of PD-1+ TIM-3+LAG-3+ CD8+ T cells had a significant higher incidence of pulmonary fungal infections but lower counts of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. ROC analysis revealed that the frequency of PD-1+TIM-3+LAG-3+CD8+ T cell significantly predicted pulmonary fungal infections (area under the curve: 0.828). CONCLUSIONS: CD8 T cells from patients with anti-MDA5+ DM show significant exhausted phenotype, and increased exhausted CD8 T cells were associated with high risk of pulmonary fungal infection.

Functionalized nanoparticles with targeted antibody to enhance imaging of breast cancer in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Targeted contrast nanoparticles for breast tumor imaging facilitates early detection and improves treatment efficacy of breast cancer. This manuscript reports the development of an epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) specific, bi-modal, dendrimer conjugate to enhance computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of HER-2-positive breast cancer. This material employs generation 5 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers, encapsulated gold nanoparticles, chelated gadolinium, and anti-human HER-2 antibody to produce the nanoparticle contrast agent. RESULTS: Testing in two mouse tumor models confirms this contrast agent's ability to image HER-2 positive tumors. Intravenous injection of this nanoparticle in mice bearing HER-2 positive mammary tumors significantly enhances MRI signal intensity by ~ 20% and improves CT resolution and contrast by two-fold. Results by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy validate the specific targeting of the conjugate and its internalization in human HER-2 positive cells. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that this nanoparticle conjugate can efficiently target and image HER-2 positive tumors in vivo and provide a basis for the development of this diagnostic tool for early detection, metastatic assessment and therapeutic monitoring of HER-2 positive cancers.

A positive feedback loop between Pim-1 kinase and HBP1 transcription factor contributes to hydrogen peroxide-induced premature senescence and apoptosis.

Oxidative stress can induce cell dysfunction and lead to a broad range of degenerative alterations, including carcinogenesis, aging, and other oxidative stress-related conditions. To avoid undergoing carcinogenesis in response to oxidative stress, cells trigger a succession of checkpoint responses, including premature senescence and apoptosis. Increasing evidence indicates that H2O2, an important cause of oxidative stress, functions as an important physiological regulator of intracellular signaling pathways that participate in regulation of cell premature senescence and apoptosis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this process remain to be studied extensively. In this study, we describe the importance of Pim-1 kinase in this checkpoint response to oxidative stress. Pim-1 binds to and phosphorylates the transcription factor high mobility group box transcription factor 1 (HBP1), activating it. H2O2 enhances the interaction between Pim-1 and HBP1 and promotes HBP1 accumulation. In turn, HBP1 rapidly and selectively up-regulates Pim-1 expression in H2O2-stimulated cells, thereby creating a Pim-1-HBP1 positive feedback loop that regulates H2O2-induced premature senescence and apoptosis. Furthermore, the Pim-1-HBP1 positive feedback loop exerts its effect by regulating the senescence markers DNMT1 and p16 and the apoptosis marker Bax. The Pim-1-HBP1 axis thus constitutes a novel checkpoint pathway critical for the inhibition of tumorigenesis.

HBP1-mediated Regulation of p21 Protein through the Mdm2/p53 and TCF4/EZH2 Pathways and Its Impact on Cell Senescence and Tumorigenesis.

The activity of the CDK inhibitor p21 is associated with diverse biological activities, including cell proliferation, senescence, and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms governing transcription of p21 need to be extensively studied. In this study, we demonstrate that the high-mobility group box-containing protein 1 (HBP1) transcription factor is a novel activator of p21 that works as part of a complex mechanism during senescence and tumorigenesis. We found that HBP1 activates the p21 gene through enhancing p53 stability by inhibiting Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination of p53, a well known positive regulator of p21. HBP1 was also found to enhance p21 transcription by inhibiting Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. We identified histone methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2, as a target of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. HBP1-mediated repression of EZH2 through Wnt/ß-catenin signaling decreased the level of trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 of overall and specific histone on the p21 promoter, resulting in p21 transactivation. Although intricate, the reciprocal partnership of HBP1 and p21 has exceptional importance. HBP1-mediated elevation of p21 through the Mdm2/p53 and TCF4/EZH2 pathways contributes to both cellular senescence and tumor inhibition. Together, our results suggest that the HBP1 transcription factor orchestrates a complex regulation of key genes during cellular senescence and tumorigenesis with an impact on protein ubiquitination and overall histone methylation state.

