Topic Review
Phycodnaviridae as Giant Viruses of Interest for Biotechnology
Giant viruses of the phylum Nucleocytoviricota infect protists (i.e., algae and amoebae) and have complex genomes, reaching up to 2.7 Mb in length and encoding hundreds of genes. Different giant viruses have robust metabolic machinery, especially those in the Phycodnaviridae families. The Phycodnaviridae family includes viruses with biochemical and genetic peculiarities, such as DNA error correction and post-replicative processing, that infect eukaryotic algae from freshwater or marine environments. 
  • 413
  • 27 Dec 2022
Topic Review
A Defective Viral Particle Approach to COVID-19
Defective interfering particles, which arise naturally and interfere with viruses, have long inspired the idea that they might be adapted to treat viral diseases. Here, we explore how such defective interfering particles and other therapeutic nanoparticles might be designed and constructed to interfere with SARS-CoV-2.
  • 444
  • 28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
A Functional Minigenome of Parvovirus B19
Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a human pathogenic virus of clinical relevance, characterized by a selective tropism for erythroid progenitor cells in bone marrow. Relevant information on viral characteristics and lifecycle can be obtained from experiments involving engineered genetic systems in appropriate in vitro cellular models. Previously, a B19V genome of defined consensus sequence was designed, synthesized and cloned in a complete and functional form, able to replicate and produce infectious viral particles in a producer/amplifier cell system.
  • 366
  • 17 Jan 2022
Topic Review
A Mycobacteriophage-Based Vaccine Platform for SARS-CoV-2
Bacteriophage-based vaccines can generate a protective immune response by safely introducing foreign antigens displayed on, encapsidated within, or genetically encoded by phage. Here authors describe recombinants of mycobacteriophage Bxb1 (a phage infecting Mycobacterium smegmatis) that covalently display and express antigenic peptides of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Several of these vaccine candidates produced Spike-specific antibodies in immunized mice, but the responses were not neutralizing. This mycobacteriophage-based vaccine platform can likely be improved if delivery of larger antigens is achieved. 
  • 445
  • 06 Dec 2021
Topic Review
ACE2 Expression and COVID-19 Infection
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an unprecedented threat to the international community and raised major concerns in terms of public health safety. Although our current understanding of the complexity of COVID-19 pathogenesis remains limited, the infection is largely mediated by the interaction of viral spike protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The functional importance of ACE2 in different demographic and comorbid conditions may explain the significant variation in incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in vulnerable groups, and highlights its candidacy as a potential therapeutic target.
  • 578
  • 05 May 2021
Topic Review
Activities of Interleukin-12 Family during Virus Infections
The interleukin (IL)-12 family consists of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that are able to signal the activation of host antiviral immunity while preventing over-reactive immune reactions due to active virus replication and viral clearance. 
  • 183
  • 20 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Adeno-Associated Viruses
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are a convenient tool for gene therapy delivery. According to the current classification, they are divided into the species AAV A and AAV B within the genus Dependoparvovirus. Historically AAVs were also subdivided on the intraspecies level into 13 serotypes, which differ in tissue tropism and targeted gene delivery capacity. Serotype, however, is not a universal taxonomic category, and their assignment is not always robust. Cross-reactivity has been shown, indicating that classification could not rely on the results of serological tests alone. Moreover, since the isolation of AAV4, all subsequent AAVs were subdivided into serotypes based primarily on genetic differences and phylogenetic reconstructions.
  • 368
  • 23 May 2022
Topic Review
Adenoviruses
Adenoviruses represent exceptional candidates for wide-ranging therapeutic applications, from vectors for gene therapy to oncolytics for cancer treatments. The first ever commercial gene therapy medicine was based on a recombinant adenovirus vector, while most recently, adenoviral vectors have proven critical as vaccine platforms in effectively controlling the global coronavirus pandemic.
  • 596
  • 21 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Alignment-Free Study of Viral Diversity
Viral sequence variation can expand the host repertoire, enhance the infection ability, and/or prevent the build-up of a long-term specific immunity by the host. The study of viral diversity is, thus, critical to understand sequence change and its implications for intervention strategies.
  • 595
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
AlphaFold Predictions in Viral Research
AlphaFold, a modern deep-learning algorithm, enables the prediction of protein structure to a high level of accuracy. It has been applied in numerous studies in various areas of biology and medicine. Viruses are biological entities infecting eukaryotic and procaryotic organisms. They can pose a danger for humans and economically significant animals and plants, but they can also be useful for biological control, suppressing populations of pests and pathogens. AlphaFold can be used for studies of molecular mechanisms of viral infection to facilitate several activities, including drug design.
  • 351
  • 10 May 2023
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