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SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing COVID-19, continues to pose a significant threat to public health and has had major economic implications. Developing safe and effective vaccines and therapies offers a path forward for overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. The presented study, performed by using the informational spectrum method (ISM), representing an electronic biology-based tool for analysis of protein–protein interactions, identified the highly conserved region of spike protein (SP) from SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is essential for recognition and targeting between the virus and its protein interactors on the target cells. This domain is suggested as a promising target for the drug therapy and vaccines, which could be effective against all currently circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The analysis of the virus/host interaction, performed by the ISM, also revealed OX-2 membrane glycoprotein (CD200) as a possible interactor of SP, which could serve as a novel therapeutic target for COVID-19 disease.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19, is known for its genetic diversity. Virus variants of concern (VOCs) as well as variants of interest (VOIs) are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) according to their potential risk to global health. This study seeks to enhance the identification and classification of such variants by developing a novel bioinformatics criterion centered on the virus’s spike protein (SP1), a key player in host cell entry, immune response, and a mutational hotspot. To achieve this, we pioneered a unique phylogenetic algorithm which calculates EIIP-entropy as a distance measure based on the distribution of the electron–ion interaction potential (EIIP) of amino acids in SP1. This method offers a comprehensive, scalable, and rapid approach to analyze large genomic data sets and predict the impact of specific mutations. This innovative approach provides a robust tool for classifying emergent SARS-CoV-2 variants into potential VOCs or VOIs. It could significantly augment surveillance efforts and understanding of variant characteristics, while also offering potential applicability to the analysis and classification of other emerging viral pathogens and enhancing global readiness against emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens.

Ehrlichia chaffeensis (E. chaffeensis) has evolved eukaryotic ligand mimicry to repurpose multiple cellular signaling pathways for immune evasion. In this investigation, we demonstrate that TRP120 has a novel repetitive short linear motif (SLiM) that activates the evolutionarily conserved Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis. In silico analysis revealed that TRP120 has sequence and functional similarity with Hh ligands and a candidate Hh ligand SLiM was identified. siRNA knockdown of Hh signaling and transcriptional components significantly reduced infection. Co-immunoprecipitation and surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that rTRP120-TR interacted directly with Hh receptor Patched-2 (PTCH2). E. chaffeensis infection resulted in early upregulation of Hh transcription factor GLI-1 and regulation of Hh target genes. Moreover, soluble recombinant TRP120 (rTRP120) activated Hh and induced gene expression consistent with the eukaryotic Hh ligand. The TRP120-Hh-SLiM (NPEVLIKD) induced nuclear translocation of GLI-1 in THP-1 cells and primary human monocytes and induced a rapid and expansive activation of Hh pathway target genes. Furthermore, Hh activation was blocked by an α-TRP120-Hh-SLiM antibody. TRP120-Hh-SLiM significantly increased levels of Hh target, anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), and siRNA knockdown of BCL-2 dramatically inhibited infection. Blocking Hh signaling with the inhibitor Vismodegib, induced a pro-apoptotic cellular program defined by decreased mitochondria membrane potential, significant reductions in BCL-2, activation of caspase 3 and 9, and increased apoptotic cells. This study reveals a novel E. chaffeensis SLiM ligand mimetic that activates Hh signaling to maintain E. chaffeensis infection by engaging a BCL-2 anti-apoptotic cellular program.

