Biography:

Juana Díez is a Professor of Microbiology and Head of the Molecular Virology Laboratory in the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences (University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain). She obtained her PhD on Virus-Cell Coevolution (University Autónoma of Madrid) and moved to the Institute of Molecular Virology (Madison, USA) for her Post-doctorate to study host factors supporting positive-strand viral RNA replication. The main focus of her group is to decipher key host-virus interactions and to use this knowledge for development of broad-spectrum antivirals.

Abstract:

Viruses completely depend on cellular factors to multiply. In spite of their unique coding features, different viruses have been shown to depend on some common host factors. Consequently, it should be possible to develop broad-spectrum antivirals by targeting them. In the presentation, the author will give an overview of the concept of host-targeting, broad-spectrum antiviral drugs and our work on natural products. The author will specially focus on metabolites isolated from myxobacteria, one of the top producers of natural products with host-targeting properties.

Biography:

Zajac V has completed his PhD in 1982 from the Cancer Research Institute of Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava (Slovakia), where he worked as the Head of Department of Cancer Genetics from 1996 to 2010. He joined the Medical Faculty of the Comenius University as an Associate Professor of Genetics in 2007. He has published 69 papers mostly in reputed journals and he was editor of the book “Bacteria, viruses and parasites in AIDS process” (InTech, 2011). 

Abstract:

There is increasing evidence, pointing out that GIT and other mucosal tissue are the main places of HIV infection and CD4+T cells loss but and not the blood. These findings go along with the new studies about the role of bacterial translocation in the gut as central driver of AIDS pathogenesis. We have identified HIV-like sequences and HIV-like proteins in bacteria and yeast in a cohort of 80 HIV positive patients from Slovakia, USA, Kenya and Cambodia. DNA testing of bacteria and yeasts: a) From intestinal tract of American and Slovak HIV-positive patients; b) From respiratory tract of Cambodian and Kenyan HIV-positive children has detected sequences 90% homologous with the corresponding sequences of HIV-1. Using monoclonal antibodies (MAB) against HIV-1 antigens p17, p24, gp41 and p55 we have identified HIV-like proteins in bacterial extracts of most tested patients. HIV-like protein of size 95 kDa was detected by MAB against gp120 only in Candida species of Cambodian and Kenyan samples. Specific properties of patient’s microbiota by co-cultivation with HL-60 cells and reducing the viral load in AIDS patients after administration of probiotics E. coli Nissle 1917 were detected. Based on these results it can be hypothetically explained that bacteria and yeasts serve as a natural host of HIV sequences since the beginning of mankind. Thanks to countless epidemics, individuals carrying the pathogenic microbes with HIV sequences largely extinct. This tremendous longtime sanitary process - continued until the 18^th century, took place mainly in Europe, consequently in USA, GB colonies, partially in Asia and North Africa. However, administration of antibiotics, drugs and anal intercourse induced intestinal dysbiosis and pathogenic bacteria were re-propagated. When pathogenic microbes bearing HIV sequences moved to the majority, penetrated from the intestinal tract into the blood, invaded the lymphocyte, infected/lysed them, the process of immunodeficiency might start. Presented hypothesis answers to many unanswered questions like the origin of HIV, connection of AIDS with TBC in Africa, absence of gold standard in Africa, the presence of HIV reservoirs after antiretroviral therapy, the rarity of complete viral particles detection in the material from AIDS patients, and detection of HIV sequences and the HIV-like proteins. According to our results there is a strong objection against dogma that HIV was transmitted to humans from apes in Africa about 35-50 years ago on the route of accidental contacts. Based on our results we submit proposals for an explanation of one of the most serious problems concerning this disease, which is a large-scale HIV positive in Africa on the basis of evolutionary process.

