High throughput analysis of B cell dynamics and neutralizing antibody development during immunization with a novel clade C HIV-1 envelope.

A protective HIV-1 vaccine has been hampered by a limited understanding of how B cells acquire neutralizing activity. Our previous vaccines expressing two different HIV-1 envelopes elicited robust antigen specific serum IgG titers in 20 rhesus macaques; yet serum from only two animals neutralized the autologous virus. Here, we used high throughput immunoglobulin receptor and single cell RNA sequencing to characterize the overall expansion, recall, and maturation of antigen specific B cells longitudinally over 90 weeks. Diversification and expansion of many B cell clonotypes occurred broadly in the absence of serum neutralization. However, in one animal that developed neutralization, two neutralizing B cell clonotypes arose from the same immunoglobulin germline and were tracked longitudinally. Early antibody variants with high identity to germline neutralized the autologous virus while later variants acquired somatic hypermutation and increased neutralization potency. The early engagement of precursors capable of neutralization with little to no SHM followed by prolonged affinity maturation allowed the two neutralizing lineages to successfully persist despite many other antigen specific B cells. The findings provide new insight into B cells responding to HIV-1 envelope during heterologous prime and boost immunization in rhesus macaques and the development of selected autologous neutralizing antibody lineages.

A neutralizing antibody target in early HIV-1 infection was recapitulated in rhesus macaques immunized with the transmitted/founder envelope sequence.

Transmitted/founder (T/F) HIV-1 envelope proteins (Envs) from infected individuals that developed neutralization breadth are likely to possess inherent features desirable for vaccine immunogen design. To explore this premise, we conducted an immunization study in rhesus macaques (RM) using T/F Env sequences from two human subjects, one of whom developed potent and broad neutralizing antibodies (Z1800M) while the other developed little to no neutralizing antibody responses (R66M) during HIV-1 infection. Using a DNA/MVA/protein immunization protocol, 10 RM were immunized with each T/F Env. Within each T/F Env group, the protein boosts were administered as either monomeric gp120 or stabilized trimeric gp140 protein. All vaccination regimens elicited high titers of antigen-specific IgG, and two animals that received monomeric Z1800M Env gp120 developed autologous neutralizing activity. Using early Env escape variants isolated from subject Z1800M as guides, the serum neutralizing activity of the two immunized RM was found to be dependent on the gp120 V5 region. Interestingly, the exact same residues of V5 were also targeted by a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (nmAb) isolated from the subject Z1800M early in infection. Glycan profiling and computational modeling of the Z1800M Env gp120 immunogen provided further evidence that the V5 loop is exposed in this T/F Env and was a dominant feature that drove neutralizing antibody targeting during infection and immunization. An expanded B cell clonotype was isolated from one of the neutralization-positive RM and nmAbs corresponding to this group demonstrated V5-dependent neutralization similar to both the RM serum and the human Z1800M nmAb. The results demonstrate that neutralizing antibody responses elicited by the Z1800M T/F Env in RM converged with those in the HIV-1 infected human subject, illustrating the potential of using immunogens based on this or other T/F Envs with well-defined immunogenicity as a starting point to drive breadth.

The C3/465 glycan hole cluster in BG505 HIV-1 envelope is the major neutralizing target involved in preventing mucosal SHIV infection.

Stabilized HIV-1 envelope (Env) trimers elicit tier 2 autologous neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses in immunized animals. We previously demonstrated that BG505 SOSIP.664.T332N gp140 (BG505 SOSIP) immunization of rhesus macaques (RM) provided robust protection against autologous intra-vaginal simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) challenge that was predicted by high serum nAb titers. Here, we show that nAb in these protected RM targeted a glycan hole proximal to residue 465 in gp120 in all cases. nAb also targeted another glycan hole at residues 241/289 and an epitope in V1 at varying frequencies. Non-neutralizing antibodies directed at N611-shielded epitopes in gp41 were also present but were more prevalent in RM with low nAb titers. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated that nAb broadened in some RM during sequential immunization but remained focused in others, the latter being associated with increases in nAb titer. Thirty-eight monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from a protected RM with an exceptionally high serum neutralization titer bound to the trimer in ELISA, and four of the mAbs potently neutralized the BG505 Env pseudovirus (PV) and SHIV. The four neutralizing mAbs were clonally related and targeted the 465 glycan hole to varying degrees, mimicking the serum. The data demonstrate that the C3/465 glycan hole cluster was the dominant neutralization target in high titer protected RM, despite other co-circulating neutralizing and non-neutralizing specificities. The isolation of a neutralizing mAb family argues that clonotype expansion occurred during BG505 SOSIP immunization, leading to high titer, protective nAb and setting a desirable benchmark for HIV vaccines.