ABSTRACT Ehrlichia chaffeensis evades innate host defenses by reprogramming the mononuclear phagocyte through mechanisms that involve the exploitation of multiple evolutionarily conserved cellular signaling pathways, including Notch. This immune evasion strategy is directed in part by tandem repeat protein (TRP) effectors. Specifically, the TRP120 effector activates and regulates Notch signaling through interactions with the Notch receptor and the negative regulator, F-Box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBW7). However, the specific molecular interactions and motifs required for E. chaffeensis TRP120-Notch receptor interaction and activation have not been defined. To investigate the molecular basis of TRP120 Notch activation, we compared TRP120 with endogenous canonical/noncanonical Notch ligands and identified a short region of sequence homology within the tandem repeat (TR) domain. TRP120 was predicted to share biological function with Notch ligands, and a function-associated sequence in the TR domain was identified. To investigate TRP120-Notch receptor interactions, colocalization between TRP120 and endogenous Notch-1 was observed. Moreover, direct interactions between full-length TRP120, the TRP120 TR domain containing the putative Notch ligand sequence, and the Notch receptor LBR were demonstrated. To molecularly define the TRP120 Notch activation motif, peptide mapping was used to identify an 11-amino acid short linear motif (SLiM) located within the TRP120 TR that activated Notch signaling and downstream gene expression. Peptide mutants of the Notch SLiM or anti-Notch SLiM antibody reduced or eliminated Notch activation and NICD nuclear translocation. This investigation reveals a novel molecularly defined pathogen encoded Notch SLiM mimetic that activates Notch signaling consistent with endogenous ligands. IMPORTANCE E. chaffeensis infects and replicates in mononuclear phagocytes, but how it evades innate immune defenses of this indispensable primary innate immune cell is not well understood. This investigation revealed the molecular details of a ligand mimicry cellular reprogramming strategy that involved a short linear motif (SLiM), which enabled E. chaffeensis to exploit host cell signaling to establish and maintain infection. E. chaffeensis TRP120 is a moonlighting effector that has been associated with cellular activation and other functions, including ubiquitin ligase activity. Herein, we identified and demonstrated that a SLiM present within each tandem repeat of TRP120 activated Notch signaling. Notch is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway responsible for many cell functions, including cell fate, development, and innate immunity. This study is significant because it revealed the first molecularly defined pathogen encoded SLiM that appears to have evolved de novo to mimic endogenous Notch ligands. Understanding Notch activation during E. chaffeensis infection provides a model to study pathogen exploitation of signaling pathways and will be useful in developing molecularly targeted countermeasures for inhibiting infection by a multitude of disease-causing pathogens that exploit cell signaling through molecular mimicry.

Upon infecting mammalian hosts, Ehrlichia chaffeensisEhrlichia

A novel coronavirus recently identified in Wuhan, China (SARS-CoV-2) has expanded the number of highly pathogenic coronaviruses affecting humans. The SARS-CoV-2 represents a potential epidemic or pandemic threat, which requires a quick response for preparedness against this infection. The present report uses the informational spectrum methodology to identify the possible origin and natural host of the new virus, as well as putative therapeutic and vaccine targets. The performed in silico analysis indicates that the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV and, to a lesser degree, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV. Moreover, the well-known SARS-CoV receptor (ACE2) might be a putative receptor for the novel virus as well. Actin protein was also suggested as a host factor that participates in cell entry and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2; therefore, drugs modulating biological activity of this protein (e.g. ibuprofen) were suggested as potential candidates for treatment of this viral infection. Additional results indicated that civets and poultry are potential candidates for the natural reservoir of the SARS-CoV-2, and that domain 288-330 of S1 protein from the SARS-CoV-2 represents promising therapeutic and/or vaccine target.

A safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed to bring the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic under control. The spike protein (SP) of SARS-CoV-2 represents the principal target for most vaccines currently under development. Despite the presence of a CoV proof-reading function in viral replication, SP protein from SARS-CoV still extensively mutates, which might have an impact on current and future vaccine development. Here, we present analysis of more than 1600 SP unique variants suggesting that vaccine candidates based on the Wuhan-Hu-1 reference strain would be effective against most of currently circulated SARS-CoV-2 viruses, but that further monitoring of the evolution of this virus is important for identification of other mutations, which could affect the effectiveness of vaccines.

Background: A novel human coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become the leading threat to global health. An effective antiviral could not only help those still vulnerable to the virus but could be a critical treatment if a virus emerges toward evading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Despite the significant efforts to test already-approved drugs for their potential to kill the virus, researchers found very few actually worked. Methods: The present report uses the electronic molecular descriptors, the quasi-valence number (AQVN), and the electron-ion interaction potential (EIIP), for the analysis of natural compounds with proven therapeutic activity against the COVID-19. Results: Based on the analysis of the electronic properties of natural compounds which are effective against SARS-CoV-2 virus the simple theoretical criterion for the selection of candidate compounds for the treatment of COVID-19 is proposed. Conclusions: The proposed theoretical criterion can be used for the identification and optimization of new lead compounds for the treatment of the COVID-19 disease and for the selection of the food and food supplements which could have a beneficial effect on COVID-19 patients.