Biography:

Luigi Santacroce is working in the Dept. of Medical Basic Sciences in Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari, Italy and is currently researching on neurologic disorders, cancer, and obesity. He is author/co-author of more than 20 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Actually, several studies have established a relationship between microorganisms and chronic conditions such as atherosclerosis, neurologic disorders, cancer, and obesity. The link between microorganisms and increasing numbers of diseases never before envisioned as having microbial etiology opens fascinating scientific, medical, and public health perspectives. Apart from bacteria as Helicobacter pylori, experimental and epidemiologic data show a causative role for viruses, particularly in cervical and liver cancer, than viruses must be thought of as one of the most important risk factor for cancer development in humans. As a consequence, today we can be certain that many cancers have aetiologies with infectious agents as necessary factors. Several DNA tumor viruses encode viral oncoproteins that can directly transform the cells. In vitro tests (i.e., using the NIH/3T3 cell stocks) allowed to clarify that the nonviral tumors have endogenous activated oncogenes. Generally, tumor viruses, after the infection of their host, determine mild disease conditions or no, or cause non-neoplastic diseases (e.g., HBV). This natural condition is just one of the reasons why it is so difficult to identify the viral agents as causal factors for human cancers. HPV is one of the most recent virus focused as responsible for cancers other than cervical. The clinical scenarios of HPV infection depend from the site of the lesion and the virus serotype. In fact, HPV DNA was detected in 100% of cervical carcinomas, 40% in tumors of the penis, as well as vulvar and vaginal, in 90% in anal carcinomas, 12% in oropharyngeal carcinomas and 3% of cancers of the mouth. Viruses may contribute to the development of human tumors both indirectly, inducing immunosuppression or modifying the host cell genome without persistence of viral DNA, and directly inducing oncoproteins or by altering the expression of host cell proteins at the site of viral DNA integration. 

Biography:

Igor Jeremic has completed his Medical Doctor degree at the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade in 1999 and Specialization in Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2006 with  the highest grade 10 at the Medical Faculty in Belgrade. He has also completed specialization in Radio Wave Dermatosurgery in New York in 2008. In 2010, he was appointed as a Licensed Educator of radio wave surgery for Europe: Turkey and Russia in the field of gynecology and dermatosurgery by an expert team of doctors in New York. He is the Founder and the Owner of “Polyclinic Jeremic” the Educational Center of radio wave surgery for Europe.

Abstract:

Problem Statement: HPV infection is the epidemic of modern times. High occurrence of HPV infection as well as genital warts is greatly influenced by a very easy way of infection transmission. It takes only one unprotected sex intercourse (without a condom) and the infection is transferred. With immune compromised patients and patients on immune suppressive therapy (chemotherapy and corticosteroids) incubation period is extremely short. It takes only 45 days for the severe clinical forms of genital warts to appear. Mixed HPV infections (70% of the low and high-risk types) coupled with weak immune system impose additional responsibility to the doctors in therapeutic approach.

Methods: The study includes 100 patients of both sexes between 15 and 50 years of age, HIV and HBsAg positive patients , patients on immune suppressive and chemo therapy, with medium and severe forms of genital warts on all parts anogenital region, with stress on the cervix, vagina, anus and intra-anal localization. Everything above represents a big therapeutic challenge because of the following facts: The sensitivity of anogenital region on forced trauma; Inaccessible area for intervention are intra-anal, vaginal or cervical warts; High vascularization-vagina-cervix-hemorrhoids’ ranges. 4. Receptivity to infection - bacterial flora (vagina and colon); Weak immune status; and the risk of professional exposure.

Results: During 12 years of my work with 4 MHZ radio wave therapy, I developed my own special technique so called radio wave vaporization. Radio wave therapy is bloodless technique that protects the local immunity of patients and prevents professional exposure. My technique involves melting of genital warts on the mucous membranes of anogenital region which as a result has a completely bloodless operating field and the accuracy in complete elimination of all forms of genital warts in just one treatment. With the exception of only 20% of patients, when we are dealing with really heavy forms of infections and in Buschke Lowenstein form, it takes two interventions. The intervention is performed in local anesthesia (cream). The duration of the intervention is 5 min to 30 minutes. Patients need not be hospitalized. Thanks to the new technique and specially designed extensions the lateral damage to healthy tissue is less than 10 microns. Minimum lateral damage and minimal bleeding do not affect local immunity, which represents the therapeutic key to a quick recovery without accompanying bacterial infections that often follow with HIV infected patients, with recidive percentage below 3%.

