Biology subjects

Nedveck, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Nedveck, D..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Probiotic consortia improve anti-viral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in ferrets

Probiotics have been suggested as one solution to counter detrimental health effects by SARS-CoV-2, however, data so far is scarce. We tested the effect of two probiotic consortia, OL-1 and OL-2, against SARS-CoV-2 in ferrets and assessed their effect on cytokine production and transcriptome in a human monocyte-derived macrophage (Mf) and dendritic cell (DC) model. The results showed that the consortia significantly reduced the viral load, modulated immune response, and regulated viral receptor expression in ferrets compared to placebo. In human Mf and DC model, OL-1 and OL-2 induced cytokine production and genes related to SARS-CoV-2 anti-viral immunity. The study results indicate that probiotic stimulation of the ferret immune system leads to improved anti-viral immunity against SARS-COV-2 and that critical genes and cytokines for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity are stimulated in human immune cells in vitro. The effect of the consortia against SARS-CoV-2 warrants further investigations in human clinical trials.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2017

EditR: A novel base editing quantification software using Sanger sequencing

CRISPR/Cas9-Cytidine deaminase fusion enzymes - termed Base Editors - allow targeted editing of genomic deoxcytidine to deoxthymidine (C[->]T) without the need for double stranded break induction. Base editors represent a paradigm-shift in gene editing technology, due to their unprecedented efficiency to mediate targeted, single-base conversion; however, current analysis of base editing outcomes rely on methods that are either imprecise or expensive and time consuming. To overcome these limitations, we developed a simple, cost effective, and accurate program to measure base editing efficiency from fluorescence-based Sanger sequencing, termed EditR. We provide EditR as a free online tool or downloadable desktop application requiring a single Sanger sequencing file and guide RNA sequence (baseeditr.com). EditR is more accurate than enzymatic assays, and provides added insight to the position, type and efficiency of base editing. Collectively, we demonstrate that EditR is a robust, inexpensive tool that will facilitate the broad application of base editing technology, thereby fostering further innovation in this burgeoning field.

genetics↗