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Dolzhikova, I. V.

Publications and source records attributed to Dolzhikova, I. V..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Circular mRNA against Clean Cap linear mRNA vectors comprehensive comparison, expression, active and passive immunization

The mRNA platform has revolutionised vaccine technology by providing a universal, fast and easily scalable production process. There are two main types of mRNA - linear (cap-dependent) and circular (cap-independent), each with its own advantages. Although both vector types are continuously being improved, there has been no comprehensive comparative analysis of the most efficient existing vectors of each type. This paper provides a comparison of expression efficiency, protective and therapeutic activities of circular and linear mRNA vectors. We examined different combinations of linear vectors: containing either N1-methylpseudouridines or uridine and capped with either ARCA (m7G(5')ppp(5')G) or CleanCap (m7G(5')ppp(5')m2G). Circular vectors contained both commonly used IRES of coxsackievirus B3 and new a IRES of human rhinoviruses B6. Preliminary luciferase assay showed that modified linear vectors exhibited significantly higher expression levels both in vitro and in vivo. A similar but less dramatic difference was observed in expression of the target protein. At the same time, immunogenicity and protective activity of linear and circular vectors were equal.

immunology↗

Seroprevalence and cross-reactivity of neutralizing antibodies to six types of adenoviruses

BackgroundThe use of adenoviral vector vaccines is an effective way to induce an antiviral immune response. Most vaccines used worldwide are based on human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5). Pre-existing natural immunity to Ad5 is a limitation to the frequent use of Ad5-based vectors in gene therapy and vaccination. In the present study, we assessed the seroprevalence and cross-reactivity of neutralizing antibodies to six adenovirus types: Ad1, Ad2, Ad5, Ad19, Ad26, and Ad37. MethodsThe study used immunological and virological research methods. Adenovirus vectors encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were developed by the N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology. For seroprevalence and cross-neutralation study we used a panel of sera from 101 volunteers. ResultsThe conducted correlation analysis showed a strong relationship between seropositivity and the geometric mean titer of neutralizing antibodies to adenovirus. An increase in antibody titers indicates the formation of a humoral immune response and population immunity. We determined that there is no cross-reactivity between NtAbs to Ad1, Ad2, Ad5 and Ad26. ConclusionsBased on the presented data, we assume that Ad1 or Ad2 should be considered the most promising alternative candidates for the development of vaccine vectors.

immunology↗

Lethality of West Nile virus strains in a mouse model

West Nile fever (WNF) is a viral infection caused by West Nile virus (WNV), a flavivirus of the Flaviviridae family. Virus circulates between mosquitoes and wild birds, but can infect other species, including humans. The first cases of West Nile fever were reported in Africa in the 1930s. Currently, WNV has a wide geographic range, which includes countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North and South America, where it periodically causes WNF outbreaks. The disease in human occurs with the development of fever, and in some cases ending up severe neurological complications. Studies of the virus in animal models demonstrate that virulence varies depending on the host species, the genotype of the virus, and the presence of substitutions in key viral proteins, even within the same genotype. These studies highlight the need for comparative studies of different WNV strains to evaluate the impact of amino acid substitutions on WNV pathogenesis. Analysis of key mutations and substitutions will allow the development of a safe and effective vaccine for the prevention of WNF.

microbiology↗

Single-domain antibodies efficiently neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Virus-neutralizing antibodies are one of the few treatment options for COVID-19. The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to the emergence of virus variants with reduced sensitivity to some antibody-based therapies. The development of potent antibodies with a broad spectrum of neutralizing activity is urgently needed. Here we isolated a panel of single-domain antibodies that specifically bind to the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein. Three of the selected antibodies exhibiting most robust neutralization potency were used to generate dimeric molecules. We observed that these modifications resulted in up to a 200-fold increase in neutralizing activity. The most potent heterodimeric molecule efficiently neutralized each of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants. This heterodimeric molecule could be a promising drug candidate for a treatment for COVID-19 caused by virus variants of concern.

immunology↗