The Envelope-Based Fusion Antigen GP120C14K Forming Hexamer-Like Structures Triggers T Cell and Neutralizing Antibody Responses Against HIV-1

Rendezvous with Vaccinia Virus in the Post-smallpox Era: R&D Advances

Smallpox was eradicated in less than 200 years after Edward Jenner's practice of cowpox variolation in 1796. The forty-three years of us living free of smallpox, beginning in 1979, never truly separated us from poxviruses. The recent outbreak of monkeypox in May 2022 might well warn us of the necessity of keeping up both the scientific research and public awareness of poxviruses. One of them in particular, the vaccinia virus (VACV), has been extensively studied as a vector given its broad host range, extraordinary thermal stability, and exceptional immunogenicity. Unceasing fundamental biological research on VACV provides us with a better understanding of its genetic elements, involvement in cellular signaling pathways, and modulation of host immune responses. This enables the rational design of safer and more efficacious next-generation vectors. To address the new technological advancement within the past decade in VACV research, this review covers the studies of viral immunomodulatory genes, modifications in commonly used vectors, novel mechanisms for rapid generation and purification of recombinant virus, and several other innovative approaches to studying its biology.

The role of the natural killer (NK) cell modulation in breast cancer incidence and progress

The importance of the immune system on tumor surveillance has been investigated for many years, and its impact on controlling tumor progression has been verified. An important subgroup of the innate immune system is natural killer (NK) cells, whose essential function in modulating tumor behavior and suppressing metastasis and tumor growth has been demonstrated. The first idea of NK cells' crucial biological processes was demonstrated through their potent ability to conduct direct cellular cytotoxicity, even without former sensitization. These properties of NK cells allow them to recognize transformed cells that have attenuated self-ligand and express stress-induced ligands. Furthermore, secretion of various cytokines and chemokines after their activation leads to tumor elimination via either direct cytotoxic effect on malignant cells or activation of the adaptive immune system. In addition, novel immunotherapeutic approaches tend to take advantage of NK cells' ability, leading to antibody-based approaches, the formation of engineered CAR-NK cells, and adoptive cell transfer. However, the restricted functionality of NK cells and the inability to infiltrate tumors are its blind spots in breast cancer patients. In this review, we gathered newly acquired data on the biology and functions of NK cells in breast cancer and proposed ways to employ this knowledge for novel therapeutic approaches in cancers, particularly breast cancer.