PIASxα ligase enhances SUMO1 modification of PTEN protein as a SUMO E3 ligase.

The tumor suppressor PTEN plays a critical role in the regulation of multiple cellular processes that include survival, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis. PTEN is frequently mutated or deleted in various human cancer cells to promote tumorigenesis. PTEN is regulated by SUMOylation, but the SUMO E3 ligase involved in the SUMOylation of PTEN remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that PIASxα is a SUMO E3 ligase for PTEN. PIASxα physically interacted with PTEN both in vitro and in vivo. Their interaction depended on the integrity of phosphatase and C2 domains of PTEN and the region of PIASxα comprising residues 134-347. PIASxα enhanced PTEN protein stability by reducing PTEN ubiquitination, whereas the mutation of PTEN SUMO1 conjugation sites neutralized the effect of PIASxα on PTEN protein half-life. Functionally, PIASxα, as a potential tumor suppressor, negatively regulated the PI3K-Akt pathway through stabilizing PTEN protein. Overexpression of PIASxα led to G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, thus triggering cell proliferation inhibition and tumor suppression, whereas PIASxα knockdown or deficiency in catalytic activity abolished the inhibition. Together our studies suggest that PIASxα is a novel SUMO E3 ligase for PTEN, and it positively regulates PTEN protein level in tumor suppression.

Photocatalytic activity and photocorrosion of atomic layer deposited ZnO ultrathin films for the degradation of methylene blue.

ZnO ultrathin films with varied thicknesses of 7-70 nm were prepared at 200 °C on Si and fused quartz substrates by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The impact of film thickness and annealing temperature on the crystallinity, morphology, optical bandgap, and photocatalytic properties of ZnO in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light irradiation (λ = 365 nm) has been investigated deeply. The as-deposited 28 nm thick ZnO ultrathin film exhibits highest photocatalytic activity, ascribed to the smallest band gap of 3.21 eV and proper thickness. The photocorrosion effect of ALD ZnO ultrathin films during photocatalytic process is observed. The presence of MB significantly accelerates the dissolution of ZnO ultrathin films. The possible photoetching mechanism of ZnO in MB solution is proposed.

Nanoemulsion is an effective antimicrobial for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in infected swine skin burn wounds.

Burns are one of the most common injuries in both civilian and combat settings and are difficult to treat. This is particularly true when the wounds are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A new generation of safe, broadly effective, and easily applied anti-infection agents is needed to successfully prevent and treat infections. Nanoemulsions (NEs) are nanometer-sized particles with a positively charged surfactant at their oil-water interface. In the current study, we further investigated antimicrobial NEs as a treatment to address burn wounds infected by MRSA. Specifically, using a porcine skin model, we infected partial thickness thermal burn wounds with MRSA and then treated it with the nanoemulsion formulation (NB-201) or placebo controls. Bacterial viability after treatment was determined, and inflammation indexes in wounds were scored by histopathology. Topical treatment of infected wounds with NB-201 resulted in reduced colony-forming units (CFUs) compared to placebo treatment. In addition, NB-201 was effective in significantly alleviating inflammation in the treated wounds and promoting wound healing. These results indicate that NB-201 is a promising new agent to treat skin burn wounds infected with MRSA. IMPORTANCE: The findings of this study are focused on therapeutic applications of nanotechnology. In the current study, we demonstrated that a nanoemulsion formulation could effectively kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in porcine skin burn wounds. Infection of MRSA in burn wound is a common threat to public health and is usually difficult to treat due to limited therapies available. NB-201 was effective in significantly alleviating inflammation in the treated wounds and promoting wound healing. Therefore, the finding of this study has a great potential to make this formulation a novel antimicrobial agent against MRSA.

A novel intranasal peptide vaccine inhibits non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS mutation.