A novel coronavirus recently identified in Wuhan, China (SARS-CoV-2) has expanded the number of highly pathogenic coronaviruses affecting humans. The SARS-CoV-2 represents a potential epidemic or pandemic threat, which requires a quick response for preparedness against this infection. The present report uses the informational spectrum methodology to identify the possible origin and natural host of the new virus, as well as putative therapeutic and vaccine targets. The performed in silico analysis indicates that the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV and, to a lesser degree, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV. Moreover, the well-known SARS-CoV receptor (ACE2) might be a putative receptor for the novel virus as well. Actin protein was also suggested as a host factor that participates in cell entry and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2; therefore, drugs modulating biological activity of this protein (e.g. ibuprofen) were suggested as potential candidates for treatment of this viral infection. Additional results indicated that civets and poultry are potential candidates for the natural reservoir of the SARS-CoV-2, and that domain 288-330 of S1 protein from the SARS-CoV-2 represents promising therapeutic and/or vaccine target.

Influenza A virus (IAV) matrix protein 2 (M2), an ion channel, is crucial for virus infection, and therefore, an important anti-influenza drug target. Adamantanes, also known as M2 channel blockers, are one of the two classes of Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-influenza drugs, although their use was discontinued due to prevalent drug resistance. Fast emergence of resistance to current anti-influenza drugs have raised an urgent need for developing new anti-influenza drugs against resistant forms of circulating viruses. Here we propose a simple theoretical criterion for fast virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate anti-influenza ion channel inhibitors both for wild type and adamantane-resistant influenza A viruses. After in silico screening of drug space using the EIIP/AQVN filter and further filtering of drugs by ligand based virtual screening and molecular docking we propose the best candidate drugs as potential dual inhibitors of wild type and adamantane-resistant influenza A viruses. Finally, guanethidine, the best ranked drug selected from ligand-based virtual screening, was experimentally tested. The experimental results show measurable anti-influenza activity of guanethidine in cell culture.

Swine influenza viruses (SIVs), the causal agents of swine influenza, are not only important to control due to the economic losses in the swine industry, but also can be pandemic pathogens. Vaccination is one of the most relevant strategies to control and prevent influenza infection. Current human vaccines against influenza induce strain-specific immunity and annual update is required due to the virus antigenic shift phenomena. Previously, our group has reported the use of conserved hemagglutinin peptides (HA-peptides) derived from H1-influenza virus as a potential multivalent vaccine candidate. Immunization of swine with these HA-peptides elicited antibodies that recognized and neutralized heterologous influenza viruses in vitro and demonstrated strong hemagglutination-inhibiting activity. In the present work, we cloned one HA-peptide (named NG34) into a plasmid fused with cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA4) which is a molecule that modifies T cell activation and with an adjuvant activity interfering with the adaptive immune response. The resulting plasmid, named pCMV-CTLA4-Ig-NG34, was administered twice to animals employing a needle-free delivery approach. Two studies were carried out to test the efficacy of pCMV-CTLA4-Ig-NG34 as a potential swine influenza vaccine, one in seronegative and another in seropositive pigs against SIV. The second one was aimed to evaluate whether pCMV-CTLA4-Ig-NG34 vaccination would overcome maternally derived antibodies (MDA). After immunization, all animals were intranasally challenged with an H3N2 influenza strain. A complete elimination or significant reduction in the viral shedding was observed within the first week after the challenge in the vaccinated animals from both studies. In addition, no challenged heterologous virus load was detected in the airways of vaccinated pigs. Overall, it is suggested that the pCMV-CTLA4-Ig-NG34 vaccine formulation could potentially be used as a multivalent vaccine against influenza viruses.

Swine influenza virus (SIVs) infections cause a significant economic impact to the pork industry. Moreover, pigs may act as mixing vessel favoring genome reassortment of diverse influenza viruses. Such an example is the pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) virus that appeared in 2009, harboring a combination of gene segments from avian, pig and human lineages, which rapidly reached pandemic proportions. In order to confront and prevent these possible emergences as well as antigenic drift phenomena, vaccination remains of vital importance. The present work aimed to evaluate a new DNA influenza vaccine based on distinct conserved HA-peptides fused with flagellin and applied together with Diluvac Forte as adjuvant using a needle-free device (IntraDermal Application of Liquids, IDAL®). Two experimental pig studies were performed to test DNA-vaccine efficacy against SIVs in pigs. In the first experiment, SIV-seronegative pigs were vaccinated with VC4-flagellin DNA and intranasally challenged with a pH1N1. In the second study, VC4-flagellin DNA vaccine was employed in SIV-seropositive animals and challenged intranasally with an H3N2 SIV-isolate. Both experiments demonstrated a reduction in the viral shedding after challenge, suggesting vaccine efficacy against both the H1 and H3 influenza virus subtypes. In addition, the results proved that maternally derived antibodies (MDA) did not constitute an obstacle to the vaccine approach used. Moreover, elevated titers in antibodies both against H1 and H3 proteins in serum and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) was detected in the vaccinated animals along with a markedly increased mucosal IgA response. Additionally, vaccinated animals developed stronger neutralizing antibodies in BALFs and higher inhibiting hemagglutination titers in sera against both the pH1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses compared to unvaccinated, challenged-pigs. It is proposed that the described DNA-vaccine formulation could potentially be used as a multivalent vaccine against SIV infections.

Flu epidemics and potential pandemics pose great challenges to public health institutions, scientists and vaccine producers. Creating right vaccine composition for different parts of the world is not trivial and has been historically very problematic. This often resulted in decrease in vaccinations and reduced trust in public health officials. To improve future protection of population against flu we urgently need new methods for vaccine efficacy prediction and vaccine virus selection.

Flu epidemics and potential pandemics pose great challenges to public health institutions, scientists and vaccine producers. Creating right vaccine composition for different parts of the world is not trivial and has been historically very problematic. This often resulted in decrease in vaccinations and reduced trust in public health officials. To improve future protection of population against flu we urgently need new methods for vaccine efficacy prediction and vaccine virus selection.

Vaccination against seasonal influenza viruses is the most effective way to prevent infection. A key factor in the effectiveness of the seasonal influenza vaccine is its immunological compatibility with the circulating viruses during the season. The high evolutionary rate, antigenic shift and antigenic drift of influenza viruses, represents the main obstacle for correct prediction of the vaccine effectiveness for an upcoming flu season. Conventional structural and phylogenetic approaches for assessment of vaccine effectiveness have had a limited success in prediction of vaccine efficacy in the past. Recently, a novel bioinformatics approach for assessment of effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine was proposed. Here, this approach was used for prediction of the vaccine effectiveness for the influenza season 2017/18 in US.

Background: Healthy nutrition is vital for good health and well-being. Despite the important role of a healthy nutritional diet, recommendations for healthy eating remain elusive and are mainly based on general properties of nutrients. The present study proposes an improved characterization of the molecular characteristics of nutrients, which are important for biological functions and can be useful in describing a healthy diet. Methods: We investigated the electronic properties of some known nutrient ingredients. In this analysis, we used the average quasi valence number (AQVN) and the electron-ion interaction potential (EIIP), which are molecular descriptors that represent the basic electronic properties of organic molecules. Results: Our results show that most nutrients can be represented by specific groups of organic compounds according to their basic electronic properties, and these differ from the vast majority of known chemicals. Based on this finding, we have proposed a simple criterion for the selection of food components for healthy nutrition. Discussion: Further studies on the electronic properties of nutrients could serve as a basis for better understanding of their biological functions.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) of the H5-subtype have circulated continuously in Egypt since 2006, resulting in numerous poultry outbreaks and considerable sporadic human infections. The extensive circulation and wide spread of these viruses in domestic poultry have resulted in various evolutionary changes with a dramatic impact on viral transmission ability to contact mammals including humans. The transmitted viruses are either (1) adapted well enough in their avian hosts to readily infect mammals, or (2) adapted in the new mammalian hosts to improve their fitness. In both cases, avian influenza viruses (AIVs) acquire various host-specific adaptations. These adaptive variations are not all well-known or thoroughly characterized. In this study, a phylogenetic algorithm based on the informational spectrum method, designated hereafter as ISM, was applied to analyze the affinity of H5-type HA proteins of Egyptian AIV isolates (2006−2015) towards human-type cell receptors. To characterize AIV H5-HA proteins displaying high ISM values reflecting an increased tendency of the HA towards human-type receptors, recombinant IV expressing monobasic, low pathogenic (LP) H5-HA versions in the background of the human influenza virus A/PR/8/1934(H1N1) (LP 7+1), were generated. These viruses were compared with a LP 7+1 expressing a monobasic H5-HA from a human origin virus isolate (human LP-7271), for their receptor binding specificity (ISM), in vitro replication efficiency and in vivo pathogenicity in mammals. Interestingly, using ISM analysis, we identified a LP 7+1 virus (LP-S10739C) expressing the monobasic H5-HA of AIV A/Chicken/Egypt/S10739C/2015(H5N1) that showed high affinity towards human-type receptors. This in silico prediction was reflected by a higher in vitro replication efficiency in mammalian cell cultures and a higher virulence in mice as compared with LP-7271. Sequence comparison between the LP-S10739C and the LP-7271 H5-HA, revealed distinct amino acid changes. Their contribution to the increased mammalian receptor propensity of LP-S10739C demands further investigation to better deduce the molecular determinant behind the reported high morbidity of 2014 to 2015 HPAI H5N1 virus in humans in Egypt. This study provides insights into the evolution of Egyptian H5 HPAIVs and highlights the need to identify the viral evolution in order to recognize emerging AIV with the potential to threaten human and animal populations.

