Since the V3 loops vary in positive charge between X4 and R5 HIV-1 strains, it is likely that the broad potency observed for SPL7013 and SPL7115 is due in part to interactions with conserved clusters of positive charge on gp120.
As a point of comparison, bNAbs against HIV-1 gp120 and influenza HA target conserved regions, and in these cases a compact structural epitope that focuses on conserved residues is likely critical for broad potency.
Recent identification of artemisinin-tolerant parasites in southeast Asia, however, has raised concerns that the broad potency of ACTs against all parasite strains may be waning, which could lead to a resurgence in malaria deaths (Dondorp et al., 2009; Ariey et al., 2014).
Notably, the double mutation at position 101 and 102 to Tyr and Asp restores the CDR3 sequence of VHH A12 (Figure 2), which has broader neutralization potency than D7 [35].
Austin Smith, a stem-cell scientist at the University of Cambridge, wrote a companion piece, touting the cells' "unusually broad developmental potency".
In a preliminary screening for its antimicrobial potential, it showed a broad spectrum potency, in line with previous studies on medicinal plants (Omoregie and Folashad 2013; Silva junior et al. 2009; Zampini et al. 2009).
Similar self-renewing cells with broad developmental potency can also be generated by respecifying germ cells with extrinsic factors (Matsui et al., 1992) or reprogramming somatic cells using gene transfection (Takahashi and Yamanaka, 2006; see Review by R. Jaenisch and R. Young in this issue).
We have synthesised a unique class of single-chain biological agents called bispecific ligand-directed toxin (BLT) with significant advantages over traditional monospecific ligand-directed toxins including increased potency, broader tumour targeting, and decreased toxicity (Vallera et al, 2005b, 2008, 2009; Stish et al, 2007a, 2007b, 2008).
Continued development of this targeting strategy has resulted in the generation of unattenuated oncolytic viruses with enhanced potency, broad species-tropisms and reduced off-target toxicities in multiple-tissues simultaneously.