Cross-age peer mentoring for youth: A meta-analysis.

Although most mentoring programs for youth are structured around intergenerational relationships, a growing number of programs rely on cross-age peer mentoring. Such programs capitalize on the availability of youth mentors to promote positive outcomes in younger peers. This study used a multilevel meta-analytic approach to estimate the effect size of cross-age peer mentoring programs and evaluate potential moderators of peer mentoring program effectiveness. Analyses included six studies and revealed a medium-sized overall effect of cross-age peer mentoring programs (g = 0.45). Several characteristics moderated effect sizes, with larger effects for programs that were conducted outside of the school setting (i.e., weekend, summer, or in community settings), conducted in urban settings, and had moderate/high levels of adult oversight and supervision. Results highlight the potential benefits of cross-age peer mentoring for youth.

Integrating Advocacy for Marginalized Children and Families Into Evidence-Based Care During COVID-19: Clinical Vignettes.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has disproportionately impacted the health and socioeconomic outcomes for low-income populations, people of color, and immigrant children and families in the United States. As inequities in resources (i.e., food, internet, housing), health care, and education increased for marginalized families as a result of COVID-19, child-focused clinicians had to broaden their professional scope and implement new advocacy efforts. The current paper uses clinical vignettes taken from a New York State Office of Mental Health-licensed child and adolescent outpatient clinic in the Bronx, New York. The vignettes highlight the social inequities that impacted marginalized children and families during the pandemic, as well as the clinical team's response through the integration of evidence-base practice and advocacy. Implications for practice with vulnerable populations as the COVID-19 pandemic persists are discussed.

Clade C HIV-1 Envelope Vaccination Regimens Differ in Their Ability To Elicit Antibodies with Moderate Neutralization Breadth against Genetically Diverse Tier 2 HIV-1 Envelope Variants.

The goals of preclinical HIV vaccine studies in nonhuman primates are to develop and test different approaches for their ability to generate protective immunity. Here, we compared the impact of 7 different vaccine modalities, all expressing the HIV-1 1086.C clade C envelope (Env), on (i) the magnitude and durability of antigen-specific serum antibody responses and (ii) autologous and heterologous neutralizing antibody capacity. These vaccination regimens included immunization with different combinations of DNA, modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), soluble gp140 protein, and different adjuvants. Serum samples collected from 130 immunized monkeys at two key time points were analyzed using the TZM-bl cell assay: at 2 weeks after the final immunization (week 40/41) and on the day of challenge (week 58). Key initial findings were that inclusion of a gp140 protein boost had a significant impact on the magnitude and durability of Env-specific IgG antibodies, and addition of 3M-052 adjuvant was associated with better neutralizing activity against the SHIV1157ipd3N4 challenge virus and a heterologous HIV-1 CRF01 Env, CNE8. We measured neutralization against a panel of 12 tier 2 Envs using a newly described computational tool to quantify serum neutralization potency by factoring in the predetermined neutralization tier of each reference Env. This analysis revealed modest neutralization breadth, with DNA/MVA immunization followed by gp140 protein boosts in 3M-052 adjuvant producing the best scores. This study highlights that protein-containing regimens provide a solid foundation for the further development of novel adjuvants and inclusion of trimeric Env immunogens that could eventually elicit a higher level of neutralizing antibody breadth.IMPORTANCE Despite much progress, we still do not have a clear understanding of how to elicit a protective neutralizing antibody response against HIV-1 through vaccination. There have been great strides in the development of envelope immunogens that mimic the virus particle, but less is known about how different vaccination modalities and adjuvants contribute to shaping the antibody response. We compared seven different vaccines that were administered to rhesus macaques and that delivered the same envelope protein through various modalities and with different adjuvants. The results demonstrate that some vaccine components are better than others at eliciting neutralizing antibodies with breadth.

