Search

High-risk groups, including Indigenous people, are at risk of severe COVID-19. Here we found that Australian First Nations peoples elicit effective immune responses to COVID-19 BNT162b2 vaccination, including neutralizing antibodies, receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies, SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific B cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In First Nations participants, RBD IgG antibody titers were correlated with body mass index and negatively correlated with age. Reduced RBD antibodies, spike-specific B cells and follicular helper T cells were found in vaccinated participants with chronic conditions (diabetes, renal disease) and were strongly associated with altered glycosylation of IgG and increased interleukin-18 levels in the plasma. These immune perturbations were also found in non-Indigenous people with comorbidities, indicating that they were related to comorbidities rather than ethnicity. However, our study is of a great importance to First Nations peoples who have disproportionate rates of chronic comorbidities and provides evidence of robust immune responses after COVID-19 vaccination in Indigenous people.

Circadian clocks govern temporal programs in the green lineage (Chloroplastida) as they do in other photosynthetic pro- and eukaryotes, bacteria, fungi, animals, and humans. Their physiological properties, including entrainment, phase responses, and temperature compensation, are well conserved. The involvement of transcriptional/translational feedback loops in the oscillatory machinery and reversible phosphorylation events are also maintained. Circadian clocks control a large variety of output rhythms in green algae and terrestrial plants, adjusting their metabolism and behavior to the day-night cycle. The angiosperm Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) represents a well-studied circadian clock model. Several molecular components of its oscillatory machinery are conserved in other Chloroplastida, but their functions may differ. Conserved clock components include at least one member of the CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1/REVEILLE and one of the PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR family. The Arabidopsis evening complex members EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), ELF4, and LUX ARRHYTHMO are found in the moss Physcomitrium patens and in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. In the flagellate chlorophyte alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, only homologs of ELF4 and LUX (named RHYTHM OF CHLOROPLAST ROC75) are present. Temporal ROC75 expression in C. reinhardtii is opposite to that of the angiosperm LUX, suggesting different clock mechanisms. In the picoalga Ostreococcus tauri, both ELF genes are missing, suggesting that it has a progenitor circadian “green” clock. Clock-relevant photoreceptors and thermosensors vary within the green lineage, except for the CRYPTOCHROMEs, whose variety and functions may differ. More genetically tractable models of Chloroplastida are needed to draw final conclusions about the gradual evolution of circadian clocks within the green lineage.

While the protective role of neutralising antibodies against COVID-19 is well-established, questions remain about the relative importance of cellular immunity. Using 6 pMHC-multimers in a cohort with early and frequent sampling we define the phenotype and kinetics of recalled and primary T cell responses following Delta or Omicron breakthrough infection. Recall of spike-specific CD4+T cells was rapid, with cellular proliferation and extensive activation evident as early as 1 day post-symptom onset. Similarly, spike-specific CD8+T cells were rapidly activated but showed variable levels of expansion. Strikingly, high levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+T cell activation at baseline and peak were strongly correlated with reduced peak SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in nasal swabs and accelerated clearance of virus. Our study demonstrates rapid and extensive recall of memory T cell populations occurs early after breakthrough infection and suggests that CD8+T cells contribute to the control of viral replication in breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections.

The immune checkpoint receptor Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG3) inhibits T cell function upon binding to Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHCII) or Fibrinogen-like 1 (FGL1). Despite the emergence of LAG3 as a target for next-generation immunotherapies, we have little information describing the molecular structure of the LAG3 protein or how it engages cellular ligands. Here, we determined structures of human and murine LAG3 ectodomains, revealing a dimeric assembly mediated by immunoglobulin domain 2 (D2). Epitope mapping indicates that a potent LAG3 antagonist antibody blocks interactions with MHCII and FGL1 by binding to a flexible “Loop 2” region in LAG3 domain 1 (D1). We also defined the LAG3:FGL1 interface by mapping mutations onto structures of LAG3 and FGL1, and we established that FGL1 crosslinking induces the formation of higher-order LAG3 oligomers. These insights will guide LAG3-based drug development and implicate ligand-mediated LAG3 clustering as a mechanism for disrupting T cell activation.

Drosophila, Arabidopsis, Synechocystis, Homo (DASH) cryptochromes belong to the cryptochrome/photolyase family and can act as DNA repair enzymes. In bacteria and fungi, they also can play regulatory roles, but in plants their biological functions remain elusive. Here, we characterize CRY-DASH1 from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We perform biochemical and in vitro photochemical analysis. For functional characterization, a knock-out mutant of cry-dash1 is used. CRY-DASH1 protein is localized in the chloroplast and accumulates at midday. Although the photoautotrophic growth of the mutant is significantly reduced compared to the wild-type (WT), the mutant has increased levels of photosynthetic pigments and a higher maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PS II). Hyper-stacking of thylakoid membranes occurs together with an increase in proteins of the PS II reaction center, D1 and its antenna CP43, but not of their transcripts. CRY-DASH1 binds fully reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide and the antenna 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate, leading to an absorption peak in the UV-A range. Supplementation of white light with UV-A increases photoautotrophic growth of the WT but not of the cry-dash1 mutant. These results suggest a balancing function of CRY-DASH1 in the photosynthetic machinery and point to its role as a photoreceptor for the UV-A range separated from the absorption of photosynthetic pigments.

Most human killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are expressed by Natural Killer (NK) cells and recognize HLA class I molecules as ligands. Uniquely, KIR3DL3 is a conserved but polymorphic inhibitory KIR recognizing a B7 family ligand, HHLA2, and is implicated for immune checkpoint targeting. Because the expression profile and biological function of KIR3DL3 remained elusive, we searched extensively for KIR3DL3 transcripts, revealing expression is highly enriched in γδ and CD8+ T cells rather than NK cells. These KIR3DL3 expressing cells are rare in the blood and thymus, but more common in the lungs and digestive tract. High resolution flow cytometry and single cell transcriptomics showed that peripheral blood KIR3DL3+ T cells have an activated transitional memory phenotype and are hypofunctional. The TCR usage is biased towards genes from early rearranged TCR-α variable segments or Vδ1 chains. Whereas we detected no impact of KIR3DL3 polymorphism on ligand binding, variants in the proximal promoter and at residue 86 can reduce expression. Together, we demonstrate that KIR3DL3 is upregulated in response to unconventional T cell stimulation and that individuals may vary in their ability to express KIR3DL3. These results have implications for the personalized targeting of KIR3DL3/HHLA2 checkpoint inhibition.

