Structure of human annexin I: comparison of homology modelling and crystallographic experiment.

A model of domain II of annexin I has been built by homology modelling using an annexin V crystal structure as a template. The method used is based on that of Summers and Karplus (J Mol Biol (1989) 210, 785-811) and involves the calculation of torsion-angle rotational energy maps to position side chains. The RMS deviation of the backbone heavy atoms between the model and a crystal structure of annexin I is 1.1 A. Similarities and differences in the experimental and model-derived side-chain rotameric conformations and hydrogen-bonding interactions are examined. It is found that whereas many of the side chains are well positioned some of those placed using the 'entropy argument' in which the broadest of the available minima are preferred, are erroneous. The domain is subjected to molecular dynamics simulation in explicit solvent. The simulations are found to 'correct' some of the side-chain rotamer positions that were poorly placed in the homology modelling. Considerable helix instability is seen in the simulations, consistent with the requirement of domain interactions for the structural integrity of the protein.

[Complex studies of virology, microbiology, biochemistry and epidemiology in the adults of a semi-closed community vaccinated against influenza with the inactivated NIVGRIP vaccine intranasally]. / Etudes complexes de virologie, microbiologie, biochimie et épidémiologie sur des adultes d'une collectivité semi-fermée, vaccinés contre la grippe avee le vaccin inactivé NIVGRIP par voie intranasale.

A study was conducted on the specific and non specific immunomodulator effects of the inactivated vaccine NIVGRIP. The results revealed the seroconversion of HAI antibodies against influenza and mumps viruses and the reduction of viral and microbial flora of the pharynx. The kinetics of some proteins specific to the acute stage (siderophiline antitrypsin, microglobulin, complement C1q and C2 factors, C reactive protein and fibronectin) was also investigated and significant quantitative modifications were noticed in vaccinated subjects. The mean illness duration (acute respiratory disease) was three times as short in vaccinated subjects as in controls.

[The humoral and cell-mediated immune response induced by the NIVGRIP inactivated influenza vaccine]. / Recherches sur la réponse immunitaire humorale et médiée par les cellules induite par le vaccin antigrippal inactivé NIVGRIP.

A comparative study was conducted in patients vaccinated with the NIVGRIP trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine and in placebo receiving controls on the kinetics of the serum hemagglutination inhibiting (HAI) antibodies and the neutralizing secretory antibodies in the nasopharyngeal secretions (NPS), of the blastic transformation of lymphocytes index, of the rosette formation index and of the serum immunoglobulins. A significant rise of the H.A.I. and the neutralizing secretory antibodies as well as of the blastic transformation of lymphocytes index was recorded after stimulation with the influenza vaccine. There were no significant changes in controls. No significant variations of the blastic transformation of lymphocytes index after stimulation with P.P.D. and of the rosette formation index were recorded in both investigated groups. Serum immunoglobulin titres showed significant variations in vaccinated as well as in control groups. The results point out the stimulating effect of the NIVGRIP inactivated influenza vaccine on both humoral and cell mediated immune responses.