Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

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21 pages, 6969 KiB  
Article
Selection and Characterization of Antibodies Recognizing Unnatural Base Pairs
by Antonietta M. Lillo, Nileena Velappan, Ruilian Wu and Madeline R. Bolding
Biologics 2024, 4(4), 423-443; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics4040026 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 712
Abstract
Background: Introducing unnatural base pairs into a natural, double-stranded DNA construct is a powerful tool within synthetic biology. Accordingly, the ability to detect these unnatural base pairs has many applications, including the study and detection of semisynthetic organisms. Objective and Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Introducing unnatural base pairs into a natural, double-stranded DNA construct is a powerful tool within synthetic biology. Accordingly, the ability to detect these unnatural base pairs has many applications, including the study and detection of semisynthetic organisms. Objective and Methods: The work described here aimed to select human antibodies for the specific recognition of Hirao’s base pair dDs–dPn in various natural DNA contexts by using a combination of phage and yeast display technologies. Results: We selected a total of six antibodies in yeast-displayed scFv format, and further tested three of these antibodies in soluble form as minibodies and IgGs. We also describe an assay that can be used to detect plasmids containing dDs–dPn pair. Conclusions: Our antibodies did not afford the desired specificity or sensitivity for detection of a single unnatural base pair among thousands of natural. However, our data indicate not only that such detection is possible but also that these antibodies may be candidates for further affinity and specificity maturation. Full article
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18 pages, 455 KiB  
Review
Ustekinumab Biosimilars
by Elena Carmona-Rocha and Lluís Puig
Biologics 2024, 4(4), 407-422; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics4040025 - 13 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2291
Abstract
Ustekinumab is a fully human IgG1k monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity and specificity to the p40 subunit of interleukins (IL-) 12 and 23, inhibiting their activity by preventing binding to their receptors. The European extension of the patent (Supplementary Protection Certificate) [...] Read more.
Ustekinumab is a fully human IgG1k monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity and specificity to the p40 subunit of interleukins (IL-) 12 and 23, inhibiting their activity by preventing binding to their receptors. The European extension of the patent (Supplementary Protection Certificate) of ustekinumab expired on 20 July 2024. Biosimilar alternatives to ustekinumab are now an additional option for treating patients. The efficacy data for this drug in moderate-to-severe psoriasis obtained both from clinical trials and indirect comparisons through meta-analyses, are superior to those of etanercept and adalimumab, and its safety profile is more favorable than that of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Several ustekinumab biosimilars have already been approved by regulatory agencies: between October 2023 and October 2024, Wezlana® (Amgen ABP 654), Uzpruvo® (Alvotech AVT04) and Pyzchiva® (Samsung/Bioepis SB17) have been approved by both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). SteQeyma® (Celltrion Healthcare CT-P43) was approved by the EMA in August 2024. Otulfi® (Fresenius Kabi/Formycon) was approved by the FDA in October 2024. Several other potential biosimilar candidates are under development, including BAT2206 (Bio-Thera), DMB-3115 (Dong-A ST), QX001S (Qyuns Therapeutic), BFI-751 (BioFactura), NeuLara (Neuclone), ONS3040 (Oncobiologics), and BOW090 (Epirus Biopharmaceuticals). In most cases, these monoclonal antibodies are expressed in cell lines (e.g., Chinese Hamster Ovary, CHO) different from those used for the originator (Sp2/0 spleen cell murine myeloma); of note, the cell line of origin is not a requirement for biosimilarity in the totality-of-evidence comparison exercise and may facilitate the production and reduce the immunogenicity of biosimilars originated in CHO cultures. This narrative review summarizes the available data on characteristics of the full comparability exercises and comparative clinical trials of these drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Monoclonal Antibodies)
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38 pages, 1473 KiB  
Review
Solute Carrier Family 35 (SLC35)—An Overview and Recent Progress
by Shin Kamiyama and Hideyuki Sone
Biologics 2024, 4(3), 242-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics4030017 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2827
Abstract
The solute carrier family 35 (SLC35) comprises multiple members of transporters, including a group of proteins known as nucleotide sugar transporters (NSTs), an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) transporter, 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) transporters, and transporters of unknown function. To date, seven subfamilies (A to G) [...] Read more.