Today, aircraft composite structures are generally over-dimensioned to avoid catastrophic failure by unseen damages. This leads to a higher system weight and therefore an unwanted increase in greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce this parasitic mass, load monitoring can play an important role in damage detection. Additionally, the weight and volume of future aircraft structures can also be reduced by energy storing and load carrying structures: so-called power composites. In this study a novel method of combining both approaches for maximum weight reduction is shown. This is achieved by using power composites as load monitoring sensors and energy suppliers. Therefore, supercapacitors are integrated into fiber reinforced polymers and are then used to investigate the mechanical load influence. By using four-point bending experiments and in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, a strong relation between the mechanical load and the electrochemical system is found and analyzed using a model. For the first time, it is possible to detect small strain values down to 0.2% with a power composite. This strain is considerably lower than the conventional system load. The developed model and the impedance data indicate the possibility of using the composite as an energy storage as well as a strain sensor.

In-depth understanding of human T-cell-mediated immunity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is needed if we are to optimize vaccine strategies and immunotherapies. Identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) T-cell epitopes and generation of peptide-human leukocyte antigen (peptide-HLA) tetramers facilitate direct ex vivo analyses of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells and their T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires. We utilized a combination of peptide prediction and in vitro peptide stimulation to validate novel SARS-CoV-2 epitopes restricted by HLA-A*24:02, one of the most prominent HLA class I alleles, especially in Indigenous and Asian populations. Of the peptides screened, three spike-derived peptides generated CD8+ IFNI³+ responses above background, S1208-1216 (QYIKWPWYI), S448-456 (NYNYLYRLF) and S193-201 (VFKNIDGYF), with S1208 generating immunodominant CD8+ IFNI³+ responses. Using peptide-HLA-I tetramers, we performed direct ex vivo tetramer enrichment for HLA-A*24:02-restricted CD8+ T cells in COVID-19 patients and prepandemic controls. The precursor frequencies for HLA-A*24:02-restricted epitopes were within the range previously observed for other SARS-CoV-2 epitopes for both COVID-19 patients and prepandemic individuals. Naive A24/SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells increased nearly 7.5-fold above the average precursor frequency during COVID-19, gaining effector and memory phenotypes. Ex vivo single-cell analyses of TCRαs repertoires found that the A24/S448 + CD8+ T-cell TCRαs repertoire was driven by a common TCRs chain motif, whereas the A24/S1208 + CD8+ TCRαs repertoire was diverse across COVID-19 patients. Our study provides an in depth characterization and important insights into SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T-cell responses associated with a prominent HLA-A*24:02 allomorph. This contributes to our knowledge on adaptive immune responses during primary COVID-19 and could be exploited in vaccine or immunotherapeutic approaches.

Plant cryptochromes are central blue light receptors in land plants and algae. Photoreduction of the flavin bound to the photolyase homology region (PHR) causes a dissociation of the C-terminal extension (CCT) as effector via an unclear pathway. We applied the recently developed in-cell infrared difference (ICIRD) spectroscopy to study the response of the full-length pCRY from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in living bacterial cells, because the receptor degraded upon isolation. We demonstrate a stabilization of the flavin neutral radical as photoproduct and of the resulting β-sheet reorganization by binding of cellular ATP. Comparison between light-induced structural responses of full-length pCRY and PHR reveals a downshift in frequency of the β-sheet signal, implying an association of the CCT close to the only β-sheet of the PHR in the dark. We provide a missing link in activation of plant cryptochromes after flavin photoreduction by indicating that β-sheet reorganization causes the CCT release and restructuring.

The working group, “Clinical Tissue Regeneration” of the German Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (DGOU) issues this paper to update their guidelines. Methods Peer-reviewed literature was analyzed regarding different topics relevant to osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) treatment. This process concluded with a statement for each topic reflecting the best scientific evidence available for a particular diagnostic or therapeutic concept, including the grade of recommendation. Besides the scientific evidence, all group members rated the statements to identify possible gaps between literature and current clinical practice. Conclusion In patients with minimal symptoms, OLT progression to ankle osteoarthritis is unlikely. Risk factors for progression are the depth of the lesion on MRI, subchondral cyst formation, and the extent of bone marrow edema. Conservative management is the adaptation of activities to the performance of the ankle joint. A follow-up imaging after 12 months helps not to miss any progression. It is impossible to estimate the probability of success of conservative management from initial symptoms and imaging. Cast immobilization is an option in OLTs in children, with a success rate of approximately 50%, although complete healing, estimated from imaging, is rare. In adults, improvement by conservative management ranges between 45% and 59%. Rest and restrictions for sports activities seem to be more successful than immobilization. Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma can improve pain and functional scores for more than 6 months. If 3 months of conservative management does not improve symptoms, surgery can be recommended.

Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Pal. Beauv. is one of the most noxious weeds in maize cultivation and has evolved target-site resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides. Due to the hexaploid nature of E. crus-galli, resistance inducing mutations can be harbored by multiple gene copies, but up to now, studies did not include an analysis of the ALS gene copies conferring resistance. Investigations on E. crus-galli populations from different countries in Central Europe revealed the presence of several point mutations conferring resistance and occurring independently at the positions Ala-122, Pro-197 and Trp-574. Moreover, an Asp-376-Glu mutation in the ALS gene in E. crus-galli and a Ser-653-Tyr amino acid change in the ALS protein of a weed were detected for the first time. Additionally, the study revealed the first case of an ALS-resistant population (Trp-574-Leu) in the Czech Republic. The detection of mutations is relevant to the evolution and management of herbicide resistance. Dose–response experiments showed different effects depending on the population and the individual active ingredients and mixtures. Due to the genetic variability of E. crus-galli, results were highly variable. Overall, the populations showed a high level of resistance. For the prevailing mutated positions, i.e., Ala-122, Pro-197 and Trp-574, gene copies were examined separately using molecular genetic methods. A single mutation in at least one out of three ALS gene copies was sufficient to confer resistance at the positions Pro-197 and Trp-574. At Ala-122, point mutations co-occurring in the ALS 1, ALS 2 and ALS 3 gene copy were identified. The study provides a starting point for differentiation of the resistance mechanisms in polyploid E. crus-galli.

