Bacterial cholesterol-dependent cytolysins and their interaction with the human immune response.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Many cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC)-producing pathogens pose a significant threat to human health. Herein, we review the pore-dependent and -independent properties CDCs possess to assist pathogens in evading the host immune response. RECENT FINDINGS: Within the last 5 years, exciting new research suggests CDCs can act to inhibit important immune functions, disrupt critical cell signaling pathways, and have tissue-specific effects. Additionally, recent studies have identified a key region of CDCs that generates robust immunity, providing resources for the development of CDC-based vaccines. SUMMARY: This review provides new information on how CDCs alter host immune responses to aid bacteria in pathogenesis. These studies can assist in the design of more efficient vaccines and therapeutics against CDCs that will enhance the immune response to CDC-producing pathogens while mitigating the dampening effects CDCs have on the host immune response.

Semi-enzymatic synthesis of pseudouridine.

Modifications of RNA molecules have a significant effect on their structure and function. One of the most common modifications is the isomerization from uridine to pseudouridine. Despite its prevalence in natural RNA sequences, organic synthesis of pseudouridine has been challenging because of the stereochemistry requirement and the sensitivity of reaction steps to moisture. Herein, a semi-enzymatic synthetic route is developed for the synthesis of pseudouridine using adenosine 5'-monophosphate and uracil as the starting materials and a reverse reaction catalyzed by the pseudouridine monophosphate glycosidase. This synthetic route has only three steps and the overall yield of ß-pseudouridine production was 68.4%.