Non-Specific versus Targeted Approaches to Youth Mentoring: A Follow-up Meta-analysis.

Despite decades of increased research and funding, youth mentoring programs, overall, yield small effects on youth outcomes. As a result, there are growing calls for programs to utilize the mentoring relationship as context for intentional, targeted skills development, in which mentors employ targeted skills designed to match the presenting concerns of mentees. This targeted approach contrasts with the historically dominant, non-specific friendship model, which holds that a supportive relational bond-alone-promotes positive developmental change. The current study is a follow-up meta-analysis using a comprehensive dataset of all intergenerational, one-on-one mentoring program evaluations published between 1975 and 2018, investigating the comparative impact of targeted, skills-based versus non-specific, relational approaches to mentoring. Analyses of 48 mentoring studies of youth outcomes (average youth age of 12.25 years old) revealed the overall effect size of targeted programs to be more than double that of non-specific relational approaches, with significant moderator effects on academic, psychological, and social functioning. Findings suggest that youth mentoring programs can promote positive outcomes, particularly when mentors employ targeted approaches matched to the needs of their mentees.

The Effects of Youth Mentoring Programs: A Meta-analysis of Outcome Studies.

Mentoring programs, which pair youth with caring, non-parental adults with the goal of promoting positive youth development, are an increasingly popular strategy for early intervention with at-risk youth. However, important questions remain about the extent to which these interventions improve youth outcomes. The present study involved a comprehensive meta-analysis of all outcome studies of intergenerational, one-on-one youth mentoring programs written in the English language between 1975 and 2017, using rigorous inclusion criteria designed to align with developmental theories of youth mentoring. Analysis of 70 mentoring outcome studies, with a sample size of 25,286 youth (average age of 12 years old), yielded a statistically significant effect of mentoring programs across all youth outcomes. The observed effect size fell within the medium/moderate range according to empirical guidelines derived from universal prevention programs for youth, and was consistent with past meta-analyses of youth mentoring. Moderation analyses indicated that programs serving a larger proportion of male youth, deploying a greater percentage of male mentors or mentors with a helping profession background, and requiring shorter meetings yielded larger effect sizes, as did evaluations that relied on questionnaires and youth self-report. Taken together, these findings provide some support for the efficacy of mentoring interventions, while also emphasizing the need to remain realistic about the modest impact of these programs as currently implemented, and highlighting opportunities for improving the quality and rigor of mentoring practices.

Adjuvanting a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine with Toll-Like Receptor Ligands Encapsulated in Nanoparticles Induces Persistent Antibody Responses and Enhanced Protection in TRIM5α Restrictive Macaques.

Our previous work has shown that antigens adjuvanted with ligands specific for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and TLR7/8 encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-based nanoparticles (NPs) induce robust and durable immune responses in mice and macaques. We investigated the efficacy of these NP adjuvants in inducing protective immunity against simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Rhesus macaques (RMs) were immunized with NPs containing TLR4 and TLR7/8 agonists mixed with soluble recombinant SIVmac239-derived envelope (Env) gp140 and Gag p55 (protein) or with virus-like particles (VLPs) containing SIVmac239 Env and Gag. NP-adjuvanted vaccines induced robust innate responses, antigen-specific antibody responses of a greater magnitude and persistence, and enhanced plasmablast responses compared to those achieved with alum-adjuvanted vaccines. NP-adjuvanted vaccines induced antigen-specific, long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs), which persisted in the bone marrow for several months after vaccination. NP-adjuvanted vaccines induced immune responses that were associated with enhanced protection against repeated low-dose, intravaginal challenges with heterologous SIVsmE660 in animals that carried TRIM5α restrictive alleles. The protection induced by immunization with protein-NP correlated with the prechallenge titers of Env-specific IgG antibodies in serum and vaginal secretions. However, no such correlate was apparent for immunization with VLP-NP or alum as the adjuvant. Transcriptional profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated within the first few hours to days after primary vaccination revealed that NP-adjuvanted vaccines induced a molecular signature similar to that induced by the live attenuated yellow fever viral vaccine. This systems approach identified early blood transcriptional signatures that correlate with Env-specific antibody responses in vaginal secretions and protection against infection. These results demonstrate the adjuvanticity of the NP adjuvant in inducing persistent and protective antibody responses against SIV in RMs with implications for the design of vaccines against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). IMPORTANCE: The results of the RV144 HIV vaccine trial, which demonstrated a rapid waning of protective immunity with time, have underscored the need to develop strategies to enhance the durability of protective immune responses. Our recent work in mice has highlighted the capacity of nanoparticle-encapsulated TLR ligands (NP) to induce potent and durable antibody responses that last a lifetime in mice. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of these NP adjuvants to promote robust and durable protective immune responses against SIV in nonhuman primates. Our results demonstrate that immunization of rhesus macaques with NP adjuvants mixed with soluble SIV Env or a virus-like particle form of Env (VLP) induces potent and durable Env-specific antibody responses in the serum and in vaginal secretions. These responses were superior to those induced by alum adjuvant, and they resulted in enhanced protection against a low-dose intravaginal challenge with a heterologous strain of SIV in animals with TRIM5a restrictive alleles. These results highlight the potential for such NP TLR L adjuvants in promoting robust and durable antibody responses against HIV in the next generation of HIV immunogens currently being developed.