Herbicide-tolerant winter oilseed rape (OSR) varieties offer the opportunity of using imazamox for weed control, an active ingredient belonging to the chemical group of acetolactate synthase (ALS-) inhibitors. However, ALS inhibitors are used in many different crops and are the most resistance-prone herbicide mode of action. Their frequent application in a crop rotation increases the selection pressure for ALS herbicide resistance in weeds, which has to be considered when designing resistance management strategies. Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. is a frequent and economically important grass weed in Northwestern Europe, which has evolved resistance to several herbicide modes of action. For the sustainable use of herbicide-tolerant OSR varieties, studies on the effects of the different intensities of ALS inhibitor use on A. myosuroides population dynamics and resistance development are required. Two field trials were conducted including susceptible and multiple resistant A. myosuroides individuals and four weed control strategies varying in their intensity of ALS inhibitor use over a three-year trial period. A. myosuroides head numbers, the presence of target-site mutations in surviving plants, and crop yields were assessed annually, and the amount of A. myosuroides seeds in the soil seed bank was determined at the end of the trial period. The results show that the intensity of ALS inhibitor use significantly influenced the density of A. myosuroides and the development of resistance. Under weed control strategy IV (no ALS inhibitors), an increase in A. myosuroides head number was observed due to multiple resistance in the A. myosuroides population employed in the field trial. None of the four weed control strategies was able to control A. myosuroides infestation to an acceptable level. The results on A. myosuroides densities in the soil seed bank were highly variable and inconsistent. Molecular analysis of surviving plants showed a selection of ALS-resistant biotypes depending on the ALS inhibitor selection pressure. This study did not reveal any specific deterioration of A. myosuroides infestation associated with the use of imidazolinone-tolerant OSR in a short-term crop rotation. However, this OSR production system should not be employed if ALS-resistant A. myosuroides plants are present in the field.

Celiac disease is a T cell-mediated chronic inflammatory condition often characterized by human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2.5 molecules presenting gluten epitopes derived from wheat, barley, and rye. Although some T cells exhibit cross-reactivity toward distinct gluten epitopes, the structural basis underpinning such cross-reactivity is unclear. Here, we investigated the T-cell receptor specificity and cross-reactivity of two immunodominant wheat gluten epitopes, DQ2.5-glia-α1a (PFPQPELPY) and DQ2.5-glia-ω1 (PFPQPEQPF). We show by surface plasmon resonance that a T-cell receptor alpha variable (TRAV) 4+-T-cell receptor beta variable (TRBV) 29-1+ TCR bound to HLA-DQ2.5-glia-α1a and HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1 with similar affinity, whereas a TRAV4- (TRAV9-2+) TCR recognized HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1 only. We further determined the crystal structures of the TRAV4+-TRBV29-1+ TCR bound to HLA-DQ2.5-glia-α1a and HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1, as well as the structure of an epitope-specific TRAV9-2+-TRBV7-3+ TCR-HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1 complex. We found that position 7 (p7) of the DQ2.5-glia-α1a and DQ2.5-glia-ω1 epitopes made very limited contacts with the TRAV4+ TCR, thereby explaining the TCR cross-reactivity across these two epitopes. In contrast, within the TRAV9-2+ TCR-HLA-DQ2.5-glia-ω1 ternary complex, the p7-Gln was situated in an electrostatic pocket formed by the hypervariable CDR3β loop of the TCR and Arg70β from HLA-DQ2.5, a polar network which would not be supported by the p7-Leu residue of DQ2.5-glia-α1a. In conclusion, we provide additional insights into the molecular determinants of TCR specificity and cross-reactivity to two closely-related epitopes in celiac disease.

Cinmethylin, a pre-emergent applied active ingredient, inhibits the fatty acid thioesterase and offers a new option in the chemical control of Alopecurus myosuroides, one of the most problematic weeds in arable farming in Europe. It was assumed that with the delayed sowing of winter wheat and winter barley due to more humid and cooler conditions, the efficacy of cinmethylin against A. myosuroides increases. Four field trials were conducted in Southwestern Germany from 2019 to 2022. From mid-September until early November, winter wheat and winter barley were sown in at four dates each year, with intervals of fourteen days. After each sowing, 500 and 250 g cinmethylin ha−1 were applied subsequently to winter wheat and winter barley, respectively. Flufenacet (240 g ha−1) served as a comparison in both crops. A herbicide efficacy of over 90% was achieved for winter wheat sown in mid-October, while it was only 70% for winter wheat sown in mid-September. Similar results were observed for winter barley. On average, cinmethylin achieved a significantly higher efficacy in winter wheat than flufenacet. The presented approach with cinmethylin and delayed sowing date provides a basis for the comprehensive control of A. myosuroides. However, further measures of integrated weed management (crop rotation, situational ploughing, and stale seedbed) need to be applied for 100% control.

Stored energy is the decisive factor for almost all missions in transportation systems. Additionally, the energy devices must be powerful, and lightweight at the same time for efficient performance of the overall transportation system. Due to the advancing electrification, there is a huge demand for devices to store electrical energy. Aside from batteries, which receive a great deal of scientific attention, supercapacitors are a very promising technology. This system features several advantages such as short charging time, high energy density and cycle stability. Especially the latter advantage enables a further lightweight approach by integrating supercapacitors as a thin film into composite structures. Due to their cycle stability, supercapacitors are the ideal energy device for integration into hardly accessible positions such as mechanically loadable structures. This publication deals with the strategy of structurally compliant integration of pouch supercapacitor cells (structural power composites). The aim is to operate a peak power application needed for space positioning. However, there are several properties which have to be optimized during the development of structural power composites to achieve the best possible electromechanical performance. Furthermore, there are effects which have a positive influence on the specific performance by scaling up from laboratory scale to a full-size demonstrator. In this case, integration of energy storage devices into structures offers a volume and weight reduction of up to 80% compared to a structure with commercial supercapacitors.

SummarySARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines induce robust anti-spike (S) antibody and CD4+ T cell responses. It is not yet clear whether vaccine-induced follicular helper CD4+ T (TFH) cell responses contribute to this outstanding immunogenicity. Using fine needle aspiration of draining axillary lymph nodes from individuals who received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, we show that frequency of TFH correlates with that of S-binding germinal center B cells. Mining of the responding TFH T cell receptor repertoire revealed a strikingly immunodominant HLADPB1* 04-restricted response to S167-180 in individuals with this allele, which is among the most common HLA alleles in humans. Paired blood and lymph node specimens show that while circulating S-specific TFH cells peak one week after the second immunization, S-specific TFH persist at nearly constant frequencies for at least six months. Collectively, our results underscore the key role that robust TFH cell responses play in establishing long-term immunity by this efficacious human vaccine.

Structural, biochemical and cellular analyses show that bacterial antigens can mimic gliadin epitopes involved in celiac disease being presented by HLA-DQ2.5 and recognized by T cells derived from patients.The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus is strongly associated with T cell-mediated autoimmune disorders. HLA-DQ2.5-mediated celiac disease (CeD) is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, although the relative roles of genetic and environmental risk factors in CeD is unclear. Here we identify microbially derived mimics of gliadin epitopes and a parental bacterial protein that is naturally processed by antigen-presenting cells and activated gliadin reactive HLA-DQ2.5-restricted T cells derived from CeD patients. Crystal structures of T cell receptors in complex with HLA-DQ2.5 bound to two distinct bacterial peptides demonstrate that molecular mimicry underpins cross-reactivity toward the gliadin epitopes. Accordingly, gliadin reactive T cells involved in CeD pathogenesis cross-react with ubiquitous bacterial peptides, thereby suggesting microbial exposure as a potential environmental factor in CeD.

Natural fibre based composites are being used more frequently in the automotive industry because of their positive characteristics. Fibres currently used and mostly imported to Europe do not sufficiently meet all the demands for natural fibres. As a new fibre plant velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) has been taken into consideration. However, there is no knowledge about the cultivation of velvetleaf in Europe. Four field trials in southwest Germany were set up to investigate the potential of fibre yield in a temperate climate. The factors crop density, nitrogen fertilization, accessions, and different harvesting dates were tested. Across all experiments fibre yield ranged from 0.4 to 1.5 t ha-1 dry matter. The highest yields were achieved with a crop density of 30 plants m-2, and with N fertilization of 100-150 kg N ha-1 for the accession ‘Herbiseed’. For highest fibre yield, the date of harvest should be at the beginning of maturity. This study provides first insights into possibility and variation of cultivating velvetleaf and suggests adequate fibre yield when cultivated in proper plant density and appropriate accession. However, before the plant can be implemented as a new crop, more research on fibre quality and breeding activity to improve agronomic factors is required.

Speeding up stomatal responses A plant's cellular metabolism rapidly adjusts to changes in light conditions, but its stomata—pores that allow gas exchange in leaves—are slower to respond. Because of the lagging response, photosynthesis is less efficient, and excess water is lost through the open pores. Papanatsiou et al. introduced a blue light–responsive ion channel into stomata of the small mustard plant Arabidopsis. The channel increased the rate of stomata opening and closing in response to light. The engineered plants produced more biomass, especially in the fluctuating light conditions typical of outdoor growth. Science , this issue p. 1456

As establishment of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell memory in children remains largely unexplored, we recruited convalescent COVID-19 children and adults to define their circulating memory SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells prior to vaccination. We analysed epitope-specific T cells directly ex vivo using seven HLA class-I and class-II tetramers presenting SARS-CoV-2 epitopes, together with Spike-specific B cells. Unvaccinated children who seroconverted had comparable spike-specific, but lower ORF1a- and N-specific memory T cell responses compared to adults. This agreed with our TCR sequencing data showing reduced clonal expansion in children. A strong stem cell memory phenotype and common T cell receptor motifs were detected within tetramer-specific T cells in seroconverted children. Conversely, children who did not seroconvert had tetramer-specific T cells of predominantly naïve phenotypes and diverse TCRαβ repertoires. Our study demonstrates generation of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell memory with common TCRαβ motifs in unvaccinated seroconverted children after their first virus encounter.

Children are at lower risk of developing severe COVID-19, yet the underlying immune mechanisms are understudied. While children’s innate immunity can drive rapid resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the establishment of SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell and B-cell memory in COVID-19 children remains unexplored. We recruited a household cohort to understand SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell immune responses at one month after mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in PCR-positive children in comparison to those found in their mothers. We analysed SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses, together with B-cells, directly ex vivo using six HLA class-I tetramers and one class-II tetramer presenting SARS57 CoV-2 T-cell epitopes (A1/ORF1a1637, A2/S269, A3/N361, A24/S1208, B7/N105, B40/N322 and DPB4/S167), and Spike- and Receptor Binding Domain (RBD)-specific B-cell probes. Our in depth profiling of epitope-specific T-cell responses at quantitative, phenotypic and clonal levels found that only children who seroconverted had prominent memory T-cell and B-cell profiles. These children had a high magnitude of SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cells displaying memory phenotypes and prevalent T-cell receptor motifs, which were not observed in PCR+ RBD but IgG-negative children. This suggests that seroconversion but not PCR-positivity defines establishment of adaptive SARS-CoV-2-specific immunological memory in children. Our study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination of children could be a major advantage in terms of establishing T-cell and B-cell immunological memory, especially in children who did not seroconvert after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Antibodies specific for peptides bound to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are valuable tools for studies of antigen presentation and may have therapeutic potential. Here, we generated human T-cell receptor (TCR)-like antibodies towards the immunodominant signature gluten epitope DQ2.5-glia-α2 in celiac disease (CeD). Phage display selection combined with secondary targeted engineering was used to obtain highly specific antibodies with picomolar affinity. The crystal structure of a Fab fragment of the lead antibody 3.C11 in complex with HLA-DQ2.5:DQ2.5-glia-α2 revealed a binding geometry and interaction mode highly similar to prototypic TCRs specific for the same complex. Assessment of CeD biopsy material confirmed disease specificity and reinforced the notion that abundant plasma cells present antigen in the inflamed CeD gut. Further, 3.C11 specifically inhibited activation and proliferation of gluten-specific CD4(+) T cells in vitro and in HLA-DQ2.5 humanized mice, suggesting a potential for targeted intervention without compromising systemic immunity. ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: A human TCR-like antibody blocks gluten-dependent activation of celiac disease T-cells in vitro and in HLA-DQ2.5 humanized mice.

The focus of the work is on the evaluation, development and integration of a robust actuator system for three-dimensional flow control of a blown Coanda flap to improve the high lift system of commercial aircraft. As part of the research work presented, the system is integrated into a wind tunnel model in order to demonstrate its functionality under aerodynamic loads. The system is based on individual bending transducers that can vary the height of the blowing slot dynamically. There are 33 actuated segments to implement static and dynamic actuation along the wing span (3D-actuation). All segments can be controlled independently and thus offer great optimization potential for an effective flow control. The first aerodynamic results show an increase in lift of up to ∆Cl = 0.57. These aerodynamic gains are achieved at amplitudes that do not require the lip segments to completely close or open the blowing slot, which shows the advantage of the current lip design that enables activation with independently controlled stationary and unsteady components.

