Bac(teria) To The Future: Two Bacterial Types Helpful in Vaccine Transport and in Blocking Zika Transmission

          Yeah! The rest of the USA may be celebrating the fourth of July but we here at Partial Ellipsis of the Sun are celebrating bacteria. Two research publications published the first week of July note the role of two kinds of bacteria in being a vaccine transport capsule and in blocking Zika virus transmission. 

     Researchers experimenting with harmless strains of E. coli have developed an E. coli-based transport capsule designed to help next-generation vaccines do a more efficient and effective job than today’s immunizations.

       The research, described in a study published July 1, 2016, in the journal Science Advances, highlights the capsule’s success in fighting pneumococcal disease, an infection that can result in pneumonia, sepsis, ear infections and meningitis.

     “It’s a bit counterintuitive given what you hear about E. coli, but there are many strains of the bacteria, most of which are perfectly normal in the body, that have great potential to fight disease,” said Blaine A. Pfeifer, PhD, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering in the University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

      The core of the transport capsule is harmless E. coli. A synthetic polymer — poly (beta amino ester), or PBAE — wraps around the bacteria and resembles a chain link fence. The positive-charged polymer, combined with the negative-charged bacteria cell wall, create a sort of hybrid capsule.

     To test the capsule, the researchers then inserted a protein-based vaccine, designed to fight pneumococcal disease. The results, when tested in mice, were impressive.

     The capsule’s hybrid design provided:

·         Both passive and active targeting of specific immune cells called antigen-presenting cells that trigger an immune response.

·         Natural and multicomponent adjuvant properties, which enhance the body’s immune response.

·         Dual intracellular delivery mechanisms to direct a particular immune response.

·         Simultaneous production and delivery of the components (antigens) required for a vaccine.

·         Strong vaccination protection capabilities against pneumococcal disease.

     It’s also relatively inexpensive to create and flexible in terms of use. For example, the capsule could be used as a delivery device for therapies that target cancer, viral-based infectious disease and other illnesses.

      And that's not all!

       This same week, researchers
 at the University of Wisconsin have confirmed that a benign bacterium called Wolbachia pipientis can completely block transmission of Zika virus in Aedes aegypti. Scientists say the bacteria could present a 'novel biological control mechanism,' aiding efforts to stop the spread of Zika virus.

       Other research with Wolbachia pipientis has previously shown that the bacterium is an effective tool in stopping transmission of mosquito-borne viruses. The newest research, stepped up due to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, is quite promising.

         Indeed, Bac(teria) to the Future is here! 

Happy July from the PEOTS Staph, ;-)
Steph

Dengue Fever, Glass Ceilings, and Starting Over "Up on the Roof"

     I was heading toward a fun, frolicky look at this cool Christmas tree "pushing through the roof" in Boise, Idaho, for the last PEOTS post of the year (both similar to and different from the banana plant pushing through the Lyman conservatory roof at Smith College):

         But, then my incredible daughter and I got together yesterday. She shared some of the important research going on in Dengue Fever, a mosquito-borne illness.

      Zoë's semester in Costa Rica is pointing her to a career in immunology. Here's her list of classes this upcoming senior semester: 1) Infectious Diseases, 2) Virology, 3) Biological Anthropology, 4) Psychological Anthropology, and 5) her Capstone course on her experience learning about Dengue Fever.

      This December, 2014, research describes the promise of a new Dengue Fever vaccine based on a certain antibody found in the blood of some people with Dengue: 

       "The researchers spotted the new group of antibodies while they were studying blood drawn from patients who picked up dengue infections in south-east Asia. They found that about a third of the immune reaction launched by each patient came from a new class of antibodies. Instead of latching on to a single protein on the virus surface – as usually happens – the new group of antibodies latches on to a molecular bridge that joins two virus proteins together. When antibodies bind to viruses, they make them targets for attack from the wider immune system.

       In tests described in the journal Nature Immunology, the researchers found that the newly identified antibodies were highly effective at fighting the dengue virus in mosquitoes and in patients. But more surprising, and useful for a vaccine, they also neutralised all of the different forms of the germ."

      Dengue symptoms are illustrated here in the febrile, critical and recovery phases:

          Dengue Fever kills upwards of 22,000 people a year so developing a vaccine is critical.

      

         One of the most important parts of preventing the spread of Dengue is to spray potential mosquito breeding grounds. 

          This brand new mosquito reporting ap (December 28, 2014) allows Costa Ricans to report areas of potential mosquito-breeding grounds. Prevention of mosquito growth is a huge part of containing the disease and reducing epidemics. 

          Dengue Fever outbreak areas, as we've discussed here before, are expanding from equatorial areas, including some cases in the south and midwest United States.   

         To bring things full circle, sometimes you break through the glass ceiling. . .

and sometimes you just start again on the top of the ceiling/roof. Zoë will figure out a way. Watch out, Dengue Fever! 

        Happy New Year, Zoë, and PEOTSians All!  

All the best for 2015!
Steph

       

        My friends know me well; this arrived  Saturday (with a mazarine pashmina):

      Truly TEAR-able; take one for the road: