Chise
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sailorrooscout.bsky.social
Chise
@sailorrooscout.bsky.social
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Senior Scientist | Vaccine Research & Development | NIH | NIAID | VRC | 🧬🧫🦠🔬💉🥼🥽 | 🏳️‍🌈 | @coralchimera.bsky.social 💍 | @phoenixnest.bsky.social & @multicolorbark.com & @likeapalette.com 🧵🪡
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achieved lasting viral suppression for the ENTIRE duration of the 12-week study. Even more notably, when administered after other therapies failed, the antibody WIPED OUT detectable virus from the blood altogether. Sequencing of the virus showed no emergent, stable escape mutations, which makes it
Fig. 5: 04_A06 suppresses viremia and restricts VRC01-class viral escape in vivo. Fig. 6: 04_A06 exhibits enhanced antiviral activity against AMP trial viruses and high HIV-1 PE.
November 12, 2025 at 5:13 PM
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Deep mutational scanning, a method used to screen for how viruses mutate to evade immune attack, discovered that no mutation would make 04_A06 weaker significantly. In contrast to other antibodies with clear-cut "escape points," 04_A06 drove the virus into a genetic dead end so to speak.
Fig. 4: Ultralong 11-amino-acid insertion facilitates the quaternary binding mode of 04_A06.
November 12, 2025 at 5:11 PM
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ONLY five to nine out of a panel of 337 strains were resistant to some extent at all, and the antibody possessed a nearly unprecedented breadth of neutralization. It also performed well against viruses ALREADY RESISTANT to other antibodies- neutralizing nearly 80% of viruses that evaded VRC01.
Fig. 1: Large-scale isolation of mAbs from HIV-1 elite neutralizers. Fig. 2: bnAbs coevolved with overlapping specificity for the CD4bs. Fig. 3: 04_A06 demonstrates marked neutralizing potency and breadth.
November 12, 2025 at 5:09 PM
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This finding potentially opens up new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of HIV infections.
• uni-koeln.de/en/universit...

The study has been published in Nature Immunology. YES, it is PEER-REVIEWED.
• www.nature.com/articles/s41...

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ABSTRACT Administration of HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies can suppress viremia and prevent infection in vivo. However, clinical use is challenged by envelope diversity and rapid viral escape. Here, we performed single B cell profiling of 32 top HIV-1 elite neutralizers to identify broadly neutralizing antibodies with highest antiviral activity. From 831 expressed monoclonal antibodies, we identified 04_A06, a VH1-2-encoded broadly neutralizing antibody to the CD4 binding site with remarkable breadth and potency against multiclade pseudovirus panels (geometric mean half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 0.059 ug ml-1, breadth = 98.5%, 332 strains). Moreover, 04_A06 was not susceptible to classic CD4 binding site escape variants and maintained full viral suppression in HIV-1-infected humanized mice. Structural analyses revealed an unusually long 11-amino-acid heavy chain insertion that facilitates interprotomer contacts with highly conserved residues on the adjacent gp120 protomer. Finally, 04_A06 demonstrated high activity against contemporaneously circulating viruses from the Antibody-Mediated Prevention trials (geometric mean half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 0.082 ug ml-1, breadth = 98.4%, 191 virus strains), and in silico modeling for 04_A06LS predicted prevention efficacy of >93%. Thus, 04_A06 will provide unique opportunities for effective treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection.
November 12, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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bat
An anthropomorphic striped hyena in a bat kigu.
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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lower incidence across age groups, across major coexisting conditions, and across immunocompetence strata. Effectiveness against the composite outcome measured 37.1% at days 1 to 60, 32.5% at days 61 to 120, and 21.4% at days 121 to 180. The COVID-19 vaccine was associated with protecting veterans
Figure 3. Subgroup Analyses.
November 7, 2025 at 5:07 PM
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measured 44.15 in the COVID-19 vaccine group and 62.39 in the no–COVID-19 vaccine group. Hospitalization effectiveness measured 39.2%, with risks measured at 11.55 in the vaccine group versus 19.06 per 10,000 persons. Death effectiveness measured 64.0%, with an absolute reduction of 2.2 deaths per
Figure 2. Cumulative Risks of Covid-19–Associated Outcomes over 180 Days in the 2024–2025 Vaccination Season
November 7, 2025 at 5:06 PM
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Department of Veterans Affairs electronic health records to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine against COVID-19–associated emergency-department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths at six months. Cohort enrollment included 164,132 veterans who received same-day COVID-19 and
Figure 1. Selection of Study Participants
November 7, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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According to the study’s authors, COVID vaccination was effective in all ALL groups and in persons with OR without major chronic conditions.

The study has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. YES, it is PEER-REVIEWED.
• www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....

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Abstract BACKGROUND Amid the declining clinical severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and diminishing public uptake of annual coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, contemporary evidence on vaccine effectiveness against clinically relevant outcomes is needed. METHODS We conducted an observational study that used the electronic health records of the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2024-2025 Covid-19 vaccine among veterans who received the Covid-19 and influenza vaccines on the same day (164,132 participants) and in an active-comparator group of veterans who received the influenza vaccine only (131,839 participants), between September 3 and December 31, 2024. Participants were followed for 180 days or until the occurrence of an outcome, whichever came first. We used inverse-probability-weighted models to estimate vaccine effectiveness (calculated as 1 minus the risk ratio) against Covid-19-associated emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths at 6 months. RESULTS At 6 months of follow-up, the estimated vaccine effectiveness was 29.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.1 to 39.2) against Covid-19-associated emergency department visits (risk difference per 10,000 persons, 18.3; 95% CI, 10.8 to 27.6), 39.2% (95% Cl, 21.6 to 54.5) against Covid-19-associated hospitalizations (risk difference per 10,000 persons, 7.5; 95% Cl, 3.4 to 13.0), and 64.0% (95% CI, 23.0 to 85.8) against Covid-19-associated deaths (risk difference per 10,000 persons, 2.2; 95% Cl, 0.5 to 6.9). Vaccine effectiveness against a composite of these outcomes was 28.3% (95% CI, 18.2 to 38.2), with a risk difference per 10,000 persons of 18.2 (95% Cl, 10.7 to 27.5). The Covid-19 vaccine was associated with decreased risks of these outcomes across prespecified subgroups defined according to age (<65 years, 65 to 75 years, and >75 years), the presence or absence of major coexisting conditions, and immunocompetence status. CONCLUSIONS In this national cohort of U.S. veterans, the receipt of the 2024-2025 Covid-19 vaccine was associated with decreased risks of severe clinical outcomes. (Funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs.)
November 7, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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a form developed from tumor lysate -inactive cancer cells from actual tumors- to mimic the complex mixture of proteins in human cancers. The vaccine was shown to protect against a number of different types: 88% of mice from pancreatic cancer, 75% from breast cancer, and 69% from melanoma. The
Figure 4 NP administration with tumor lysate for broad immune responses as a platform approach across multiple models
November 5, 2025 at 5:13 PM
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more coordinated response. When mice were immunized with this nanoparticle system and later challenged with melanoma cells, 80% of them stayed cancer-free throughout the course of the 250-day study. The control animals did not survive longer than 35 days. The immunized animals also rejected
Figure 3 Multivalent peptide vaccination with NPs for prevention of tumor formation and long-term survival
November 5, 2025 at 5:12 PM
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PGC1α gene, which enhances mitochondrial function. When these modified cells were implanted in tumor mice, they survived longer and efficiently killed cancer cells- possessing 2.5-fold the ability to kill compared to normal cells. This discovery leaves open the door to improving existing therapies
Figure 2 NP draining efficiency to lymph nodes and activation of DCs
November 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
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“stem-like" T-cells. These cells, characterized by genes TCF1 and LEF1, could self-renew and differentiate into new waves of fighters. If these cells were removed from mouse models, immune attacks collapsed; if they were grown, tumors disappeared and survival increased. Researchers also discovered
Figure 1 Tailoring NP engineering to augment cytokine synergy and antigen presentation
November 5, 2025 at 5:08 PM
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Researchers envision their vaccine being used as both a treatment and a preventive, and as an approach to treating multiple cancer types.
• www.umass.edu/news/article...

The study has been published in Cell Reports Medicine. YES, it is PEER-REVIEWED.
• www.cell.com/cell-reports...

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HIGHLIGHTS • Lipid NPs carrying STING and TLR4 agonists promote synergistic type I interferons • NPs drain efficiently to lymph nodes and increase polyfunctional T and B cells • NPs improve tumor-free outcomes with memory against multiple aggressive tumor models SUMMARY We report on the utility of a "super-adjuvant" nanoparticle (NP) system as a modular, customizable platform for next-generation cancer vaccination. Using nanomaterials engineering technology, we aim to harness not only the effective adjuvanticity of whole-pathogen vaccines, but also the safety of subunit vaccines. Our lipid-based NP platform co-encapsulates agonists of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways to promote synergistic production of type I interferons and other proinflammatory cytokines in innate antigen-presenting dendritic cells and macrophages. Compared to empty NPs and free agonists, dual-adjuvant NPs administered with antigenic peptides or tumor cell lysate promote increased antigen processing and presentation, drain efficiently to nearby lymph nodes, increase polyfunctional tumor-specific T and B cells, and improve tumor-free outcomes upon vaccination and subsequent challenge with multiple aggressive tumor cells. Graphical Abstract The vaccine combines two immune-stimulating molecules (adjuvants) in a tiny lipid nanoparticle that enhances both innate and adaptive immune responses. The innate immune system acts as the body’s first line of defense, responding quickly and non-specifically to invaders using cells that release inflammatory signals. The adaptive immune system takes longer to activate but provides a targeted, long-lasting response, training T-cells and B- cells to recognize and remember specific threats. Together, they form a coordinated defense: the innate system alerts and activates the adaptive system, which then delivers precise and durable immunity.
November 5, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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IT’S MY BIRTHDAY! 🎉🎂🎁🎈🎊
A pine marten with a birthday hat.
November 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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model, mice that had been vaccinated had 85% less leakage of blood vessels and 82% less lesion size compared to unvaccinated mice. In the genetic model, the vaccine decreased the area of abnormal vessels by 40% at three weeks and 55% at four weeks. Importantly, treatment also reduced the amount of
Fig. 1. LRG mRNA vaccination induces humoral immunity against LRG-1. Fig. 2. Effects of LRG-1 mRNA vaccination on laser-induced CNV. Fig. 3. Effects of LRG1 mRNA vaccination on VLDLR knockout mouse model.
November 2, 2025 at 5:08 PM
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Current treatments require repeated injections directly into the eye, but this vaccine can be delivered intramuscularly, making it less invasive and easier to administer.

The study has been published in Vaccine. YES, it is PEER-REVIEWED.
• www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Summary A new mRNA vaccine developed in Japan has been shown to suppress abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina of mice, offering hope for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Current treatments require repeated injections directly into the eye, but this vaccine can be delivered intramuscularly, making it less invasive and easier to administer. By targeting LRG1, a protein linked to abnormal angiogenesis, the vaccine triggered strong antibody responses that reduced retinal damage by up to 85% in mouse models. If successful in humans, this approach could transform AMD treatment and significantly reduce the burden of eye injections. Key Facts Mechanism The vaccine blocks LRG1, a protein promoting abnormal blood vessel growth. Effectiveness Reduced retinal leakage by 85% and lesion size by 82% in mouse models. Advantage Works as well as anti-VEGF therapy but requires only a simple arm injection. Source Institute of Science Tokyo
November 2, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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relationship between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and risk of neurodevelopmental conditions. Using data from Sweden’s national health and prescription drug registers, researchers gathered data on medication use throughout pregnancy for births from 1995 to 2019. Only about 7.5% of the study
Figure 2. Prevalence of Analgesic Use During Pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Disorder Incidence (N = 2 480 797 Children) Figure 3. Association Between Analgesic Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability
October 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
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In the largest study to date on the subject, researchers found no evidence to support a causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, ADHD and intellectual disability in children. The findings, using data from a nationwide cohort of almost 2.5 million children
Figure 1. Flow of Participants in a Study of Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
October 30, 2025 at 4:03 PM
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In short, acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy is not linked to the risk of developing autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.

The study has been published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). YES, it is PEER-REVIEWED.
• jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

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Key Points Question Does acetaminophen use during pregnancy increase children's risk of neurodevelopmental disorders? Findings In this population-based study, models without sibling controls identified marginally increased risks of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy. However, analyses of matched full sibling pairs found no evidence of increased risk of autism (hazard ratio, 0.98), ADHD (hazard ratio, 0.98), or intellectual disability (hazard ratio, 1.01) associated with acetaminophen use. Meaning Acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children's risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling control analyses. This suggests that associations observed in other models may have been attributable to confounding. Abstract Importance Several studies suggest that acetaminophen (paracetamol) use during pregnancy may increase risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. If true, this would have substantial implications for management of pain and fever during pregnancy. Objective To examine the associations of acetaminophen use during pregnancy with children's risk of autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability. Design, Setting, and Participants This nationwide cohort study with sibling control analysis included a population-based sample of 2,480,797 children born in 1995 to 2019 in Sweden, with follow-up through December 31, 2021. Exposure Use of acetaminophen during pregnancy prospectively recorded from antenatal and prescription records. Main Outcomes and Measures Autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes in health registers. Results In total, 185909 children (7.49%) were exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy. Crude absolute risks at 10 years of age for those not exposed vs those exposed to acetaminophen were 1.33% vs 1.53% for autism, 2.46% vs 2.87% for ADHD, and 0.70% vs 0.82% for intellectual disability. In models without sibling control, ever-use vs no use of acetaminophen during pregnancy was associated with marginally increased risk of autism (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.08]; risk difference [RD] at 10 years of age, 0.09% [95% Cl, -0.01% to 0.20%l), ADHD (HR, 1.07 [95% Cl, 1.05-1.10]; RD, 0.21% [95% Cl, 0.08%-0.34%]), and intellectual disability (HR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.00-1.10]; RD, 0.04% [95% Cl, -0.04% to 0.12%]). To address unobserved confounding, matched full sibling pairs were also analyzed. Sibling control analyses found no evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy was associated with autism (HR, 0.98 [95% Cl, 0.93-1.04]; RD, 0.02% [95% Cl, -0.14% to 0.18%l), ADHD (HR, 0.98 [95% Cl, 0.94-1.02]; RD, -0.02% [95% Cl, -0.21% to 0.15%]), or intellectual disability (HR, 1.01 195% Cl, 0.92-1.10]; RD, 0% [95% Cl, -0.10% to 0.13%1). Similarly, there was no evidence of a dose-response pattern in sibling control analyses. For example, for autism, compared with no use of acetaminophen, persons with low (<25th percentile), medium (25th-75th percentile), and high (>75th percentile) mean daily acetaminophen use had HRs of 0.85, 0.96, and 0.88, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance Acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with children's risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling control analysis. This suggests that associations observed in other models may have been attributable to familial confounding. The study was supported by National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 1R01NS107607.
October 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
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science experiment
An anthropomorphic pine marten and hyena in a science lab. The pine marten is holding a flask with glowing green liquid.
October 28, 2025 at 4:00 PM
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responses to the vaccine remained disease-free and survived for much longer than expected. Across all of the people who participated in the study, there was a median relapse-free survival of 16.33 months and a median overall survival of 28.94 months, BOTH WAY beyond what's normally expected in
Survival rates were promising in those who responded well to the vaccine (the red line).
October 26, 2025 at 4:09 PM
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the strongest immune response, 17 out of the 24, most were still CANCER-FREE by the last follow-up check - a median average of almost 20 months later. For cancers this aggressive, those are all impressive statistics. In other words, researchers observed that patients who developed strong immune
Fig. 1: mKRAS-specific T cell response correlates with tumor biomarker response and long-term clinical outcomes. Fig. 2: Expansion of mKRAS-specific T cells and induction of antigen spreading to nonimmunizing personal tumor neoantigens.
October 26, 2025 at 4:08 PM
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uses an amphiphile technology developed by Elicio Therapeutics that helps shuttle antigens directly to the lymph nodes, where immune responses are activated.
How ELI-002 2P works
October 26, 2025 at 4:07 PM
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at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, show that the vaccine, called ELI-002 2P, can trigger powerful and lasting immune responses and may help prevent or delay cancer recurrence in high-risk patients whose tumors are driven by KRAS
ABOUT ELI-002 2P •ELI-002 2P is composed of AMP-modified mutant KRAS peptide antigens and ELI-004- an AMP-modified immune-stimulatory oligonucleotide CpG adjuvant available as an off-the-shelf subcutaneous administration. • Researchers explained that what distinguishes ELI-002 2P as a vaccine is that it is directed INTO lymph nodes in order to elicit more robust immune responses and target mutant KRAS with greater potency and precision. IMAGE •ELI-002 2P is also an "off the shelf" vaccine, meaning in that it DOES NOT need to be tailored to an individual person and can easily be added as an adjuvant cancer therapy. •ELI-002 2P works by targeting two genetic mutations of KRAS genes, specifically KRAS G12D and KRAS G12R. •KRAS genes help to regulate cell division and growth. They aren't inherently harmful, but when they are mutated can become cancerous. •KRAS mutations are found in up to one-in-four cases of all forms of cancer, but in colon cancer that number jumps to more than one-in-three. • Additionally, KRAS mutations are also associated with lower rates of survival and more aggressive tumor growth. •The goal of ELI-002 2P is to prevent the cancer from returning after it has been successfully cleared through traditional treatment. It does this by teaching the immune system to target KRAS mutations.
October 26, 2025 at 4:04 PM