The solute carrier family 35 (SLC35) comprises multiple members of transporters, including a group of proteins known as nucleotide sugar transporters (NSTs), an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) transporter, 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) transporters, and transporters of unknown function. To date, seven subfamilies (A to G) and 32 members have been classified into this large SLC35 family. Since the majority of glycosylation reactions occur within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus, the functions of NSTs are indispensable for the delivery of substrates for glycosylation. Recent studies have revealed the diverse functions of this family of proteins in the regulation of numerous biological processes, including development, differentiation, proliferation, and disease progression. Furthermore, several congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) resulting from variations in the SLC35 family member genes have been identified. To elucidate the pathology of these diseases, a variety of knockout mice harboring mutations in the family member genes have been generated and employed as animal models for CDGs. This review presents a historical overview of the SLC35 family, with a particular focus on recent advances in research on the functions of this family and their relationship to human diseases. Full article
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16 pages, 4776 KiB  
Article
Two Coffee Diterpenes, Kahweol and Cafestol, Inhibit Extracellular Melanogenesis: An In Vitro Pilot Study
by Shilpi Goenka
Biologics 2024, 4(2), 202-217; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics4020014 - 5 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2613
Abstract
Hyperpigmentation skin disorders are marked by an abnormal accumulation or export of melanin pigment synthesized within melanocytes and pose a significant aesthetic concern. The search for novel natural compounds that exhibit pharmacological potential for treating pigmentation disorders is growing. In this study, kahweol [...] Read more.
Hyperpigmentation skin disorders are marked by an abnormal accumulation or export of melanin pigment synthesized within melanocytes and pose a significant aesthetic concern. The search for novel natural compounds that exhibit pharmacological potential for treating pigmentation disorders is growing. In this study, kahweol (KW) and cafestol (CFS), two structural analogs of coffee diterpenes, were evaluated and compared for their effects on melanogenesis using B16F10 mouse melanoma cells and primary human melanocytes derived from Asian and African American skin. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of the effects of KW and CFS on melanogenesis yet. We first screened nontoxic concentrations of both compounds using an MTS assay after 72 h incubations and subsequently tested their effects on melanin synthesis and export. Cellular tyrosinase activity and cell-free mushroom tyrosinase activity were assayed to study the mechanisms of melanogenesis suppression. Human melanocytes from a moderately pigmented donor (HEMn-MP cells) and from a darkly pigmented donor (HEMn-DP cells) were next examined, and effects on cellular viability, melanin content, cellular tyrosinase activity, and melanin export (quantitated via dendricity) were similarly examined for both compounds. Our results show that KW and CFS did not significantly affect intracellular melanin content but suppressed extracellular melanin in B16F10 cells and dendritic parameters in human melanocytes, indicating their unique capacity to target extracellular melanogenesis and melanin export. Although KW showed a greater extracellular melanogenesis inhibitory capacity in B16F10 cells, in both primary melanocyte cells, CFS emerged as a potent inhibitor of melanin export compared to KW. Together, these results reveal novel modes of action of both compounds and indicate a promise to use CFS as a novel candidate for treating hyperpigmentation disorders of the human skin for clinical and cosmetic use. Additional research is necessary to shed light on the molecular pathways and the efficacy of melanogenesis inhibition by CFS in 3D human skin equivalents and in vivo studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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10 pages, 579 KiB  
Review
Unveiling the Potential of JAK Inhibitors in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
by Shahed Kamal, Sheng Wei Lo, Samantha McCall, Beverly Rodrigues, Andrew H. Tsoi and Jonathan P. Segal
Biologics 2024, 4(2), 177-186; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics4020012 - 14 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3784
Abstract
Background: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent a novel class of oral therapies showing efficacy in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), challenging conventional treatment paradigms. Summary: This review provides an overview of the potential novel uses of JAK inhibitors, focusing on [...] Read more.
