Blocking entry of hepatitis B and D viruses to hepatocytes as a novel immunotherapy for treating chronic infections

Background. Chronic hepatitis B and D virus (HBV/HDV) infections can cause cancer. Current HBV therapy using nucleoside analogues (NAs) is life-long and reduces but does not eliminate the risk of cancer. A hallmark of chronic hepatitis B is a dysfunctional HBV-specific T-cell response. We therefore designed an immunotherapy driven by naive healthy T cells specific for the HDV antigen (HDAg) to bypass the need for HBV-specific T cells in order to prime PreS1-specific T cells and PreS1 antibodies blocking HBV entry. Methods. Ten combinations of PreS1 and/or HDAg sequences were evaluated for induction of PreS1 antibodies and HBV- and HDV-specific T cells in vitro and in vivo. Neutralization of HBV by PreS1-specific murine and rabbit antibodies was evaluated in cell culture, and rabbit anti-PreS1 were tested for neutralization of HBV in mice repopulated with human hepatocytes. Results. The best vaccine candidate induced T cells to PreS1 and HDAg, and PreS1 antibodies blocking HBV entry in vitro. Importantly, adoptive transfer of PreS1 antibodies prevented, or modulated, HBV infection after a subsequent challenge in humanized mice. Conclusions. We here describe a novel immunotherapy for chronic HBV/HDV that targets viral entry to complement NAs and coming therapies inhibiting viral maturation

Crafting a corpse, “cheating” the gods: A composite mummy from ancient Egypt studied with computed tomography

Composite mummies do not contain a corpse but are made from body parts or bones and other materials. They are genuine mummies made in ancient Egypt for spiritual reasons. This article describes the study of a composite human mummy using computed tomography (CT). This procedure was used to identify the bones and other materials used to make the mummy as well as the technique used for its assembly. Other findings of interest included bilateral parietal thinning and the presence of fluid levels inside many of the bones. Descriptions of composite mummies are rare in the literature, and this is the first time an adult human composite mummy has been studied using CT. These findings add to our knowledge of the composite mummies of ancient Egypt. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Chronic maxillary atelectasis under the wrappings of an Egyptian mummy

Objectives: In the context of a joint Mummy Research Project of the National Archaeological Museum, the Hellenic Institute of Egyptology and the Athens Medical Centre, an Egyptian mummy of the mid-Ptolemaic Period was transferred to our hospital and was thoroughly investigated with Computed Tomography. Methods: The mummy was carefully removed from its coffin and scanned in a 64-detector row computed tomographic scanner. Multiplanar and anthropometric measurements were obtained using advanced software. Results: The mummy appeared to be well-preserved and belonged to a young male adult. Among the findings, the most interesting and uncommon one was the asymmetry of the maxillary sinuses and the orbits. There were no signs of trauma. Conclusions: Computed Tomography revealed in a non-destructive way a rare, based on the published data, facial deformity in an Egyptian mummy attributed to chronic maxillary atelectasis. © The Author(s) 2019