The in silico analysis shows that the envelope glycoproteins E of Zika viruses (ZIKV) isolated in Asia, Africa and South and Central America encode highly conserved information determining their interacting profile and immunological properties. Previously it was shown that the same information is encoded in the primary structure of the hemagglutinin subunit 1 (HA1) from pdmH1N1 influenza A virus. This similarity suggests possible repurposing of the seasonal influenza vaccine containing pdmH1N1 component for prevention of the ZIKV infection.

Influenza A virus (IAV) subtypes against which little or no pre-existing immunity exists in humans represent a serious threat to global public health. Monitoring of IAV in animal hosts is essential for early and rapid detection of potential pandemic IAV strains to prevent their spread. Recently, the increased pandemic potential of the avian-like swine H1N1 IAV A/swine/Guangdong/104/2013 has been suggested. The virus is infectious in humans and the general population seems to lack neutralizing antibodies against this virus. Here we present an in silico analysis that shows a strong human propensity of this swine virus further confirming its pandemic potential. We suggest mutations which would further enhance its human propensity. We also propose conserved antigenic determinants which could serve as a component of a prepandemic vaccine. The bioinformatics tool, which can be used to further monitor the evolution of swine influenza viruses towards a pandemic virus, are described here and are made publically available (http://www.vin.bg.ac.rs/180/tools/iav_mon.php; http://www.biomedprotection.com/iav_mon.php).

The large 2014/2015 Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa points out the urgent need to develop new preventive and therapeutic approaches that are effective against Ebola viruses and can be rapidly utilized. Recently, a simple theoretical criterion for the virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate inhibitors of Ebola virus infection was proposed. Using this method the ‘drug space’ was screened and 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs as candidates for treatment of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been selected. Detailed analysis of these drugs revealed the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen as an inexpensive, widely accessible and minimally toxic candidate for prevention and treatment of EVD. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism underlying this possible protective effect of ibuprofen against EVD is suggested in this article.

The ongoing Ebola virus epidemic has presented numerous challenges with respect to control and treatment because there are no approved drugs or vaccines for the Ebola virus disease (EVD). Herein is proposed simple theoretical criterion for fast virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate inhibitors of Ebola virus infection. We performed a repurposing screen of 6438 drugs from DrugBank using this criterion and selected 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs as candidates for treatment of EVD including 15 anti-malarial drugs and 32 antibiotics. An open source Web server allowing screening of molecular libraries for candidate drugs for treatment of EVD was also established.

Years of endemic infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A subtype H5N1 virus in poultry and high numbers of infections in humans provide ample opportunity in Egypt for H5N1-HPAIV to develop pandemic potential. In an effort to better understand the viral determinants that facilitate human infections of the Egyptian H5N1-HPAIVvirus, we developed a new phylogenetic algorithm based on a new distance measure derived from the informational spectrum method (ISM). This new approach, which describes functional aspects of the evolution of the hemagglutinin subunit 1 (HA1), revealed a growing group G2 of H5N1-HPAIV in Egypt after 2009 that acquired new informational spectrum (IS) properties suggestive of an increased human tropism and pandemic potential. While in 2006 all viruses in Egypt belonged to the G1 group, by 2011 these viruses were virtually replaced by G2 viruses. All of the G2 viruses displayed four characteristic mutations (D43N, S120(D,N), (S,L)129Δ and I151T), three of which were previously reported to increase binding to the human receptor. Already in 2006-2008 G2 viruses were significantly (p

Outbreaks involving either H5N1 or H1N1 influenza viruses (IV) have recently become an increasing threat to cause potential pandemics. Pigs have an important role in this aspect. As reflected in the 2009 human H1N1 pandemia, they may act as a vehicle for mixing and generating new assortments of viruses potentially pathogenic to animals and humans. Lack of universal vaccines against the highly variable influenza virus forces scientists to continuously design vaccines à la carte, which is an expensive and risky practice overall when dealing with virulent strains. Therefore, we focused our efforts on developing a broadly protective influenza vaccine based on the Informational Spectrum Method (ISM). This theoretical prediction allows the selection of highly conserved peptide sequences from within the hemagglutinin subunit 1 protein (HA1) from either H5 or H1 viruses which are located in the flanking region of the HA binding site and with the potential to elicit broader immune responses than conventional vaccines. Confirming the theoretical predictions, immunization of conventional farm pigs with the synthetic peptides induced humoral responses in every single pig. The fact that the induced antibodies were able to recognize in vitro heterologous influenza viruses such as the pandemic H1N1 virus (pH1N1), two swine influenza field isolates (SwH1N1 and SwH3N2) and a H5N1 highly pathogenic avian virus, confirm the broad recognition of the antibodies induced. Unexpectedly, all pigs also showed T-cell responses that not only recognized the specific peptides, but also the pH1N1 virus. Finally, a partial effect on the kinetics of virus clearance was observed after the intranasal infection with the pH1N1 virus, setting forth the groundwork for the design of peptide-based vaccines against influenza viruses. Further insights into the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the protection afforded will be necessary to optimize future vaccine formulations.

BACKGROUND: There is convincing evidence from numerous clinical and epidemiological studies that physical activity can reduce the risk for breast and prostate cancer. The biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. Herein we suggest a role for naturally produced antibodies reactive with the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the suppression of breast and prostate cancer, which we believe could offer a possible molecular mechanism underlying control of these cancers by physical exercise. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: We found that sera from individuals having breast and prostate cancers have decreased titers of VIP natural antibodies as demonstrated by a lower reactivity against peptide NTM1, having similar informational and structural properties as VIP. In contrast, sera collected from elite athletes, exhibited titers of natural NTM1-reactive antibodies that are significantly increased, suggesting that physical activity boosts production of these antibodies. SIGNIFICANCE: Presented results suggest that physical exercise stimulates production of natural anti-VIP antibodies and likely results in suppression of VIP. This, in turn, may play a protective role against breast and prostate cancers. Physical exercise should be further investigated as a potential tool in the treatment of these diseases.

A safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed to bring the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic under control. The spike protein (SP) of SARS-CoV-2 represents the principal target for most vaccines currently under development. This protein is highly conserved indicating that vaccine based on this antigen will be efficient against all currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The present analysis of SP suggests that mutation D614G could significantly decrease the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine through modulation of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and its principal receptor ACE2.

A novel coronavirus recently identified in Wuhan, China (2019-nCoV) has expanded the number of highly pathogenic coronaviruses affecting humans. The 2019-nCoV represents a potential epidemic or pandemic threat, which requires a quick response for preparedness against this infection. The present report uses the informational spectrum methodology to identify the possible origin and natural host of the new virus, as well as putative therapeutic and vaccine targets. The performed in silico analysis indicates that the newly emerging 2019-nCoV is closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV and, to a lesser degree, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV. Moreover, the well-known SARS-CoV receptor (ACE2) might be a putative receptor for the novel virus as well. Actin protein was also suggested as a host factor that participates in cell entry and pathogenesis of 2019-nCoV; therefore, drugs modulating biological activity of this protein (e.g. ibuprofen) were suggested as potential candidates for treatment of this viral infection. Additional results indicated that civets and poultry are potential candidates for the natural reservoir of the 2019-nCoV, and that domain 288-330 of S1 protein from the 2019-nCoV represents promising therapeutic and/or vaccine target.