To better understand primary and recall T cell responses during COVID-19, it is important to examine unmanipulated SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells. Using peptide-HLA tetramers for direct ex vivo analysis, we characterized CD8+ T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 epitopes in COVID-19 patients and unexposed individuals. Unlike CD8+ T cells directed towards subdominant epitopes – B7/N257, A2/S269 and A24/S1208 – CD8+ T cells specific for the immunodominant B7/N105 epitope were detected at high frequency in pre-pandemic samples, and at increased frequency during acute COVID-19 and convalescence. SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells in pre-pandemic samples from children, adults and elderly individuals predominantly displayed a naïve phenotype, indicating a lack of previous cross-reactive exposures. T cell receptor (TCR) analyses revealed diverse TCRαβ repertoires and promiscuous αβ-TCR pairing within B7/N105+CD8+ T cells. Our study demonstrates high naive precursor frequency and TCRαβ diversity within immunodominant B7/N105-specific CD8+ T cells, and provides insight into SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell origins and subsequent responses., Graphical Abstract, Examining unmanipulated SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells is important for understanding primary and recall responses during COVID-19. Nguyen et al. analyze ex vivo CD8+ T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 epitopes and find that immunodominant B7/N105-specific CD8+ T cells are present at high frequencies in blood samples from unexposed, acute COVID-19, and convalescence individuals, which is underpinned by diverse TCR repertoires.

Making sense of TCR–pMHC topology Most T cells use a T cell receptor (TCR) that recognizes major histocompatibility complex molecules bound to peptides (pMHCs) derived from both self- and foreign antigens. Although there is great variability in the interface because of the diversity of both partners, this interaction displays a canonical docking topology for reasons that remain contested. Zareie et al. tested an assortment of both canonical and reversed-polarity TCRs that were all specific for the same cognate pMHC-I bearing a peptide derived from influenza A virus (IAV) (see the Perspective by Horkova and Stepanek). The authors determined that docking topology was the primary driver of in vivo T cell activation and recruitment when mice were infected with IAV. The canonical topology was required for the formation of a functional signaling complex, suggesting that T cell signaling constraints dictate how TCR and pMHC meet. Science , abe9124, this issue p. eabe9124 ; see also abj2937, p. 1038

An improved understanding of human T-cell-mediated immunity in COVID-19 is important if we are to optimize therapeutic and vaccine strategies. Experience with influenza shows that infection primes CD8+ T-cell memory to shared peptides presented by common HLA types like HLA-A2. Following re-infection, cross-reactive CD8+ T-cells enhance recovery and diminish clinical severity. Stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells from COVID-19 convalescent patients with overlapping peptides from SARS-CoV-2 Spike, Nucleocapsid and Membrane proteins led to the clonal expansion of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells in vitro, with CD4+ sets being typically robust. For CD8+ T-cells taken directly ex vivo, we identified two HLA-A*02:01-restricted SARS-CoV-2 epitopes, A2/S269–277 and A2/Orf1ab3183–3191. Using peptide-HLA tetramer enrichment, direct ex vivo assessment of the A2/S269+CD8+ and A2/Orf1ab3183+CD8+ populations indicated that the more prominent A2/S269+CD8+ set was detected at comparable frequency (∼1.3×10−5) in acute and convalescent HLA-A*02:01+ patients. But, while the numbers were higher than those found in uninfected HLA-A*02:01+ donors (∼2.5×10−6), they were low when compared with frequencies for influenza-specific (A2/M158) and EBV-specific (A2/BMLF1280) (∼1.38×10−4) populations. Phenotypic analysis ex vivo of A2/S269+CD8+ T-cells from COVID-19 convalescents showed that A2/S269+CD8+ T-cells were predominantly negative for the CD38, HLA-DR, PD-1 and CD71 activation markers, although the majority of total CD8+ T-cells were granzyme and/or perforin-positive. Furthermore, the bias towards naïve, stem cell memory and central memory A2/S269+CD8+ T-cells rather than effector memory populations suggests that SARS-CoV2 infection may be compromising CD8+ T-cell activation. Priming with an appropriate vaccine may thus have great value for optimizing protective CD8+ T-cell immunity in COVID-19.

he affinity of T-cell receptors (TCRs) for major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHCs) presenting cognate antigens likely determines whether T cells initiate immune responses, or not. There exist few measurements of two-dimensional (2D) TCR–MHC interactions, and the effect of auxiliary proteins on binding is unexplored. Here, Jurkat T-cells expressing the MHC molecule HLA-DQ8-glia-α1 and the ligand of an adhesion protein (rat CD2) were allowed to bind supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) presenting fluorescently labelled L3-12 TCR and rat CD2, allowing measurements of binding unconfounded by cell signaling effects or co-receptor binding. The 2D Kd for L3-12 TCR binding to HLA-DQ8-glia-α1, of 14±5 molecules/μm2 (mean±s.d.), was only marginally influenced by including CD2 up to ∼200 bound molecules/μm2 but higher CD2 densities reduced the affinity up to 1.9-fold. Cell–SLB contact size increased steadily with ligand density without affecting binding for contacts at up to ∼20% of total cell area, but beyond this lamellipodia appeared, giving an apparent increase in bound receptors of up to 50%. Our findings show how parameters other than the specific protein–protein interaction can influence binding behavior at cell–cell contacts.

T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2-derived peptide pools have been documented, however it remains largely unclear whether prominent SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell populations originate from naive or pre-existing memory sets. As HLA-B*07:02-restricted N105-113 epitope (B7/N105) is the most dominant SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ T-cell specificity to date, we dissected CD8+ T-cell responses directed at this epitope by direct ex vivo analyses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from acute and convalescent COVID-19 patients, and pre-pandemic PBMCs, tonsils, lungs and spleens. Using peptide-HLA tetramers, immunodominant B7/N105+CD8+ T-cells were detected at a high frequency (∼2.18x10-4) in COVID-19 patients, comparable to the well-established influenza-specific A2/M158+CD8+ T-cell population. Remarkably, frequencies of B7/N105+CD8+ T-cells were also readily detectable in pre-pandemic PBMCs and tonsils (at 6.55x10-5 and 2.76x10-4, respectively), although they mainly displayed a naive phenotype, indicating a lack of previous cross-reactive exposures. Ex vivo TCRαβ analyses revealed that a diverse TCRαβ repertoire and promiscuity in αβ TCR pairing underlie such high naive precursor frequencies of B7/N105+CD8+ T-cells. Overall, our study demonstrates that high precursor frequency and plasticity of TCRα-TCRβ pairing underpin immunodominance of SARS-CoV-2-specific B7/N105+CD8+ T-cell responses and advocates for vaccine strategies which include the nucleocapsid protein to elicit immunodominant CD8+ T-cell responses in HLA-B*07:02 individuals. Funding: This work was supported by theClifford Craig Foundation to KLF and KK, NHMRC Leadership Investigator Grant to KK (1173871), NHMRC Program Grant to DLD (#1132975), Research Grants Council of theHong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (#T11-712/19-N) to KK, the Victorian Government (SJK, AKW), MRFF award (#2002073) to SJK and AKW, MRFFAward (#1202445) to KK, NHMRC program grant 1149990 (SJK) and NHMRC project grant 1162760 (AKW). AKW is supported by Emerging Leadership 1 Investigator Grant (#1173433), JAJ by an NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (ECF) (#1123673), KK by NHMRC SeniorResearch Fellowship (1102792), DLD by a NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship(#1137285) and SJK by NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellowship (#1136322). CES has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement (#792532). JR is supported by an ARC Laureate fellowship. JRH and WZ are supported by the Melbourne Research Scholarship from The University of Melbourne. LH is supported by the Melbourne International Research Scholarship (MIRS) and the Melbourne International Fee Remission Scholarship (MIFRS) from The University of Melbourne. Ethical Approval: Experiments conformed to the Declaration of Helsinki Principles and theAustralian National Health and Medical Research Council Code of Practice. Written informed consents were obtained from all blood donors prior to the study. Lung and spleen tissues were obtained from deceased organ donors after written informed consents from the next of kin.Written informed consents were obtained from participants’ parental or guardians for underage tonsil tissue donors. The study was approved by the Alfred Hospital (#280/14), Austin Health (HREC/63201/Austin-2020); the University of Melbourne (#2057366.1, #2056901.1,#2056689, #2056761, #1442952, #1955465, and #1443389), the Australian Red CrossLifeblood (ID 2015#8), the Tasmanian Health and Medical (ID H0017479) and the James Cook University (H7886) Human Research Ethics Committees.