KRAS mutations occur commonly in the lung and can lead to the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While the mutated KRAS protein is a neoantigen, it usually does not generate an effective anti-tumor immune response on mucosal/epithelial surfaces. Despite this, mutated KRAS remains a potential target for immunotherapy since immune targeting of this protein in animal models has been effective at eliminating tumor cells. We attempted to develop a KRAS vaccine using mutated and wild-type KRAS peptides in combination with a nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant. The efficacy of this approach was tested in an inducible mutant KRAS-mouse lung tumor model. Animals were immunized intranasally using NE with KRAS peptides. These animals had decreased CD4+FoxP3+ T cells in both lymph nodes and spleen. Immunized animals also showed higher IFN-γ and IL-17a levels to mutated KRAS that were produced by CD8+ T cells and enhancement in KRAS-specific Th1 and Th17 responses that persisted for 3 months after the last vaccination. Importantly, the immunized animals had significantly decreased tumor incidence compared to control animals. In conclusion, a mucosal approach to KRAS vaccination demonstrated the ability to induce local KRAS-specific immune responses in the lung and resulted in reduced tumor incidence.

Electrical Kinetic Model of a Hydroxylated Graphene FET Gas Sensor.

Graphene transistor sensors, with advantages such as facile surface functionalization and high sensitivity, have gained extensive research interest in gas detection applications. This study fabricated back-gated graphene transistors and employed a hydroxylation scheme for the surface functionalization of graphene. On the basis of the interaction mechanisms between gas molecules and graphene's electrical properties, a compact electrical kinetics model considering the gas-solid surface reaction of graphene transistors is proposed. The model can accurately predict the electrical kinetic performance and can be used to optimize sensor characteristics. The bias condition of a higher response can be rapidly determined. In addition, the density of hydroxyl groups on graphene is revealed to be the direction of improvement and a key factor of response. Hence, the gas detection capacity of sensors with varying densities of hydroxyl groups was assessed concerning ammonia gas, and design technology co-optimization (DTCO) is realized. Measurement results show that the sensor with 70 s of hydroxylation time has a 7.7% response under 22 ppm ammonia gas.

High efficiency graphene-silicon hybrid-integrated thermal and electro-optical modulators.

Graphene modulators are considered a potential solution for achieving high-efficiency light modulation, and graphene-silicon hybrid-integrated modulators are particularly favorable due to their CMOS compatibility and low cost. The exploitation of graphene modulator latent capabilities remains an ongoing endeavour to improve the modulation and energy efficiency. Here, high-efficiency graphene-silicon hybrid-integrated thermal and electro-optical modulators are realized using gold-assisted transfer. We fabricate and demonstrate a microscale thermo-optical modulator with a tuning efficiency of 0.037 nm mW-1 and a high heating performance of 67.4 K µm3 mW-1 on a small active area of 7.54 µm2 and a graphene electro-absorption modulator featuring a high speed data rate reaching 56 Gb s-1 and a low power consumption of 200 fJ per bit. These devices show superior performance compared to the state of the art devices in terms of high efficiency, low process complexity, and compact device footage, which can support the realization of high-performance graphene-silicon hybrid-integrated photonic circuits with CMOS compatibility.

Decrease in cell counts and alteration of phenotype characterize peripheral NK cells of patients with anti-MDA5-positive dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the levels and phenotypes of peripheral natural killer (NK) cells in anti-MDA5+ dermatomyositis (DM) patients, and their association with clinical features. METHODS: Peripheral NK cell counts (NKCCs) were retrospectively collected from 497 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and 60 healthy controls. Multi-color flow cytometry was used to determine the NK cell phenotypes in additional 48 DM patients and 26 healthy controls. The association of NKCC and NK cell phenotypes with the clinical features and prognosis were analyzed in anti-MDA5+ DM patients. RESULTS: NKCC was significantly lower in anti-MDA5+ DM patients than in those with other IIM subtypes and healthy controls. A significant decrease in NKCC was associated with disease activity. Furthermore, NKCC < 27 cells/µL was an independent risk factor for 6-month mortality in anti-MDA5+ DM patients. In addition, identification of the functional phenotype of NK cells revealed significantly increased expression of the inhibitory marker CD39 in CD56brightCD16dimNK cells of anti-MDA5+ DM patients. CD39+NK cells of anti-MDA5+ DM patients showed increased expression of NKG2A, NKG2D, Ki-67, decreased expression of Tim-3, LAG-3, CD25, CD107a, and reduced TNF-α production. CONCLUSION: Decreased cell counts and inhibitory phenotype are significant characteristics of peripheral NK cells in anti-MDA5+ DM patients.

Optical fiber-based in vivo quantification of growth factor receptors.