Diversification in the HIV-1 Envelope Hyper-variable Domains V2, V4, and V5 and Higher Probability of Transmitted/Founder Envelope Glycosylation Favor the Development of Heterologous Neutralization Breadth.

A recent study of plasma neutralization breadth in HIV-1 infected individuals at nine International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) sites reported that viral load, HLA-A*03 genotype, and subtype C infection were strongly associated with the development of neutralization breadth. Here, we refine the findings of that study by analyzing the impact of the transmitted/founder (T/F) envelope (Env), early Env diversification, and autologous neutralization on the development of plasma neutralization breadth in 21 participants identified during recent infection at two of those sites: Kigali, Rwanda (n = 9) and Lusaka, Zambia (n = 12). Single-genome analysis of full-length T/F Env sequences revealed that all 21 individuals were infected with a highly homogeneous population of viral variants, which were categorized as subtype C (n = 12), A1 (n = 7), or recombinant AC (n = 2). An extensive amino acid sequence-based analysis of variable loop lengths and glycosylation patterns in the T/F Envs revealed that a lower ratio of NXS to NXT-encoded glycan motifs correlated with neutralization breadth. Further analysis comparing amino acid sequence changes, insertions/deletions, and glycan motif alterations between the T/F Env and autologous early Env variants revealed that extensive diversification focused in the V2, V4, and V5 regions of gp120, accompanied by contemporaneous viral escape, significantly favored the development of breadth. These results suggest that more efficient glycosylation of subtype A and C T/F Envs through fewer NXS-encoded glycan sites is more likely to elicit antibodies that can transition from autologous to heterologous neutralizing activity following exposure to gp120 diversification. This initiates an Env-antibody co-evolution cycle that increases neutralization breadth, and is further augmented over time by additional viral and host factors. These findings suggest that understanding how variation in the efficiency of site-specific glycosylation influences neutralizing antibody elicitation and targeting could advance the design of immunogens aimed at inducing antibodies that can transition from autologous to heterologous neutralizing activity.

Breakthrough of SIV strain smE660 challenge in SIV strain mac239-vaccinated rhesus macaques despite potent autologous neutralizing antibody responses.

Although the correlates of immunological protection from human immunodeficiency virus or simian immunodeficiency virus infection remain incompletely understood, it is generally believed that medium to high titers of serum neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against the challenge virus will prevent infection. This paradigm is based on a series of studies in which passive transfer of HIV-specific nAbs protected rhesus macaques (RMs) from subsequent mucosal challenge with a chimeric human/simian immunodeficiency virus. However, it is unknown whether nAb titers define protection in the setting of active immunization. Here we determined serum nAb titers against breakthrough transmitted/founder (T/F) SIVsmE660-derived envelope glycoprotein (Env) variants from 14 RMs immunized with SIVmac239-based DNA-prime/modified vaccinia virus Ankara-boost vaccine regimens that included GM-CSF or CD40L adjuvants and conferred significant but incomplete protection against repeated low-dose intrarectal challenge. A single Env variant established infection in all RMs except one, with no identifiable genetic signature associated with vaccination breakthrough compared with T/F Envs from four unvaccinated monkeys. Breakthrough T/F Env pseudoviruses were potently neutralized in vitro by heterologous pooled serum from chronically SIVsmE660-infected monkeys at IC50 titers exceeding 1:1,000,000. Remarkably, the T/F Env pseudoviruses from 13 of 14 monkeys were also susceptible to neutralization by autologous prechallenge serum at in vitro IC50 titers ranging from 1:742-1:10,832. These titers were similar to those observed in vaccinated RMs that remained uninfected. These data suggest that the relationship between serum nAb titers and protection from mucosal SIV challenge in the setting of active immunization is more complex than previously recognized, warranting further studies into the balance between immune activation, target cell availability, and protective antibody responses.

