Schanz, M. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2024

The XbnAb Cohort: 304 people with broadly neutralizing antibody activity to HIV-1

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) recognizing a diversity of HIV-1 strains are widely thought to be essential for an HIV-1 vaccine. Extensive knowledge on bnAbs has been gained from studying natural HIV infection by following bnAb evolution in individual people with HIV (PWH). However, it remains essential to increase knowledge of bnAb responses in large PWH cohorts to assess the feasibility of inducing bnAb activity by vaccination. To allow systematic analysis, we created the XbnAb cohort, a large bnAb-inducer cohort selected by screening plasma of PWH enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) and the Zurich Primary HIV Infection Study (ZPHI). The XbnAb cohort represents a retrospective, biobank-based cohort comprising data of 305 PWH who developed bnAb activity during HIV-1 infection. Here, we report on the characteristics of the XbnAb cohort and its potential for HIV vaccine research.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2024

Triphasic Thrombosis Model: A Computational Study of Type B Aortic Dissection

Thrombosis refers to the formation of a thrombus, or a blood clot, within the body, which can occur either partially or completely. It serves as a crucial indicator of the severity of a patients medical condition, with the location and characteristics of thrombosis dictating its clinical implications. Hence, accurate diagnosis and effective management of thrombosis are paramount. In our current investigation, we incorporate the porous attributes of a thrombus using the Theory of Porous Media. This involves dividing the aggregate into solid, liquid, and nutrient phases and utilising volume fractions to capture microstructural details. Fluid flow through the porous media is modelled using a modified Darcy-Brinkman type equation, with interaction terms within balance equations facilitating the modelling of the mass exchange and other phase interactions. The shorter time scales are neglected. We present a comprehensive framework of equations and assumptions governing the behaviour of a strongly coupled multiphasic porous medium problem. Additionally, we introduce scenarios involving type B Aortic Dissection and false lumen geometries, providing a detailed outline of the problem setup. Thereafter, we present the potential of the model for thrombi growth. The simulation results are compared with velocity plots aligning with Magnetic Resonance Imaging data for three distinct cases with varying entry and exit tear sizes. Consequently, our proposed model offers a promising and reasonable approach for numerically simulating thrombosis and gaining insights into the underlying growth mechanics.

biophysics↗