BACKGROUND: Growth factor receptors such as epidermal growth factor receptor 1 and human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) are overexpressed in certain cancer cells. Antibodies against these receptors (eg. cetuximab and transtuzumab [Herceptin]) have shown therapeutic value in cancer treatment. The existing methods for the quantification of these receptors in tumors involve immunohistochemistry or DNA quantification, both in extracted tissue samples. The goal of the study was to evaluate whether an optical fiber-based technique can be used to quantify the expression of multiple growth factor receptors simultaneously. METHODS: The authors examined HER2 expression using the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab as a targeting ligand to test their system. They conjugated trastuzumab to 2 different Alexa Fluor dyes with different excitation and emission wavelengths. Two of the dye conjugates were subsequently injected intravenously into mice bearing HER2-expressing subcutaneous tumors. An optical fiber was then inserted into the tumor through a 30-gauge needle, and using a single laser beam as the excitation source, the fluorescence emitted by the 2 conjugates was identified and quantified by 2-photon optical fiber fluorescence. RESULTS: The 2 conjugates bound to the HER2-expressing tumor competitively in a receptor-specific fashion, but they failed to bind to a similar cell tumor that did not express HER2. The concentration of the conjugate present in the tumor as determined by 2-photon optical fiber fluorescence was shown to serve as an index of the HER2 expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: These studies offer a minimally invasive technique for the quantification of tumor receptors simultaneously.

Folate-targeted nanoparticles show efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the uptake of a poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (generation 5 [G5]) nanoparticle covalently conjugated to polyvalent folic acid (FA) as the targeting ligand into macrophages, and to investigate the activity of an FA- and methotrexate (MTX)-conjugated dendrimer (G5-FA-MTX) as a therapeutic for the inflammatory disease of arthritis. METHODS: In vitro studies were performed in macrophage cell lines and in isolated mouse macrophages to check the cellular uptake of fluorescence-tagged G5-FA nanoparticles, using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. In vivo studies were conducted in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis to evaluate the therapeutic potential of G5-FA-MTX. RESULTS: Folate-targeted dendrimer bound and internalized in a receptor-specific manner into both folate receptor ß-expressing macrophage cell lines and primary mouse macrophages. The conjugate G5-FA-MTX acted as a potent antiinflammatory agent and reduced arthritis-induced parameters of inflammation such as ankle swelling, paw volume, cartilage damage, bone resorption, and body weight decrease. CONCLUSION: The use of folate-targeted nanoparticles to specifically target MTX into macrophages may provide an effective clinical approach for antiinflammatory therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

A comprehensive analysis of miRNA/isomiRs profile of hydrosalpinx patients with interventional ultrasound sclerotherapy.

Hydrosalpinx is a chronic inflammatory condition with high recurrence rate, and it is reported among female population having fallopian tubal factor infertility. Previously, we have reported that interventional ultrasound sclerotherapy improves endometrial receptivity and pregnancy rate with negligible adverse effects in patients suffering from hydrosalpinx. During present investigation, we have used next generation sequencing (NGS) to characterize the isomiR profiles from the endometrium of patients suffering from hydrosalpinx before and after interventional ultrasound sclerotherapy. Our results indicated that miRNA arm shift and switch remained unaffected when compared in patients before and after interventional ultrasound sclerotherapy. We observed that isomiRs with trimming at 3' and isomiRs with canonical sequences were lower in post-treatment than in pre-treatment group. Gene ontology (GO) annotation and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the expression of mature mir-30 was significantly lower in the pre-treatment as compared to post treatment group while the expression of mir-30 isomiR was 4.26-fold higher in pre-treatment when compared with the post-treatment group. These different expression patterns of mir-30 mature miRNA and mir-30 isomiRs in two groups are affecting the physiological function of the endometrium. Our results suggested that differential isomiR distribution in hydrosalpinx patients before and after treatment plays an important role in hydrosalpinx incidence and can help in designing novel strategy for the treatment of hydrosalpinx in female population.

Effective Treatment of Skin Wounds Co-Infected with Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria with a Novel Nanoemulsion.