Cardiovascular Risks of Fluphenazine in a Patient With Schizophrenia.

Objective: Patients with psychiatric illnesses are at an increased risk for heart disease, and many antipsychotic medications elicit adverse effects on the heart. This report summarizes conduction abnormalities manifested as chest pain when a patient is treated with fluphenazine decanoate. Case Summary: A 61-year-old male with a history of schizophrenia, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation presented complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath with moderate T-wave abnormality detected on electrocardiogram. The patient recently initiated fluphenazine decanoate intramuscular injection while continuing oral fluphenazine as directed. Discussion: Utilizing the Naranjo algorithm, the cardiac conduction abnormality was determined to be a possible adverse event associated with fluphenazine use. This was based on recent initiation and increasing dose of fluphenazine and documented association of antipsychotics and risk of Torsades de Pointes. Conclusions: While it is known that fluphenazine decanoate can cause extrapyramidal adverse effects, this case demonstrates that it may also play a role in causing or exacerbating cardiovascular adverse events. Continued cardiovascular monitoring after starting fluphenazine decanoate is warranted.

Characterization and Implementation of a Diverse Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVsm Envelope Panel in the Assessment of Neutralizing Antibody Breadth Elicited in Rhesus Macaques by Multimodal Vaccines Expressing the SIVmac239 Envelope.

UNLABELLED: Antibodies that can neutralize diverse viral strains are likely to be an important component of a protective human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine. To this end, preclinical simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-based nonhuman primate immunization regimens have been designed to evaluate and enhance antibody-mediated protection. However, these trials often rely on a limited selection of SIV strains with extreme neutralization phenotypes to assess vaccine-elicited antibody activity. To mirror the viral panels used to assess HIV-1 antibody breadth, we created and characterized a novel panel of 14 genetically and phenotypically diverse SIVsm envelope (Env) glycoproteins. To assess the utility of this panel, we characterized the neutralizing activity elicited by four SIVmac239 envelope-expressing DNA/modified vaccinia virus Ankara vector- and protein-based vaccination regimens that included the immunomodulatory adjuvants granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, and CD40 ligand. The SIVsm Env panel exhibited a spectrum of neutralization sensitivity to SIV-infected plasma pools and monoclonal antibodies, allowing categorization into three tiers. Pooled sera from 91 rhesus macaques immunized in the four trials consistently neutralized only the highly sensitive tier 1a SIVsm Envs, regardless of the immunization regimen. The inability of vaccine-mediated antibodies to neutralize the moderately resistant tier 1b and tier 2 SIVsm Envs defined here suggests that those antibodies were directed toward epitopes that are not accessible on most SIVsm Envs. To achieve a broader and more effective neutralization profile in preclinical vaccine studies that is relevant to known features of HIV-1 neutralization, more emphasis should be placed on optimizing the Env immunogen, as the neutralization profile achieved by the addition of adjuvants does not appear to supersede the neutralizing antibody profile determined by the immunogen. IMPORTANCE: Many in the HIV/AIDS vaccine field believe that the ability to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of blocking genetically diverse HIV-1 variants is a critical component of a protective vaccine. Various SIV-based nonhuman primate vaccine studies have investigated ways to improve antibody-mediated protection against a heterologous SIV challenge, including administering adjuvants that might stimulate a greater neutralization breadth. Using a novel SIV neutralization panel and samples from four rhesus macaque vaccine trials designed for cross comparison, we show that different regimens expressing the same SIV envelope immunogen consistently elicit antibodies that neutralize only the very sensitive tier 1a SIV variants. The results argue that the neutralizing antibody profile elicited by a vaccine is primarily determined by the envelope immunogen and is not substantially broadened by including adjuvants, resulting in the conclusion that the envelope immunogen itself should be the primary consideration in efforts to elicit antibodies with greater neutralization breadth.

