Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Cheleka A. M. Mpande, Virginie Rozot, Boitumelo Mosito, Munyaradzi Musvosvi, One B. Dintwe, Nicole Bilek, Mark Hatherill, Thomas J. Scriba, Elisa Nemes
Summary: Recent M.tb infection is associated with highly activated and moderately differentiated functional M.tb-specific T cell subsets, which can be used as biomarkers to distinguish recent from remote infection. This study provides new insights into the immunobiology of M.tb infection and potential diagnostic tools.
Article
Immunology
Cheleka A. M. Mpande, Pia Steigler, Tessa Lloyd, Virginie Rozot, Boitumelo Mosito, Constance Schreuder, Timothy D. Reid, Nicole Bilek, Morten Ruhwald, Jason R. Andrews, Mark Hatherill, Francesca Little, Thomas J. Scriba, Elisa Nemes
Summary: This study investigated the association between QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) reversion and decline of M.tb-specific functional T cell responses. The findings suggest that individuals with QFT reversion exhibit lower M.tb-specific T cell responses, potentially due to assay variability or well-controlled M.tb infection in some cases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ying Luo, Ying Xue, Yimin Cai, Qun Lin, Guoxing Tang, Huijuan Song, Wei Liu, