Structural insights reveal unusual bacterial immune signal


Scientists at Vilnius University’s Life Sciences Centre (VU LSC), working with colleagues from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and Harvard Medical School in the USA, have uncovered a unique bacterial immune signal with the help of high-resolution structural techniques. The discovery, led by Dr Giedre Tamulaitien’’s research group at VU LSC, has been published in Nature [1].


The team investigated the Thoeris II defence system, which enables bacteria to detect viral infections and trigger a protective, self- destructive response. Central to this process is a newly identifi ed small molecule - histidine-ADP-ribose (His-ADPR) - composed of an amino acid and a nucleotide, unlike previously known signals that only involve nucleotides.


To understand how this signal is detected and acted upon, the VU LSC researchers used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the effector protein bound to His-ADPR. This structural analysis revealed how the signal activates the effector at the bacterial membrane, leading to cell death and prevention of


Džiugas Sabonis and Dr Giedrė Tamulaitienė. Credit Vilnius University


viral spread. Meanwhile, collaborators at the Weizmann Institute confi rmed that the molecule is produced in response to infection,


and researchers at Harvard Medical School resolved the structure of a viral ‘sponge’ protein that neutralises the signal to evade bacterial defence.


The study involved contributions from multiple research teams: PhD student Džiugas Sabonis led the work at VU LSC, supported by Deividas Vilutičius, Audronė Rukšėnaitė, Dr Arūna Šilanskas, and Dr Mindaugas Zaremba. The Israeli group was led by Professor Rotem Sorek, and the US collaborators by Professor Philip Kranzusch.


By combining crystallographic techniques and molecular microbiology, the team has opened new avenues for understanding bacterial immunity and the structural basis of host–pathogen interactions.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/nXYm and ilmt.co/PL/Kw3e


1. TIR domains produce histidine-ADPR as an immune signal in bacteria published in Nature


64666pr@reply-direct.com


SNAP decision paves the way for cutting-edge nano-analysis


A groundbreaking new research facility at the University of Glasgow is set to transform our understanding of materials at the atomic level, with implications for everything from space exploration to advanced quantum technologies.


A £5.3 million grant from UK Research and Innovation’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) will fund the development of the Space Nanomaterials Atom Probe (SNAP), the fi rst atom probe tomography (APT) facility in Scotland and one of only six in the UK. The cutting-edge lab will be the only one in the world dedicated to tackling materials challenges in space science.


Atom probe tomography is a state-of-the-art technique that allows researchers to analyse materials atom by atom. Using an ultra- precise laser, individual atoms are extracted from a sample and examined to build a detailed 3D atomic-scale model. This level of insight is crucial for designing materials that can withstand the extreme conditions of space - vacuum, temperature fl uctuations, and high radiation exposure.


Once operational in 2028, SNAP will play a vital role in developing next- generation materials for satellites, spacecraft, and lunar habitats. Beyond space applications, it will also be instrumental in advancing materials research for the semiconductor, quantum, and energy sectors.


Dr Luke Daly from the University of Glasgow’s School of Geographical & Earth Sciences led the funding bid and will oversee the project. He said: “Atom probe tomography gives us an unparalleled view of how materials behave at the smallest scales. With SNAP, we can develop stronger, more resilient materials for space missions while also pushing the boundaries of research in other high-tech industries.”


Dr Paul Bagot from the University of Oxford, a co-investigator on the project, added: “This facility is a huge step forward, not just for Glasgow but for the wider UK research community. It will allow us to delve deeper into atomic-level changes that impact material performance across a range of disciplines.”


Professor Eric Yeatman, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Science & Engineering, emphasised the strategic importance of SNAP: “This new facility cements the University of Glasgow’s position as a leader in advanced materials research. It adds to our expanding suite of high-tech analysis and fabrication capabilities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of scientifi c innovation.”


The SNAP facility will also build on Glasgow’s existing expertise in planetary science. Dr Daly has previously used atom probe tomography to analyse fragments of ancient asteroids, shedding light on the origins of Earth’s water. Now, this cutting-edge


Dr Luke Daly


technique will support future space missions and pave the way for new technological breakthroughs.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/y5NB 64374pr@reply-direct.com


Scientists unveil breakthrough in nano-delivery technology for DNA vaccines


A collaborative effort between The Wistar Institute, University of Pennsylvania, and INOVIO Pharmaceuticals has led to an exciting leap forward in vaccine technology. A team of researchers has demonstrated pre-clinical proof of concept for a revolutionary DNA vaccine delivery system that harnesses the power of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This cutting-edge method could change the landscape of immunisation by improving vaccine stability and effi cacy, offering new avenues for combating diseases such as infl uenza and COVID-19.


At the forefront of this groundbreaking research is Dr David B. Weiner, a pioneer in DNA vaccines, whose laboratory at The Wistar Institute worked alongside scientists from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and INOVIO. Their fi ndings [1], published in Cell Reports Medicine, introduce a novel approach that combines plasmid DNA with lipid nanoparticles, providing a more stable and effi cient way to deliver genetic material to immune cells.


In traditional vaccine formulations, DNA has faced challenges related to its stability and size, making it diffi cult to deliver effectively using lipid-based nanoparticles. However, the research team, led by doctoral student Nicholas Tursi, tackled these issues by modifying lipid-based formulations to stabilise the DNA, enhancing its delivery potential. Unlike RNA vaccines, which have


generated stronger immune responses. The DNA-LNP approach also displayed unique immunological effects, priming both innate and adaptive immune responses in ways that traditional vaccines do not.


In pre-clinical tests, the new DNA-LNP vaccines triggered robust antibody and T-cell responses after a single dose. These immune responses were not only strong but also long-lasting, persisting for over a year in small animal models. The research also demonstrated the potential of these vaccines to provide protection against SARS-CoV-2, with a single immunisation preventing both morbidity and mortality in a live challenge model.


Dr David B. Weiner.


been widely studied, DNA’s double-stranded nature and larger size make it a harder candidate for lipid-based formulations. This study marks a signifi cant breakthrough in overcoming these obstacles.


The team used a model DNA-LNP formulation expressing the infl uenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein to test the new technology. By adjusting the balance between the lipid nanoparticles and DNA, they were able to produce smaller, more stable particles that


This study showcases the immense potential of DNA-LNP vaccines as a new platform technology for immunisation. By offering enhanced stability and the ability to provoke strong immune responses, this innovative approach could complement or even replace existing vaccine modalities, especially for diseases that require long-lasting immunity.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/6Lj0


1. Modulation of lipid nanoparticle-formulated plasmid DNA drives innate immune activation promoting adaptive immunity from Cell Reports Medicine 64379pr@reply-direct.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44