SPARC regulates microgliosis and functional recovery following cortical ischemia.

Secreted protein acidic rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein that modulates the activity of growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix to play multiple roles in tissue development and repair, such as cellular adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Throughout the CNS, SPARC is highly localized in mature ramified microglia, but its role in microglia--in development or during response to disease or injury--is not understood. In the postnatal brain, immature amoeboid myeloid precursors only induce SPARC expression after they cease proliferation and migration, and transform into mature, ramified resting microglia. SPARC null/CX3CR1-GFP reporter mice reveal that SPARC regulates the distribution and branching of mature microglia, with significant differences between cortical gray and white matter in both controls and SPARC nulls. Following ischemic and excitotoxic lesion, reactive, hypertrophic microglia rapidly downregulate and release SPARC at the lesion, concomitant with reactive, hypertrophic perilesion astrocytes upregulating SPARC. After photothrombotic stroke in the forelimb sensorimotor cortex, SPARC nulls demonstrate enhanced microgliosis in and around the lesion site, which accompanies significantly enhanced functional recovery by 32 d after lesion. Microglia from SPARC nulls also intrinsically proliferate at a greater rate in vitro--an enhanced effect that can be rescued by the addition of exogenous SPARC. SPARC is thus a novel regulator of microglial proliferation and structure, and, in addition to regulating glioma progression, may play an important role in differently regulating the gray and white matter microglial responses to CNS lesion--and modulating behavioral recovery--after injury.

Development of a Dihydroquinoline-Pyrazoline GluN2C/2D-Selective Negative Allosteric Modulator of the N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor.

Subunit-selective inhibition of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) is a promising therapeutic strategy for several neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, depression, and acute brain injury. We previously described the dihydroquinoline-pyrazoline (DQP) analogue 2a (DQP-26) as a potent NMDAR negative allosteric modulator with selectivity for GluN2C/D over GluN2A/B. However, moderate (<100-fold) subunit selectivity, inadequate cell-membrane permeability, and poor brain penetration complicated the use of 2a as an in vivo probe. In an effort to improve selectivity and the pharmacokinetic profile of the series, we performed additional structure-activity relationship studies of the succinate side chain and investigated the use of prodrugs to mask the pendant carboxylic acid. These efforts led to discovery of the analogue (S)-(-)-2i, also referred to as (S)-(-)-DQP-997-74, which exhibits >100- and >300-fold selectivity for GluN2C- and GluN2D-containing NMDARs (IC50 0.069 and 0.035 µM, respectively) compared to GluN2A- and GluN2B-containing receptors (IC50 5.2 and 16 µM, respectively) and has no effects on AMPA, kainate, or GluN1/GluN3 receptors. Compound (S)-(-)-2i is 5-fold more potent than (S)-2a. In addition, compound 2i shows a time-dependent enhancement of inhibitory actions at GluN2C- and GluN2D-containing NMDARs in the presence of the agonist glutamate, which could attenuate hypersynchronous activity driven by high-frequency excitatory synaptic transmission. Consistent with this finding, compound 2i significantly reduced the number of epileptic events in a murine model of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-induced epilepsy that is associated with upregulation of the GluN2C subunit. Thus, 2i represents a robust tool for the GluN2C/D target validation. Esterification of the succinate carboxylate improved brain penetration, suggesting a strategy for therapeutic development of this series for NMDAR-associated neurological conditions.

Intradermal but not intramuscular modified vaccinia Ankara immunizations protect against intravaginal tier2 simian-human immunodeficiency virus challenges in female macaques.

Route of immunization can markedly influence the quality of immune response. Here, we show that intradermal (ID) but not intramuscular (IM) modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccinations provide protection from acquisition of intravaginal tier2 simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) challenges in female macaques. Both routes of vaccination induce comparable levels of serum IgG with neutralizing and non-neutralizing activities. The protection in MVA-ID group correlates positively with serum neutralizing and antibody-dependent phagocytic activities, and envelope-specific vaginal IgA; while the limited protection in MVA-IM group correlates only with serum neutralizing activity. MVA-ID immunizations induce greater germinal center Tfh and B cell responses, reduced the ratio of Th1 to Tfh cells in blood and showed lower activation of intermediate monocytes and inflammasome compared to MVA-IM immunizations. This lower innate activation correlates negatively with induction of Tfh responses. These data demonstrate that the MVA-ID vaccinations protect against intravaginal SHIV challenges by modulating the innate and T helper responses.

