Microbiology – Page 5 – Proceedings of the Texas A&M Medical Student Grand Rounds

Lessons Learned from HIV mRNA Vaccine Development in the Age of COVID-19 Vaccines

June 22, 2022 Sheeva Shahinfar

Sheeva Shahinfar Introduction. COVID-19 vaccine production shed light on the novelty of using mRNA vaccines to prevent chronic illness. In 2021, Moderna announced their quest to manufacture an mRNA vaccine against HIV, a chronic illness affecting approximately 38 million people worldwide.4 In order to develop a suitable HIV vaccine, two…

Microbiology

Optineurin (OPTN) Mediates Neuronal Suppression of Neuroinvasive HSV Infection

June 21, 2022 Adiva Sahar

Adiva Sahar Introduction. Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1/HSV-2) are neurotropic human pathogens. HSV infection of the CNS can cause herpes simplex encephalitis, which is associated with high mortality and neurological sequelae.1 OPTN is a multifunctional protein involved in the regulation of selective autophagy and inflammatory signaling and protection from cell death.2 …

Microbiology

Galectin-9 Mediated T-cell Exhaustion Promotes HPV Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in HIV Patients

June 20, 2022 Emma Russell

Emma Russell Introduction. Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer most often caused by HPV infection and recently growing in incidence. 1,3 Similar to other squamous cell carcinomas caused by HPV, HPV 16 and 18 are indicated in over 90% of ASCC cases.1,3 Carcinogenesis involves…

HPV Infection Induces Secondary Mutations Resulting in Host Immune Defense Evasion and Oropharyngeal Cancer Abstract

June 20, 2022 Masen Ragsdale

Masen Ragsdale Introduction. In recent years, there has been a rise in the incidences of human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal cancer, especially in men.1,2 A persistent HPV 16 infection is responsible for 70% or more of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC).1,2 Risk factors for developing this type of cancer include risky…

Cancer Microbiology

Disruption of the MAVS-RIG-I Mitochondrial Immune Response by Hepatitis B Virus

June 20, 2022 Anna Pinson

Anna Pinson Introduction. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) affects 240 million individuals worldwide.1 While vaccines are readily available that almost completely prevent all cases of the virus, many areas of the world do not have access to these vaccines. Many mothers with HBV will pass the disease onto their children, where…

Microbiology

SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 Mediated Shutdown of Host mRNA Translation

June 20, 2022 Hunter Olsen

Hunter Olsen Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)1. Disease presentation can range from asymptomatic to severe, with serious cases resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome or multiorgan failure2. SARS-CoV-2 has a positive sense, single-stranded, RNA genome3. Upon infection, the…

Microbiology

Incorporation of Antigenic Domain 5 Neutralizing Antibodies for Increased Effectiveness of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Vaccine

June 20, 2022 Vylan Nguyen

Vylan Nguyen Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause for non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss and congenital infection in childhood1. More than 50% of symptomatic cases among neonates present with central nervous system abnormalities2. Long term effects include the virus’ contribution to atherosclerotic progression and cardiovascular disease3. While ganciclovir and…

Immunology Microbiology

Potential Therapeutic Targets for UV-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Associated with HPV38 Infection

June 20, 2022 Vinh Nguyen

Vinh Nguyen Introduction: Keratinocyte carcinoma, comprised of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), are the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the Western world.1 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the overwhelming causative environmental carcinogen in keratinocyte carcinoma.1 Histopathology is the gold standard for the diagnosis of cSCC, and…

Cancer Microbiology

Probiotic Supplementation May Alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptomology

June 20, 2022 Zara Nadir

Zara Nadir Introduction. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the inflammation of the large intestine. Diagnosis of this syndrome is done with the use of the Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria. The prevalence of this syndrome is 10-15% worldwide, and the incidence is 1-2% per year.3 The symptoms associated with IBS are…

Gastroenterology Immunology Microbiology

Epigenetic Therapeutic Intervention in Targeting Cytomegalovirus Latency and Reactivation Regulated by Bromodomain Proteins

June 20, 2022 Anushah Mirza

Anushah Mirza Introduction. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is from the family of beta-herpesvirus and is transmitted through bodily fluids.1,2 CMV can cause a broad range of serious disease like end organ failure.3 CMV is a latent virus whose reactivation is triggered by IL-6 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)- mitogen activated protein kinase…

Featured Abstracts Microbiology