Conclusion: My new technique and approach using 4 MHz radio wave frequencies system make it a very efficient, safe, painless and bloodless method with a maximum therapeutic and esthetic effect. It has the lowest so far known recurrence rates (below 3%) in severe forms of genital warts and with patients with poor immune status. The ease of performing intervention in local anesthesia (cream) makes it the therapy of first choice to protect doctors from a professional exposure to HIV and hepatitis. Returning to everyday life activities including sexual activity regardless of clinical severity is possible after 5 weeks of intervention.

Biography:

Mohammad Mir is working As an Associate Professor-Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine in the Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California and I am a multidisciplinary virologist interested in molecular mechanism of virus replication and therapeutic intervention of viral diseases.  I am enthusiastic to train next generation of virologists with a background in veterinary sciences at the College of veterinary medicine, Western University of Health Sciences.  The veterinarians with research experiences in cutting edge virology will serve as specialized lead work force in the frontier areas of infectious disease.  

Abstract:

Hantaviruses, members of the Bunyaviridae family cause severe illness in humans with high Mortality rates. There is no cure for Hantavirus disease at present. An evolutionarily conserved Sequence at the 5' terminus of hantaviral genomic RNA plays an important role in viral transcription initiation and packaging of the viral genome into viral nucleocapsids. Interaction of viral nucleocapsid protein (N) with this conserved sequence facilitates mRNA translation by a unique N-mediated translation strategy. Whereas this evolutionarily conserved sequence Facilitates virus replication with the assistance of N in eukaryotic hosts having multifaceted Antiviral defence, we demonstrate its interaction with N presents a novel target for therapeutic Intervention of hantavirus disease. Using a high throughput screening approach, we identified Three lead inhibitors that bind and induce structural perturbations in N. The inhibitors interrupt NRNA interaction and abrogate both viral genomic RNA synthesis and N-mediated translation strategy without affecting the canonical translation machinery of the host cell. The inhibitors are well tolerated by cells and inhibit hantavirus replication with the same potency as ribavirin, a Commercially available antiviral. We report the identification of a unique chemical scaffold that Disrupts a critical RNA-protein interaction in Hantaviruses and holds promise for the development Of the first anti-hantaviral therapeutic with broad spectrum antiviral activity.

Biography:

Viruses are biomolecular nanomachines designed to infect cell hosts with high efficiency and specificity. Therefore, they are intrinsically flexible and naturally exist in multiple conformations that can be visualized at nearly native conditions by modern structural methods, such as Cryo-electron microscopy (EM). Advances of the last decade in technology and software development led to the revelation of structural variations in complexes and improvements in a resolution of EM structures. Structural analysis based on single-particle methods suggests several approaches for the separation of conformational states and therefore disclosure of the functioning mechanisms of complexes. Revelation of the virus activity through structural analysis requires the examination of large datasets, sophisticated programs, and significant computing power. Hybrid approaches based on combination of X-ray, NMR, SAXS, and structurally driven mutagenesis are essential for understanding the function of biological complexes. We will demonstrate successful applications of these methods in structural studies of bacteriophages. Phages are viruses of bacteria; their genome is packaged in stable and rigid capsids which shield it from the extracellular environment. Our current understanding of phage function has been advanced by the emergence of a number of phage structures over the past decade. The similarity of their structural components indicates that phages have a common ancestor and share a common morphogenetic pathway. In our study we have determined structures of the bacteriophage Spp1 capsids at nearly atomic resolution. These structures have allowed us to trace an extensive network of contacts between capsid proteins and suggest a mechanism of the phage maturation.