Expanding the toolbox of metabolically stable lipid prodrug strategies.

Nucleoside- and nucleotide-based therapeutics are indispensable treatment options for patients suffering from malignant and viral diseases. These agents are most commonly administered to patients as prodrugs to maximize bioavailability and efficacy. While the literature provides a practical prodrug playbook to facilitate the delivery of nucleoside and nucleotide therapeutics, small context-dependent amendments to these popular prodrug strategies can drive dramatic improvements in pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles. Herein we offer a brief overview of current prodrug strategies, as well as a case study involving the fine-tuning of lipid prodrugs of acyclic nucleoside phosphonate tenofovir (TFV), an approved nucleotide HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NtRTI) and the cornerstone of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Installation of novel lipid terminal motifs significantly reduced fatty acid hepatic ω-oxidation while maintaining potent antiviral activity. This work contributes important insights to the expanding repertoire of lipid prodrug strategies in general, but particularly for the delivery and distribution of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Tetrahydronaphthyridine CXCR4 Antagonists with Improved Drug-like Profiles.

Our first-generation CXCR4 antagonist TIQ15 was rationally modified to improve drug-like properties. Introducing a nitrogen atom into the aromatic portion of the tetrahydroisoquinoline ring led to several heterocyclic variants including the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,6-naphthyridine series, greatly reducing the inhibition of the CYP 2D6 enzyme. Compound 12a demonstrated the best overall properties after profiling a series of isomeric tetrahydronaphthyridine analogues in a battery of biochemical assays including CXCR4 antagonism, CYP 2D6 inhibition, metabolic stability, and permeability. The butyl amine side chain of 12a was substituted with various lipophilic groups to improve the permeability. These efforts culminated in the discovery of compound 30 as a potent CXCR4 antagonist (IC50 = 24 nM) with diminished CYP 2D6 activity, improved PAMPA permeability (309 nm/s), potent inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus entry (IC50 = 7 nM), a cleaner off-target in vitro safety profile, lower human ether a-go-go-related gene channel activity, and higher oral bioavailability in mice (% FPO = 27) compared to AMD11070 and TIQ15.

A clade C HIV-1 vaccine protects against heterologous SHIV infection by modulating IgG glycosylation and T helper response in macaques.

The rising global HIV-1 burden urgently requires vaccines capable of providing heterologous protection. Here, we developed a clade C HIV-1 vaccine consisting of priming with modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) and boosting with cyclically permuted trimeric gp120 (CycP-gp120) protein, delivered either orally using a needle-free injector or through parenteral injection. We tested protective efficacy of the vaccine against intrarectal challenges with a pathogenic heterologous clade C SHIV infection in rhesus macaques. Both routes of vaccination induced a strong envelope-specific IgG in serum and rectal secretions directed against V1V2 scaffolds from a global panel of viruses with polyfunctional activities. Envelope-specific IgG showed lower fucosylation compared with total IgG at baseline, and most of the vaccine-induced proliferating blood CD4+ T cells did not express CCR5 and α4ß7, markers associated with HIV target cells. After SHIV challenge, both routes of vaccination conferred significant and equivalent protection, with 40% of animals remaining uninfected at the end of six weekly repeated challenges with an estimated efficacy of 68% per exposure. Induction of envelope-specific IgG correlated positively with G1FB glycosylation, and G2S2F glycosylation correlated negatively with protection. Vaccine-induced TNF-α+ IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells and TNF-α+ CD4+ T cells expressing low levels of CCR5 in the rectum at prechallenge were associated with decreased risk of SHIV acquisition. These results demonstrate that the clade C MVA/CycP-gp120 vaccine provides heterologous protection against a tier2 SHIV rectal challenge by inducing a polyfunctional antibody response with distinct Fc glycosylation profile, as well as cytotoxic CD8 T cell response and CCR5-negative T helper response in the rectum.