Wound infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are particularly difficult to treat and present a great challenge to clinicians. Nanoemulsions (NE) are novel oil-in-water emulsions formulated from soybean oil, water, solvent, and surfactants such as benzalkonium chloride (BZK). An optimal ratio of those components produces nanometer-sized particles with the positive-charged surfactant at their oil-water interface. We sought to investigate antimicrobial NE as a novel treatment to address wounds co-infected by MRSA and VRE. Swine split-thickness skin wounds were first infected with MRSA and/or VRE, then treated with the nanoemulsion formulation (X-1735) or placebo controls. Bacterial viability after treatment were determined by nutrient agar plates for total, MRSA-specific, and VRE-specific loads. In addition, inflammation indexes were scored by histopathology. When VRE infected wounds were treated with X-1735, they contained 103 lower VRE CFU counts across a 2-week period compared with placebo. Once co-infected MRSA and VRE split-thickness wounds were successfully established, topical treatment of co-infected wounds with X-1735 resulted in a reduction of bacteria by 2 to 3 logs (compared with placebo) at 3- and 14-day postinfection time points. Importantly, X-1735 was effective in significantly alleviating multilevel inflammation in the treated wounds. X-1735 is a new antimicrobial that is safe to apply to open wounds and effectively kills MRSA and VRE. It appears to also reduce inflammation in these co-infected wounds. The data suggest that this approach offers promise as an antimicrobial for open wounds with MRSA and VRE co-infection. IMPORTANCE Infections, specifically polymicrobial, can cause serious consequences when it comes to wound treatment. Prolonged treatment with antibiotics can lead to an increased risk of bacterial resistance; co-infections can complicate treatment options even further. Our research proposes a novel nanoemulsion treatment for two of the most common antibiotic resistant bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). This optimized topical treatment formulation not only significantly reduces inflammation and infection in MRSA or VRE infected wounds, but also in MRSA and VRE co-infected wounds as well. The work aims to provide an alternative treatment approach for multidrug-resistant organisms and decrease dependence on systemic treatments.

Dendrimer-based posaconazole nanoplatform for antifungal therapy.

We examined formulating a new antifungal agent, posaconazole (POS) and its derivatives, with different molecular vehicles. Several combinations of drug and carrier molecules were synthesized, and their antifungal activities were evaluated against Aspergillus fumigatus. Posaconazole and four of its derivatives were conjugated to either generation 5 (G5) dendrimers or partially modified G5 dendrimers. The in vitro antifungal activities of these compounds suggest that conjugates with specific chemical linkages showed better fungistatic activity than direct conjugates to POS. In particular, a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-imidazole modified G5 dendrimer demonstrated improved antifungal efficacy relative to the parent G5 molecule. Further studies were then conducted with POS derived molecules coupled to PEG-imidazole modified G5 dendrimers to achieve a highly soluble and active conjugate of POS. This conjugated macromolecule averaged 23 POS molecules per G5 and had a high solubility with 50 mg/mL, which improved the molar solubility of POS from less than 0.03 mg/mL to as high as 16 mg/mL in water. The primary release profile of the drug in human plasma was extended to over 72 h, which is reflected in the in vitro inhibition of A. fumigatus growth of over 96 h. These POS-polymer conjugates appear to be novel and efficient antifungal agents.

HBP1-mediated transcriptional repression of AFP inhibits hepatoma progression.

BACKGROUND: Hepatoma is a common malignancy of the liver. The abnormal high expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is intimately associated with hepatoma progress, but the mechanism of transcriptional regulation and singularly activation of AFP gene in hepatoma is not clear. METHODS: The expression of transcription factor HBP1 and AFP and clinical significance were further analyzed in hepatoma tissues from the patients who received surgery or TACE and then monitored for relapse for up 10 years. HBP1-mediated transcriptional regulation of AFP was analyzed by Western blotting, Luciferase assay, Realtime-PCR, ChIP and EMSA. After verified the axis of HBP-AFP, its impact on hepatoma was measured by MTT, Transwell and FACS in hepatoma cells and by tumorigenesis in HBP1-/- mice. RESULTS: The relative expressions of HBP1 and AFP correlated with survival and prognosis in hepatoma patients. HBP1 repressed the expression of AFP gene by directly binding to the AFP gene promoter. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-encoded protein HBx promoted malignancy in hepatoma cells through binding to HBP1 directly. Icaritin, an active ingredient of Chinese herb epimedium, inhibited malignancy in hepatoma cells through enhancing HBP1 transrepression of AFP. The repression of AFP by HBP1 attenuated AFP effect on PTEN, MMP9 and caspase-3, thus inhibited proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells. The deregulation of AFP by HBP1 contributed to hepatoma progression in mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our data clarify the mechanism of HBP1 in inhibiting the expression of AFP and its suppression in malignancy of hepatoma cells, providing a more comprehensive theoretical basis and potential solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatoma.