Abstract:

Viruses are biomolecular nanomachines designed to infect cell hosts with high efficiency and specificity. Therefore, they are intrinsically flexible and naturally exist in multiple conformations that can be visualized at nearly native conditions by modern structural methods, such as Cryo-electron microscopy (EM). Advances of the last decade in technology and software development led to the revelation of structural variations in complexes and improvements in a resolution of EM structures. Structural analysis based on single-particle methods suggests several approaches for the separation of conformational states and therefore disclosure of the functioning mechanisms of complexes. Revelation of the virus activity through structural analysis requires the examination of large datasets, sophisticated programs, and significant computing power. Hybrid approaches based on combination of X-ray, NMR, SAXS, and structurally driven mutagenesis are essential for understanding the function of biological complexes. We will demonstrate successful applications of these methods in structural studies of bacteriophages. Phages are viruses of bacteria; their genome is packaged in stable and rigid capsids which shield it from the extracellular environment. Our current understanding of phage function has been advanced by the emergence of a number of phage structures over the past decade. The similarity of their structural components indicates that phages have a common ancestor and share a common morphogenetic pathway. In our study we have determined structures of the bacteriophage Spp1 capsids at nearly atomic resolution. These structures have allowed us to trace an extensive network of contacts between capsid proteins and suggest a mechanism of the phage maturation.

Biography:

Samira Khiar is working in the Viral Genomics and Vaccination Unit Institut Pasteur de Paris , France and is currently researching on against infectious agents and tumors she is author/co-author of more than 20 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

The type I interferon response plays a pivotal role in host defense against infectious agents and tumors, and promising therapeutic approaches rely on small molecules designed to boost this system. To identify such compounds, we developed a high-throughput screening assay based on HEK-293 cells expressing luciferase under the control of interferon-stimulated response elements (ISRE). An original library of 10,000 synthetic compounds was screened, and we identified a series of 1H-benzimidazole-4-carboxamide compounds inducing the ISRE promoter sequence, specific cellular Interferon-Stimulated Genes (ISGs), and the phosphorylation of Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF) 3. ISRE induction by ChX710, a prototypical member of this chemical series, was dependent on the adaptor MAVS and IRF1, but was IRF3 independent. Although it was unable to trigger type I IFN secretion per se, ChX710 efficiently primed cellular response to transfected plasmid DNA as assessed by potent synergistic effects on IFN-b secretion and ISG expression levels. This cellular response was dependent on STING, a key adaptor involved in the sensing of cytosolic DNA and immune activation by various pathogens, stress signals and tumorigenesis. Our results demonstrate that cellular response to cytosolic DNA can be boosted with a small molecule, and potential applications in antimicrobial and cancer therapies are discussed.

Biography:

Aviv Dombrovsky has completed his PhD from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences, Rehovot, Israel and Post-doctoral studies from INRA/CNRS Sophia Antipolis-Agrobiotech, France. He is a Plant Virologist Researcher in the Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Science Agricultural Research Organization (ARO)- Volcani Center. He is the Scientific Manager of Central and North Arava Research and Development Center, Israel. He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Phytoparasitica Journal.     
 

Abstract:

In the recent decade, a new outbreak of old and new Tobamovirus occurred worldwide. The disease caused by the cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) in cucurbits melon watermelon and cucumber was reported in Israel, North-Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and the Far-east. Recently, the Tobamovirus tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) was discovered in tomato grown in Central America. In the Middle East; in Jordan and Israel, a new Tobamovirus isolate infects tomato plants harboring Tm-2² resistance genes putatively named tomato brown rugose fruit virus (TBRFV). The epidemiology and strategies for the Tobamovirus management were studied and developed in our national initiative project for CGMMV coordinated by our lab. Growers in large-scale fields adopted the outcome of this extensive study. The experience with CGMMV management was rapidly applied also for the new Tobamovirus disease management in tomatoes grown trellised in protected structures (greenhouses, walk-in tunnels, etc.).

Biography:

M B Rahman has completed his PhD from Kyoto University, Japan and Post-doctoral studies from Changing University, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Taiwan and Proteomics Lab of Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany. He is a Professor of Microbiology, Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. He is also working as a Senior Regional Vaccine Consultant, Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Government of Bangladesh. He has published more than 65 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Bangladesh Journal of Microbiology, Microbes and Health and Journal of Environmental Science and Natural Resources.