Background: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent a novel class of oral therapies showing efficacy in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), challenging conventional treatment paradigms. Summary: This review provides an overview of the potential novel uses of JAK inhibitors, focusing on their current approved indications and exploring possibilities beyond these indications. Tofacitinib and filgotinib are approved for UC, while upadacitinib is approved for both UC and CD. Additionally, their potential in acute severe UC, as steroid alternatives, and in managing fistulizing CD or extraintestinal manifestations are discussed. Key Message: JAK inhibitors play an important role in IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) treatment; however, clinicians must balance their promising efficacy with safety concerns. Individualized care and vigilance are essential for optimizing therapeutic benefits while mitigating potential adverse effects. Further research is necessary to clarify their efficacy, safety, and potential applications. Full article
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16 pages, 753 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Arboviral Vaccines: Emerging Platforms and Promising Innovations
by Sujit Pujhari
Biologics 2024, 4(1), 1-16; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics4010001 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3722
Abstract
Arboviruses are a group of viruses that are transmitted by arthropods, such as mosquitoes, and cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, there are only a few options, with restricted use, for effective vaccines against these viruses. However, recent advances in arboviral vaccine [...] Read more.
Arboviruses are a group of viruses that are transmitted by arthropods, such as mosquitoes, and cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, there are only a few options, with restricted use, for effective vaccines against these viruses. However, recent advances in arboviral vaccine development have shown promising innovations that have potential in preclinical and clinical studies. Insect-specific viruses have been explored as a novel vaccine platform that can induce cross-protective immunity against related arboviruses. Nanoparticle-based vaccines have also been developed to enhance the immunogenicity and stability of viral antigens. Additionally, vaccines against mosquito salivary proteins that can modulate the host immune response and interfere with arboviral transmission are being explored. Synonymous recoding, such as random codon shuffling, codon deoptimization, and codon-pair deoptimization, is being investigated as a strategy to attenuate the replication of arboviruses in vertebrate cells, reducing the risk of reverting to wild-type virulence. Finally, mRNA vaccines have been developed to rapidly generate and express viral antigens in the host cells, eliciting robust and durable immune responses. The challenges and opportunities for arboviral vaccine development are outlined, and future directions for research and innovation are discussed. Full article
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43 pages, 2274 KiB  
Review
The Dawn of In Vivo Gene Editing Era: A Revolution in the Making
by Sarfaraz K. Niazi
Biologics 2023, 3(4), 253-295; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics3040014 - 25 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7514
Abstract
Gene or genome editing (GE) revises, removes, or replaces a mutated gene at the DNA level; it is a tool. Gene therapy (GT) offsets mutations by introducing a “normal” version of the gene into the body while the diseased gene remains in the [...] Read more.
Gene or genome editing (GE) revises, removes, or replaces a mutated gene at the DNA level; it is a tool. Gene therapy (GT) offsets mutations by introducing a “normal” version of the gene into the body while the diseased gene remains in the genome; it is a medicine. So far, no in vivo GE product has been approved, as opposed to 22 GT products approved by the FDA, and many more are under development. No GE product has been approved globally; however, critical regulatory agencies are encouraging their entry, as evidenced by the FDA issuing a guideline specific to GE products. The potential of GE in treating diseases far supersedes any other modality conceived in history. Still, it also presents unparalleled risks—from off-target impact, delivery consistency and long-term effects of gene-fixing leading to designer babies and species transformation that will keep the bar high for the approval of these products. These challenges will come to the light of resolution only after the FDA begins approving them and opening the door to a revolution in treating hundreds of untreatable diseases that will be tantamount to a revolution in the making. This article brings a perspective and a future analysis of GE to educate and motivate developers to expand GE products to fulfill the needs of patients. Full article
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11 pages, 2519 KiB  
Article
Administration of Collagen Peptide Prevents the Progression of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Bleomycin-Treated Mice
by Minami Yoshihara, Chisaki Asatsuma, Ayuna Masuko, Keiya Iwaasa, Yuki Saito-Matsuzawa, Hideyuki Sone and Shin Kamiyama
Biologics 2023, 3(3), 187-197; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics3030010 - 28 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4917
Abstract
Collagen peptides (CPs) are food-derived peptides that possess a variety of bioactive properties. Our study investigates the effects of CP on pulmonary fibrosis in bleomycin (BLM)-treated mice. C57BL/6J mice were subcutaneously injected with BLM for two weeks followed by a three-week experimental diet [...] Read more.