A novel combination of intramuscular vaccine adjuvants, nanoemulsion and CpG produces an effective immune response against influenza A virus.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is the most effective approach to prevent infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Adjuvants are often used to induce effective immune responses and overcome the immunological weakness of recombinant HPAI antigens. Given the logistical challenges of immunization to HPAI during pandemic situations, vaccines administered via the intramuscular (I.M.) route would be of value. METHODS: A new formulation of nanoemulsion adjuvant (NE02) suitable for I.M. vaccination was developed. This NE02 was evaluated alone and in combination with CpG to develop H5 immune responses in mouse and ferret models. Measures of recombinant H5 (rH5) specific immunity evaluated included serum IgG and IgG subclasses, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid IgA, and cytokines. The activation of NF-kB was also analyzed. The efficacy of the vaccine was assessed by performing hemagglutination inhibition (HAI), virus neutralization (VN) assays, and viral challenges in ferrets. RESULTS: I.M. vaccination with rH5-NE02 significantly increased rH5-specific IgG and protected ferrets in the viral challenge model providing complete protection and sterile immunity in all animals tested. Combining NE02 and CpG produced accelerated antibody responses and this was accompanied by an elevation of IFN-γ and IL-17 responses and the downregulation of IL-5. The combination also caused a synergistic effect on NF-kB activation. In immunized ferrets after viral challenge, the rH5-NE02 + CpG vaccine via I.M. achieved at least 75% and 88% seroconversion of HAI and VN antibody responses, respectively, and improved body temperature stabilization and weight loss over NE02 alone. CONCLUSIONS: The I.M. injection of NE02 adjuvanted rH5 elicits strong and broad immune responses against H5 antigens and effectively protects animals from lethal H5 challenge. Combining this adjuvant with CpG enhanced immune responses and provided improvements in outcomes to viral challenge in ferrets. The results suggest that combinations of adjuvants may be useful to enhance H5 immune responses and improve protection against influenza infection.

Acetylation of alpha-fetoprotein promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-established biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigated the acetylation state of AFP in vivo. AFP acetylation was regulated by the acetyltransferase CBP and the deacetylase SIRT1. Acetylation of AFP at lysines 194, 211, and 242 increased the stability of AFP protein by decreasing its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. AFP acetylation promoted its oncogenic role by blocking binding to the phosphatase PTEN and the pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3, which increased signaling for proliferation, migration, and invasion and decreased apoptosis. High levels of acetylated AFP in HCC tissues were associated with HBV infection and correlated with poor prognosis and decreased patient survival. In HCC cells, hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) and palmitic acid (PA) increased the level of acetylated AFP by disrupting SIRT1-mediated deacetylation. AFP acetylation plays an important role in HCC progression and provides a new potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC.

High-Temperature-Annealed Flexible Carbon Nanotube Network Transistors for High-Frequency Wearable Wireless Electronics.

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are potential active materials for fast-growing flexible/wearable applications with low-power dissipation, especially suitable for increasingly important radio-frequency (RF) wireless biosensor systems. However, the operation frequency of the existing flexible carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs) is far below the current state-of-the-art GSM spectrum frequency band (typical 850 MHz) for near-field wireless communication applications. In this paper, we successfully conduct a 900 °C annealing process for the flexible CNT-FETs and hence significantly improve their operation frequency up to 2.1 gigahertz (GHz), making it possible to cover the current GSM spectra for integrated wireless sensor systems. The high-temperature annealing process significantly improves the electrical characteristic of the flexible CNT-FETs by removing the surfactant impurities of the SWNT materials. The obtained flexible CNT-FETs exhibit record transconductance (gm) as high as 48 µS/µm. Despite an applied strain level of 2%, a characteristic frequency of over 1 GHz is observed. Further demonstration of GHz performance is also exhibited for flexible RF integrated circuits (ICs) such as frequency multipliers and mixers, which are the fundamental components for wireless applications. This work offers a new pathway for realizing SWNT-based wearable wireless GHz sensor systems with power efficiency.