Abstract:

Total 15 samples were collected from cattle infected with FMD, of which 85 (56.29%) was adapted in BHK-21 cell. Viral RNA was extracted from virus infected BH-21 cell culture fluid using RNA extraction kit (Promega^®, USA) and used for amplification of VP1 gene with specific primers by RT-PCR for FMD virus serotyping, of which, 31 (43.67%), 26 (36.62%), 10 (14.08%) were positive for serotype A, O, Asia 1, respectively and 4 (5.63%) for mixed. Partial sequencing of VP1 gene was performed two from each serotypes and comparison conducted using the BLAST search and 92-99%, 92-100% and 96-98% homology were found with some FMD virus serotypes O, A and Asia-1 isolates of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan, respectively. Isolates of this study belonged to PanAsia-02 sub-lineage of ME-SA topotype (serotype O), genotype VII (18) of ASIA topotype (serotype A) and Lineage C (serotype Asia-1), respectively.  BAU FMD Vac-1 and -2 developed from isolated FMD virus and antibody titers were determined in sero-negative calves by ELISA and SNT and compared with commercially available FMD vaccines. Vaccines were administered in single and booster dose order; of which BAU FMD Vac-1 produced better immune response than other vaccines including BAU FMD Vac-2. Highest antibody titers were found in all vaccines at 60 dpv, and after 60 dpv the antibody titers gradually decline. Protective immunity persists up to 5 months (single dose) and 6 months (booster dose) in case of BAU FMD Vac-1. On the other hand in case of with BAU FMD Vac-2, Raksha® and Aftovaxpur® protective immunity persisted only 4 months (single dose) and 5 months (booster dose). Efficacy test of BAU FMD Vac-1 and 2 vaccines were carried out in guinea pigs and found 100% potent against FMD virus serotypes O, A and Asia-1.

Biography:

Mir Asif Iquebal has completed his PhD at the age of 28 years from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Trained on Computational Biology at Iowa State University, Ames, USA. Currently, he is working as Scientist (Senior Scale) at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, a premier agricultural research organization. He has published more than 40 research papers in reputed National and International journals.

Presenting author details Full name: MIR ASIF IQUEBAL Contact number: +91-8860912108 Twitter account: Linked In account:

Session name/ number: Category: Oral presentation 

Abstract:

Centre for Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi; 2ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur 208024, India

Blackgram (Vigna mungo) is one of the important pulse crops grown in Indian sub-continent. It is also known as urdbean. The symptoms of crinkle disease include enlargement, puckering and crinkling of leaves. The disease is known from decades and has been reported to be transmitted by mechanical as well by many types of insects. Though in the literature, there are evidences that this disease is caused by a virus and named as Urdbean leaf crinkle virus (ULCV), however, still the genome of the virus has not been characterized. The present study was aimed to find out the virus (es) involved in crinkle disease of urdbean. Four urdbean samples showing crinkle disease were collected from field and they were sap inoculated separately on urbean plants. The RNA from field infected (n=4), sap inoculated (n=4) and healthy samples (n=1) extracted and were used to prepare three libraries (1-Pooled RNA from field infected samples, 2-Pooled RNA from sap inoculated samples and 3-RNA from healthy sample) for next generation sequencing (NGS). After removing reads pertaining to plant sample, assembly and mapping was done. We found 1161 contigs from sap inoculated sample and 1865 contigs from field infected sample. Cap3 was used to assemble the small contigs into complete sequence. Genome Annotation Transfer Utility (GATU) was used for annotation of viral genomes by using a closely related genome as a reference. Most of the sequences were obtained from Retrovirus-related Pol poly from transposon followed by Cowpea mild mottle virus (CpMMV), Tobamovirus multiplication, Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) and Peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV). Three viruses (CpMMV, MYMIV and PBNV) has already been reported infecting many legume crops including urdbean, however, the sequences of retrovirus-related Pol poly transposon and Tobamovirus multiplication are being reported for the first time. There role in urdbean crinkle disease needs to be investigated.