Collagen peptides (CPs) are food-derived peptides that possess a variety of bioactive properties. Our study investigates the effects of CP on pulmonary fibrosis in bleomycin (BLM)-treated mice. C57BL/6J mice were subcutaneously injected with BLM for two weeks followed by a three-week experimental diet containing 25 mg/g of CP derived from chicken feet. Supplementation with CP suppressed the increase in lung weight and disruption of lung architecture observed in mice treated with BLM. BLM-treated mice also exhibited higher hydroxyproline content and increased expression levels of type I and III collagen subunit genes in the lungs. CP supplementation exerted no effect on these collagen-related factors; however, it significantly suppressed the gene expression of fibronectin and inflammation-related molecules in the lungs of BLM-treated mice. These findings suggest that CP administration prevents the development of pulmonary fibrosis by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Protein Therapeutics)
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21 pages, 644 KiB  
Systematic Review
Switching between Originators and Biosimilars in Dermatology: A Systematic Review of Real-World Clinical Studies
by Maria Maddalena Nicoletti, Erminia Crisci, Ciro Pentella, Andrea Cantone, Donatella Ruggiero, Antonietta Anatriello and Cristina Scavone
Biologics 2023, 3(2), 95-115; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics3020006 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3633
Abstract
Background. Although biosimilars have been increasingly used over recent years, some concerns about a potential loss of efficacy and altered safety profile when switching from an originator to a biosimilar still exist. Interchangeability can be a challenge for dermatologists too. An extensive systematic [...] Read more.
Background. Although biosimilars have been increasingly used over recent years, some concerns about a potential loss of efficacy and altered safety profile when switching from an originator to a biosimilar still exist. Interchangeability can be a challenge for dermatologists too. An extensive systematic review of published switching studies among originators and biosimilars was carried out in order to provide evidence regarding the effects derived from the switch in terms of efficacy and safety outcomes in real-life contexts. Results. Thirty-seven articles were included in this systematic review (14 studies related to adalimumab, 10 to etanercept, 12 to infliximab, and 1 each to adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab). Studies were mainly carried out among European countries. Most of them were observational studies or register-based studies. The majority of studies enrolled patients diagnosed with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who underwent a single switch from the originator to the biosimilar. Overall, the studies’ results demonstrated that switching between adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab originators and biosimilars is safe and effective in a real-life setting of patients with dermatological conditions. Only a few studies highlighted an increase in the risk of loss of efficacy as well as an increased rate of AEs, both of which were identified as the main causes of biosimilar discontinuation, probably associated with the well-known phenomenon of the nocebo effect. Conclusion. Switching from a biologic originator to its biosimilar is safe and effective. Only a few studies have evaluated the switch among biosimilars; thus, no firm conclusion can be drawn for this type of switch in terms of the efficacy and safety outcomes. Based on our results, we believe that biosimilars can be considered interchangeable with their reference products and that no additional switch studies are necessary to support switching among originators and biosimilars in clinical practice. However, the continuous monitoring of all biologics (both originators and biosimilars) in routine clinical practice is strongly needed given their peculiar safety profile. Full article
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17 pages, 1253 KiB  
Review
Novel Strategy for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment through Oral Vaccine Therapy with Amyloid Beta
by Yasunari Matsuzaka and Ryu Yashiro
