At the World Vaccine Congress this week, Longhorn Vaccines & Diagnostics LLC presented the preclinical characterization of LHNVD-501, a half-life-extended, humanized IgG monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting peptidoglycan (PGN). PGN is a conserved structural component shared across bacterial species and an upstream driver of sepsis, as well as metabolic disease, autoimmune disorders and neurodegeneration.

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have reported the preclinical development of a new synthetic antimicrobial class incorporating organic metallophores, which yielded two optimized leads – VY-AD-4-11-6 and VY-AD-4-22-6 – from a 30-compound SAR series.

Researchers from GSK plc and collaborators described the identification of MMV-1581361, a PfATP4 inhibitor, and its efficacy in models of malaria. The compound originates from MMV-020136, following structure-activity relationship studies to optimize antimalarial activity.

CAR T-cell therapy can be applied to treat some chronic infectious diseases, particularly to provide a functional cure for HIV-1 in people living with HIV. However, the effectiveness of CAR T cells for persistent suppression of HIV still faces many constraints, including the high mutation rate of reverse transcriptase, which enables the emergence of immune escape viral variants.

Chaos continues at the U.S. CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) with the resignation of ACIP member Robert Malone and the impending deadline for the president to nominate a new CDC director following the dramatic exit last year of Susan Monarez and months of acting directors.