A novel coronavirus recently identified in Wuhan, China (2019-nCoV) has expanded the number of highly pathogenic coronaviruses affecting humans. The 2019-nCoV represents a potential epidemic or pandemic threat, which requires a quick response for preparedness against this infection. The present report uses the informational spectrum methodology to identify the possible origin and natural host of the new virus, as well as putative therapeutic and vaccine targets. The performed in silico analysis indicates that the newly emerging 2019-nCoV is closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV and, to a lesser degree, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV. Moreover, the well-known SARS-CoV receptor (ACE2) might be a putative receptor for the novel virus as well. Additional results indicated that civets and poultry are potential candidates for the natural reservoir of the 2019-nCoV, and that domain 288-330 of S1 protein from the 2019-nCoV represents promising therapeutic and/or vaccine target.

During the 2009 pandemic, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 43 to 89 million cases of swine flu were reported during a 1-year span, with 1799 deaths in 178 countries worldwide. Now, nine years later, A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza viruses, which caused this pandemic, have reemerged and become the dominant subtype for the current 2018/19 flu season in the USA. The in silico analysis of A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses isolated in USA in October and November 2018, performed using the electronic biology platform “wEB”, showed that these viruses carry previously identified pandemic markers suggesting their increased pandemic potential. Possible consequences of these findings are discussed.

Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended as the best protection for cancer patients against influenza infection. Recent in silico and experimental data suggest that antibodies elicited with influenza vaccine could activate bradykinin receptor B2-associated signaling pathway, which is also involved in cell proliferation and migration of tumor cells. These results point to an urgent need for the reexamination of safety of influenza vaccine(s) in cancer patients.

The in silico analysis shows that the envelope glycoproteins E of Zika viruses (ZIKV) isolated in Asia, Africa and South and Central America encode highly conserved information determining their interacting profile and immunological properties. Previously it was shown that the same information is encoded in the primary structure of the hemagglutinin subunit 1 (HA1) from pdmH1N1 influenza A virus. This similarity suggests possible repurposing of the seasonal influenza vaccine containing pdmH1N1 component for prevention of the ZIKV infection.

The large 2014/2015 Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa points out the urgent need to develop new preventive and therapeutic approaches that are effective against Ebola viruses and can be rapidly utilized. Recently, a simple theoretical criterion for the virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate inhibitors of Ebola virus infection was proposed. Using this method the ‘drug space’ was screened and 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs as candidates for treatment of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been selected. Detailed analysis of these drugs revealed the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen as an inexpensive, widely accessible and minimally toxic candidate for prevention and treatment of EVD. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism underlying this possible protective effect of ibuprofen against EVD is suggested in this article.

The ongoing Ebola virus epidemic has presented numerous challenges with respect to control and treatment because there are no approved drugs or vaccines for the Ebola virus disease (EVD). Herein is proposed simple theoretical criterion for fast virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate inhibitors of Ebola virus infection. We performed a repurposing screen of 6438 drugs from DrugBank using this criterion and selected 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs as candidates for treatment of EVD including 15 anti-malarial drugs and 32 antibiotics. An open source Web server allowing screening of molecular libraries for candidate drugs for treatment of EVD was also established.

The ongoing Ebola virus epidemic has presented numerous challenges with respect to control and treatment because there are no approved drugs or vaccines for the Ebola virus disease (EVD). Herein is proposed simple theoretical criterion for fast virtual screening of molecular libraries for candidate inhibitors of Ebola virus infection. We performed a repurposing screen of 6438 drugs from DrugBank using this criterion and selected 267 approved and 382 experimental drugs as candidates for treatment of EVD including 15 anti-malarial drugs and 32 antibiotics. An open source Web server allowing screening of molecular libraries for candidate drugs for treatment of EVD was also established.