Biologics 2023, 3(1), 23-39; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics3010003 - 1 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3963
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neuropathology characterized by progressive cognitive impairment and dementia. The disease is attributed to senile plaques, which are aggregates of amyloid beta (Aβ) outside nerve cells; neurofibrillary tangles, which are filamentous accumulations of phosphorylated tau in nerve cells; and [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neuropathology characterized by progressive cognitive impairment and dementia. The disease is attributed to senile plaques, which are aggregates of amyloid beta (Aβ) outside nerve cells; neurofibrillary tangles, which are filamentous accumulations of phosphorylated tau in nerve cells; and loss of neurons in the brain tissue. Immunization of an AD mouse model with Aβ-eliminated pre-existing senile plaque amyloids and prevented new accumulation. Furthermore, its effect showed that cognitive function can be improved by passive immunity without side effects, such as lymphocyte infiltration in AD model mice treated with vaccine therapy, indicating the possibility of vaccine therapy for AD. Further, considering the possibility of side effects due to direct administration of Aβ, the practical use of the safe oral vaccine, which expressed Aβ in plants, is expected. Indeed, administration of this oral vaccine to Alzheimer’s model mice reduced Aβ accumulation in the brain. Moreover, almost no expression of inflammatory IgG was observed. Therefore, vaccination prior to Aβ accumulation or at an early stage of accumulation may prevent Aβ from causing AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vaccines)
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13 pages, 288 KiB  
Article
Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of SDZ-ADL (Adalimumab Biosimilar) in Patients with Psoriasis from the British Association of Dermatologists Biologic and Immunomodulators Register (BADBIR)
by Lluís Puig, Kave Shams, Fabricio Furlan, Cristofer Salvati, Elisa Romero, Jamie Fan and Lars Iversen
Biologics 2022, 2(4), 213-225; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2040017 - 30 Sep 2022
Viewed by 3802
Abstract
SDZ-ADL is a biosimilar of reference adalimumab. Here, the safety and effectiveness data of SDZ-ADL from the British Association of Dermatologists Biologic and Immuno-modulators Register (BADBIR) are reported. In the safety set, data of SDZ-ADL were compared with conventional systemics data. In the [...] Read more.
SDZ-ADL is a biosimilar of reference adalimumab. Here, the safety and effectiveness data of SDZ-ADL from the British Association of Dermatologists Biologic and Immuno-modulators Register (BADBIR) are reported. In the safety set, data of SDZ-ADL were compared with conventional systemics data. In the effectiveness set, the effectiveness and quality-of-life of patients treated with SDZ-ADL as a first-time biologic, or who switched from a previous biologic to SDZ-ADL, were assessed using the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), respectively. A total of 565 (incidence rate (IR) per 1000 person-years 29.1, 95% CI 26.8–31.6) serious infections and 48 (IR 2.5, 95% CI 1.8–3.3) myocardial infarction events were reported in the conventional systemics cohort compared with four (IR 31.5, 95% CI 8.6–80.7) and one (IR 7.9, 95% CI 0.2–43.9) in the biologic cohort, respectively. One patient (0.7% (1/136)) reported injection-site pain in the biologic cohort. At 12 months, PASI ≤ 2 was achieved in 84.6% (11/13) and 76.9% (10/13) and DLQI 0/1 was achieved in 70% (7/10) and 75% (3/4) of patients in the biologic-naïve and biologic-switch cohorts, respectively. After one year of therapy, 82.7% (110/133) patients remained on SDZ-ADL. SDZ-ADL was well-tolerated and effective in patients with psoriasis. Full article
21 pages, 1641 KiB  
Review
The Coming of Age of Biosimilars: A Personal Perspective
by Sarfaraz K. Niazi
Biologics 2022, 2(2), 107-127; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2020009 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 12113
Abstract
Biosimilars have come of age over the past 17 years, with 84 approvals in the EU and 35 in the US, representing almost 90% of the world market. While the acceptance of biosimilars in the US is catching up with that in the [...] Read more.
Biosimilars have come of age over the past 17 years, with 84 approvals in the EU and 35 in the US, representing almost 90% of the world market. While the acceptance of biosimilars in the US is catching up with that in the EU, the cost benefits remain elusive due to the high development barrier and complex distribution system involved, mainly in the US. In the EU, the cost of biosimilars has already dropped 70% or more, and interchangeability is a routine in some European jurisdictions, unlike in the US, where a separate regulatory approval is required. This paper projects significant changes coming in the US and EU’s biosimilars approval requirements that will impact the approval procedures in the rest of the world, leading to dramatic changes in the cost of biosimilars to patients. This perspective is based on the author’s first-hand experience to secure FDA approvals of biosimilars and an extensive analysis of the rationality of testing to demonstrate biosimilarity. Multiple citizen petitions by the author and meetings with the FDA may have prompted the recent announcement by the FDA to award a $5 million research grant to scientists to develop novel testing models to establish biosimilarity, including modifying the interchangeability protocols. Soon, demonstration of biosimilarity will not require animal testing and, in most cases, clinical efficacy testing; over time, the clinical pharmacology testing will be reduced as the regulatory agencies develop more confidence in the safety and efficacy of biosimilars. Biosimilars have come of age; now it is the turn of the developers to grow up, and one way to show this is to challenge the current regulatory guidelines but only on scientific grounds to seek more concessions, for which both FDA and EMA are ready. Full article
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15 pages, 345 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Diabetes Mellitus
by Julia Depta, Paulina Małkowska, Monika Wysokińska, Karolina Todorska, Olga Sierawska, Rafał Hrynkiewicz, Dominika Bębnowska and Paulina Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 92-106; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010008 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5731
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently become widely publicized because they have the potential to function in alternative therapies as “natural” antibiotics, with their main advantage being a broad spectrum of activity. The potential for antimicrobial peptides to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) has been [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently become widely publicized because they have the potential to function in alternative therapies as “natural” antibiotics, with their main advantage being a broad spectrum of activity. The potential for antimicrobial peptides to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported. In diabetes mellitus type I (T1D), cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) and mouse-β- defensin 14 (mBD14) are positively affected. Decreased levels of LL-37 and human neutrophil peptide 1-3 (HNP1-3) have been reported in diabetes mellitus type II (T2D) relative to healthy patients. Moreover, AMPs from amphibians and social wasps have antidiabetic effects. In infections occurring in patients with tuberculosis-diabetes or diabetic foot, granulysin, HNP1, HNP2, HNP3, human beta-defensin 2 (HBD2), and cathelicidins are responsible for pathogen clearance. An interesting alternative is also the use of modified M13 bacteriophages containing encapsulated AMPs genes or phagemids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Peptides for Therapeutic Applications)
11 pages, 439 KiB  
Review
The Promising Role of Mushrooms as a Therapeutic Adjuvant of Conventional Cancer Therapies
by Ana Isabel Plácido, Fátima Roque and Manuel Morgado
Biologics 2022, 2(1), 58-68; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics2010005 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6174
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been fronted as an alternative due to its potential for holistic treatment. Many CAMs are plant-derived, including algae and mushrooms that have been used widely in many parts of the world, where they are regarded as biological [...] Read more.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been fronted as an alternative due to its potential for holistic treatment. Many CAMs are plant-derived, including algae and mushrooms that have been used widely in many parts of the world, where they are regarded as biological response modifiers. The purpose of this article was to review the role of mushrooms as an adjuvant in conventional therapies, to reveal the therapeutic substances of mushrooms as an adjuvant in conventional therapies, to bring together the available scientific data on the medical effects of mushrooms in oncology, and verify its efficacy and safety. A literature search was conducted in September 2021 on the MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials or clinical trials studies addressing the use of whole mushroom formulations as complementary therapy during conventional cancer treatment.: The findings from the present study suggest that mushrooms may act as a potentiator of host defense mechanisms and decrease adverse events for patients with cancer undergoing conventional therapies. New protocols to conduct clinical trials are needed to elucidate the possible active mechanisms and clinical benefits of these fungi in various types of cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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20 pages, 1621 KiB  
Review
Nucleic Acid Vaccines for COVID-19: A Paradigm Shift in the Vaccine Development Arena
by Vivek P. Chavda, Md Kamal Hossain, Jayesh Beladiya and Vasso Apostolopoulos
Biologics 2021, 1(3), 337-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics1030020 - 23 Oct 2021
Cited by 76 | Viewed by 14199
Abstract
Coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has touched every country globally except five countries (North Korea, Turkmenistan, Tonga, Tuvalu and Nauru). Vaccination is the most effective method to protect against infectious diseases. The objective is to ensure that everyone has access to a COVID-19 vaccine. The [...] Read more.
Coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has touched every country globally except five countries (North Korea, Turkmenistan, Tonga, Tuvalu and Nauru). Vaccination is the most effective method to protect against infectious diseases. The objective is to ensure that everyone has access to a COVID-19 vaccine. The conventional vaccine development platforms are complex and time-consuming to obtain desired approved vaccine candidates through rigorous regulatory pathways. These safeguards guarantee that the optimized vaccine product is safe and efficacious for various demographic populations prior to it being approved for general use. Nucleic acid vaccines employ genetic material from a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, to induce an immune response against it. Based on the vaccination, the genetic material might be DNA or RNA; as such, it offers instructions for producing a specific pathogen protein that the immune system will perceive as foreign and mount an immune response. Nucleic acid vaccines for multiple antigens might be made in the same facility, lowering costs even more. Most traditional vaccine regimens do not allow for this. Herein, we demonstrate the recent understanding and advances in nucleic acid vaccines (DNA and mRNA based) against COVID-19, specifically those in human clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Drugs and Vaccines)
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22 pages, 1485 KiB  
Review
Involvement of Probiotics and Postbiotics in the Immune System Modulation
by Neslihan Yeşilyurt, Birsen Yılmaz, Duygu Ağagündüz and Raffaele Capasso
Biologics 2021, 1(2), 89-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics1020006 - 6 Jul 2021
Cited by 101 | Viewed by 22698
Abstract
Intestinal microbiota interacts with other systems, especially the immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body by recognizing “stranger” (pathogen associated molecular patterns-PAMPs) and “danger” (damage-associated molecular patterns-DAMPs) molecular motifs. In this manner, it plays an important role in the pathogenesis of [...] Read more.
Intestinal microbiota interacts with other systems, especially the immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body by recognizing “stranger” (pathogen associated molecular patterns-PAMPs) and “danger” (damage-associated molecular patterns-DAMPs) molecular motifs. In this manner, it plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases and health. Despite the use of probiotics that modulate the intestinal microbiota in providing health benefits and in the treatment of diseases, there are some possible concerns about the possibility of developing adverse effects, especially in people with suppressed immune systems. Since probiotics provide health benefits with bioactive compounds, studies are carried out on the use of products containing non-living probiotic microorganisms (paraprobiotics) and/or their metabolites (postbiotics) instead of probiotic products. It is even reported that these microbial compounds have more immunomodulatory activities than living microorganisms via some possible mechanism and eliminates some disadvantages of probiotics. Considering the increasing use of functional foods in health and disease, further studies are needed with respect to the benefits and advantages of parabiotic and/or postbiotic use in the food and pharmaceutical industry as well as immune system modulation. Although probiotics have been extensive studied for a long time, it seems that postbiotics are promising tools for future research and applications according to the recent literature. This review aimed to evaluate the interaction of probiotics and postbiotics with the immune systems and also their advantages and disadvantages in the area of food-pharmaceutical industry and immune system modulation. Full article
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1 pages, 173 KiB  
Editorial
Biologics—An Open Access Journal for Biological Drugs
by Raffaele Capasso
Biologics 2021, 1(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics1010001 - 11 Mar 2021
Viewed by 3709
Abstract
Biological drugs have been attracting interest from the scientific community in recent years [...] Full article
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