The highly homologous human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 molecules, HLA-DQ2.5 and HLA-DQ2.2, are implicated in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CeD) by presenting gluten peptides to CD4 + T cells. However, while HLA-DQ2.5 is strongly associated with disease, HLA-DQ2.2 is not, and the molecular basis underpinning this differential disease association is unresolved. We here provide structural evidence for how the single polymorphic residue (HLA-DQ2.5-Tyr22α and HLA-DQ2.2-Phe22α) accounts for HLA-DQ2.2 additionally requiring gluten epitopes possessing a serine at the P3 position of the peptide. In marked contrast to the biased T cell receptor (TCR) usage associated with HLA-DQ2.5–mediated CeD, we demonstrate with extensive single-cell sequencing that a diverse TCR repertoire enables recognition of the immunodominant HLA-DQ2.2-glut-L1 epitope. The crystal structure of two CeD patient-derived TCR in complex with HLA-DQ2.2 and DQ2.2-glut-L1 (PFSEQEQPV) revealed a docking strategy, and associated interatomic contacts, which was notably distinct from the structures of the TCR:HLA-DQ2.5:gliadin epitope complexes. Accordingly, while the molecular surfaces of the antigen-binding clefts of HLA-DQ2.5 and HLA-DQ2.2 are very similar, differences in the nature of the peptides presented translates to differences in responding T cell repertoires and the nature of engagement of the respective antigen-presenting molecules, which ultimately is associated with differing disease penetrance.

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines induce robust anti-spike (S) antibody and CD4+ T cell responses. It is not yet clear whether vaccine-induced follicular helper CD4+ T (TFH) cell responses contribute to this outstanding immunogenicity. Using fine needle aspiration of draining axillary lymph nodes from individuals who received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, we evaluated the T cell receptor sequences and phenotype of lymph node TFH. Mining of the responding TFH T cell receptor repertoire revealed a strikingly immunodominant HLA-DPB1∗04-restricted response to S167-180 in individuals with this allele, which is among the most common HLA alleles in humans. Paired blood and lymph node specimens show that while circulating S-specific TFH cells peak one week after the second immunization, S-specific TFH persist at nearly constant frequencies for at least six months. Collectively, our results underscore the key role that robust TFH cell responses play in establishing long-term immunity by this efficacious human vaccine., Analysis of draining lymph nodes of individuals vaccinated BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 identifies viral spike-specific follicular helper CD4+ T cells that persist for months and contribute to long-term immunity.

Microalgae contribute significantly to carbon fixation on Earth. Global warming influences their physiology and growth rates. To understand algal short-term acclimation and adaptation to changes in ambient temperature, it is essential to identify and characterize the molecular components that sense small temperature changes as well as the downstream signaling networks and physiological responses. Here, we used the green biflagellate alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model system in which to study responses to temperature. We report that an RNA recognition motif (RRM)-containing RNA-binding protein, Musashi, occurs in 25 putative splice variants. These variants bear one, two, and three RRM domains or even lack RRM domains. The most abundant Musashi variant, 12, with a molecular mass of 60 kD, interacts with two clock-relevant members of RNA metabolism, the subunit C3 of the RNA-binding protein CHLAMY1 and the 5ʹ-3ʹ exoribonuclease XRN1. These proteins are able to integrate temperature information by up- or down-regulation of their protein levels in cells grown at low (18°C) or high (28°C) temperature. We further show that the 60-kD Musashi variants with three RRM domains can bind to (UG)(7) repeat-containing RNAs and are up-regulated in cells grown at a higher temperature during early night. Intriguingly, the 60-kD Musashi variant 12, as well as C3 and XRN1, confer thermal acclimation to C. reinhardtii, as shown with mutant lines. Our data suggest that these three proteins of the RNA metabolism machinery are key members of the thermal signaling network in C. reinhardtii.

Natural fibres are environmentally friendly and therefore often used in the automotive industry as an alternative to glass or mineral fibres. In order to meet the demands of natural fibres for the European automotive market, mainly flax and hemp are cultivated in Europe, but the import of other fibres, like kenaf, is also necessary. To increase the possibilities of fibre use and to reduce the dependency of fibre import, additional fibre plants from European countries could be a solution. An alternative fibre crop with fibre properties described as suitable for high value fibrous applications, could be Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf). However, there are no European studies about the cultivation of velvetleaf published. Besides cultivation, economically and ecologically acceptable fibre extraction methods are essential for successful implementation of velvetleaf in Europe. Field trials at three different sites are carried out and, in addition, the effect of water shortage on biomass and fibre yield is investigated. Furthermore, four different fibre extraction methods, known for other fibre plants (chemical and mechanical extraction, water and dew retting) are investigated concerning linear density, breaking tenacity and tensile elongation at break. Over the two experimental years and three different sites, velvetleaf biomass yield varied between 5.2 and 12.8 t ha−1 dry matter (DM), and the fibre yield ranged from 0.7 to 2.4 t ha−1 DM. Additional irrigation significantly increased the fibre yield in 2016 by 29%. Among the different methods for fibre extraction, water retting and chemical extraction by 4% sodium hydroxide solution showed the lowest values of linear density (57 and 58 dtex, respectively). Over all extraction methods, the linear density ranged from 53 to 115 dtex. The highest breaking tenacity was determined for chemical extraction by 0.4% sodium hydroxide solution (52.4 cN tex−1) and water retting (50 cN tex−1). Generally, cultivation and fibre extraction of velvetleaf are possible under the conditions in southwest Germany. Due to the different fibre characteristics of velvetleaf compared to flax, hemp, and kenaf, this plant should be assessed in future research for its applicability as a renewable resource for industrial fibres.

The HLA-DRB1 locus is strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility, whereupon citrullinated self-peptides bind to HLA-DR molecules bearing the shared epitope (SE) amino acid motif. However, the differing propensity for citrullinated/non-citrullinated self-peptides to bind given HLA-DR allomorphs remains unclear. Here, we used a fluorescence polarization assay to determine a hierarchy of binding affinities of 34 self-peptides implicated in RA against three HLA-DRB1 allomorphs (HLA-DRB1*04:01/*04:04/*04:05) each possessing the SE motif. For all three HLA-DRB1 allomorphs, we observed a strong correlation between binding affinity and citrullination at P4 of the bound peptide ligand. A differing hierarchy of peptide-binding affinities across the three HLA-DRB1 allomorphs was attributable to the β-chain polymorphisms that resided outside the SE motif and were consistent with sequences of naturally presented peptide ligands. Structural determination of eight HLA–DR4–self-epitope complexes revealed strict conformational convergence of the P4-Cit and surrounding HLA β-chain residues. Polymorphic residues that form part of the P1 and P9 pockets of the HLA-DR molecules provided a structural basis for the preferential binding of the citrullinated self-peptides to the HLA-DR4 allomorphs. Collectively, we provide a molecular basis for the interplay between citrullination of self-antigens and HLA polymorphisms that shape peptide–HLA-DR4 binding affinities in RA.

CD8+ T cells play an important role in vaccination and immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Although numerous SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ T cell epitopes have been identified, the molecular basis underpinning T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells remains unknown. The T cell response directed toward SARS-CoV-2 spike protein–derived S269–277 peptide presented by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A∗02:01 allomorph (hereafter the HLA-A2S269–277 epitope) is, to date, the most immunodominant SARS-CoV-2 epitope found in individuals bearing this allele. As HLA-A2S269–277-specific CD8+ T cells utilize biased TRAV12 gene usage within the TCR α-chain, we sought to understand the molecular basis underpinning this TRAV12 dominance. We expressed four TRAV12+ TCRs which bound the HLA-A2S269–277 complex with low micromolar affinity and determined the crystal structure of the HLA-A2S269–277 binary complex, and subsequently a ternary structure of the TRAV12+ TCR complexed to HLA-A2S269–277. We found that the TCR made extensive contacts along the entire length of the S269–277 peptide, suggesting that the TRAV12+ TCRs would be sensitive to sequence variation within this epitope. To examine this, we investigated cross-reactivity toward analogous peptides from existing SARS-CoV-2 variants and closely related coronaviruses. We show via surface plasmon resonance and tetramer studies that the TRAV12+ T cell repertoire cross-reacts poorly with these analogous epitopes. Overall, we defined the structural basis underpinning biased TCR recognition of CD8+ T cells directed at an immunodominant epitope and provide a framework for understanding TCR cross-reactivity toward viral variants within the S269–277 peptide.

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus is strongly associated with T cell-mediated autoimmune disorders. HLA-DQ2.5-mediated celiac disease (CeD) is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, although the relative roles of genetic and environmental risk factors in CeD is unclear. Here we identify microbially derived mimics of gliadin epitopes and a parental bacterial protein that is naturally processed by antigen-presenting cells and activated gliadin reactive HLA-DQ2.5-restricted T cells derived from CeD patients. Crystal structures of T cell receptors in complex with HLA-DQ2.5 bound to two distinct bacterial peptides demonstrate that molecular mimicry underpins cross-reactivity toward the gliadin epitopes. Accordingly, gliadin reactive T cells involved in CeD pathogenesis cross-react with ubiquitous bacterial peptides, thereby suggesting microbial exposure as a potential environmental factor in CeD.

The increasing electrification places great demands on the supply and storage of electrical energy. Beside batteries, supercapacitors are a second storage technology with clear advantages compared to batteries in terms of charging time, energy density and cycle stability. This publication deals with the structurally compliant integration of pouch supercapacitor cells which are developed for integration into fiber-reinforced composites. The energy storage components are designed to transmit mechanical stresses. The aim is to qualify a space structure with integrated supercapacitors for use under space conditions. For a special peak power application, 14 supercapacitors are integrated into the lay-up of a glass fiber-reinforced structure. This structure connects electronic components and is therefore designed load-bearingly. Thermal cycling under high vacuum between −22°C and +67°C shows temperature effects, as result of the temperature dependence of the ion mobility. During the other mechanical tests (sinus vibration, random vibration, pyroshock) and irradiation with a Co60 source the electrical performance keeps at the same level. The structure featuring 14 integrated supercapacitors exhibits a specific capacitance of 1.12 F/g compared to a specific capacitance of 0.35 F/g of a structure using 16 commercial supercapacitors (FastCap EE350). These results demonstrate the great weight- and volume-saving potential of this approach.

The thermodynamic H(+)/ATP ratio of the H(+)-ATP synthase from chloroplasts was measured in proteoliposomes after energization of the membrane by an acid base transition (Turina et al. 2003 [13], 418-422). The method is discussed, and all published data obtained with this system are combined and analyzed as a single dataset. This meta-analysis led to the following results. 1) At equilibrium, the transmembrane ΔpH is energetically equivalent to the transmembrane electric potential difference. 2) The standard free energy for ATP synthesis (reference reaction) is ΔG°(ref)=33.8±1.3kJ/mol. 3) The thermodynamic H(+)/ATP ratio, as obtained from the shift of the ATP synthesis equilibrium induced by changing the transmembrane ΔpH (varying either pH(in) or pH(out)) is 4.0±0.1. The structural H(+)/ATP ratio, calculated from the ratio of proton binding sites on the c-subunit-ring in F(0) to the catalytic nucleotide binding sites on the β-subunits in F(1), is c/β=14/3=4.7. We infer that the energy of 0.7 protons per ATP that flow through the enzyme, but do not contribute to shifting the ATP/(ADP·Pi) ratio, is used for additional processes within the enzyme, such as activation, and/or energy dissipation, due e.g. to internal uncoupling. The ratio between the thermodynamic and the structural H(+)/ATP values is 0.85, and we conclude that this value represents the efficiency of the chemiosmotic energy conversion within the chloroplast H(+)-ATP synthase.

Protein kinases (PKs) control many aspects of plant physiology by regulating signaling networks through protein phosphorylation. Phototropins (phots) are plasma membrane–associated serine/threonine PKs that control a range of physiological processes that collectively serve to optimize photosynthetic efficiency in plants. These include phototropism, leaf positioning and flattening, chloroplast movement, and stomatal opening. Despite their identification over two decades ago, only a handful of substrates have been identified for these PKs. Progress in this area has been hampered by the lack of a convenient means to confirm the identity of potential substrate candidates. Here we demonstrate that the kinase domain of Arabidopsis phot1 and phot2 can be successfully engineered to accommodate non-natural ATP analogues by substituting the bulky gatekeeper residue threonine for glycine. This approach circumvents the need for radioactivity to track phot kinase activity and follow light-induced receptor autophosphorylation in vitro by incorporating thiophosphate from N(6)-benzyl-ATPγS. Consequently, thiophosphorylation of phot substrate candidates can be readily monitored when added or co-expressed with phots in vitro. Furthermore, gatekeeper-modified phot1 retained its functionality and its ability to accommodate N(6)-benzyl-ATPγS as a phosphodonor when expressed in Arabidopsis. We therefore anticipate that this chemical genetic approach will provide new opportunities for labeling and identifying substrates for phots and other related AGC kinases under in vitro and near-native in vivo conditions.

Vein Patterning 1 (VEP1)-encoded progesterone 5β-reductases/iridoid synthases (PRISE) belong to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily of proteins. They are characterized by a set of highly conserved amino acids in the substrate-binding pocket. All PRISEs are capable of reducing the activated C=C double bond of various enones enantioselectively and therefore have a potential as biocatalysts in bioorganic synthesis. Here, recombinant forms of PRISEs of Arabidopsis thaliana and Digitalis lanata were modified using site-directed mutagenesis (SDM). In rDlP5βR, a set of highly conserved amino acids in the vicinity of the catalytic center was individually substituted for alanine resulting in considerable to complete loss of enone reductase activity. F153 and F343, which can be found in most PRISEs known, are located at the outer rim of the catalytic cavity and seem to be involved in substrate binding and their role was addressed in a series of SDM experiments. The wild-type PRISE accepted progesterone (large hydrophobic 1,4-enone) as well as 2-cyclohexen-1-one (small hydrophilic 1,4-enone), whereas the double mutant rAtP5βR_F153A_F343A converted progesterone much better than the wild-type enzyme but almost lost its capability of reducing 2-cyclohexen-1-one. Recombinant Draba aizoides P5βR (rDaP5βR) has a second pair of phenylalanines at position 156 and 345 at the rim of the binding site. These two phenylalanines were introduced into rAtP5βR_F153A_F343A and the resulting quadruple mutant rAtP5βR_F153A_F343A_V156F_V345F partly recovered the ability to reduce 2-cyclohexen-1-one. These results can best be explained by assuming a trapping mechanism in which phenylalanines at the rim of the substrate-binding pocket are involved. The dynamic behavior of individual P5βRs and mutants thereof was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations and all calculations supported the 'gatekeeper' role of phenylalanines at the periphery of the substrate-binding pocket. Our findings provide structural and mechanistic explanations for the different substrate preferences seen among the natural PRISEs and help to explain the large differences in catalytic efficiency found for different types of 1,4-enones.

Phototropins (phots) regulate a range of adaptive processes in plants that serve to optimize photosynthetic efficiency and promote growth. Light sensing by Arabidopsis thaliana phots is predominantly mediated by the Light, Oxygen and Voltage sensing 2 (LOV2) flavin-binding motif located within the N-terminus of the photoreceptor. Here we characterize the photochemical and biochemical properties of phot from the marine picoalga Ostreococcus tauri phototropin (Otphot) and examine its ability to replace phot-mediated function in Arabidopsis. Photochemical properties of Otphot rely on both LOV1 and LOV2. Yet, biochemical analysis indicates that light-dependent receptor autophosphorylation is primarily dependent on LOV2. As found for Arabidopsis phots, Otphot associates with the plasma membrane and partially internalizes, albeit to a limited extent, in response to blue-light irradiation. Otphot is able to elicit a number of phot-regulated processes in Arabidopsis, including petiole positioning, leaf expansion, stomatal opening and chloroplast accumulation movement. However, Otphot is unable to restore phototropism and chloroplast avoidance movement. Consistent with its lack of phototropic function in Arabidopsis, Otphot does not associate with or trigger dephosphorylation of the phototropic signalling component Non-Phototropic Hypocotyl 3 (NPH3). Taken together, these findings indicate that the mechanism of action of plant and evolutionarily distant algal phots is less well conserved than previously thought.

Herbicide-resistant Alopecurus myosuroides (Huds.) is an increasing problem in winter wheat in Western Europe. An increasing number of farmers need sequential herbicide applications to control biotypes with non-target-site resistance. Pre-emergence herbicides play an important and increasing role in resistance management. However, cases of pre-emergence herbicide resistance due to non-target-site mechanisms occur. This paper presents the results of bioassays to determine a reliable standard protocol for the diagnosis of resistance to pre-emergence herbicides in A. myosuroides. Testing was conducted to determine the influence on herbicide efficacy of two different soil types and three kinds of seed coverage, as well as analyses of the optimal assessment date. Additionally, dose-response experiments in soil-based pot bioassays under two growth conditions with pre-germinated seeds and a confirmatory field trial were carried out. Four different herbicides belonging to the HRAC-groups N, K3, and C2 were analysed (prosulfocarb, flufenacet, chlorotoluron, and metazachlor). The data showed no statistical influence of sandy loam or a mixture of sandy loam with sand as soil to the differentiation between susceptible and resistant biotypes. The seed coverage influenced the herbicide efficacy. Reliable results for all herbicides within the soil-based pot bioassay under greenhouse conditions at specific assessment dates were obtained. Suggested discriminating rates are 2000 g a.i. ha−1 for prosulfocarb (dat 14), 75 g a.i. ha−1 for metazachlor (dat 14), 2100 g a.i. ha−1 for chlorotoluron (dat 28), and 125 g a.i. ha−1 for flufenacet (dat 14). The pot assay was shown to be an appropriate procedure for the identification of pre-emergence herbicide resistance to prosulfocarb, metazachlor, chlorotoluron, and flufenacet in A. myosuroides. Consequently, a reliable, quick, and easy to handle bioassay which is required for high throughput screening was detected in the present study.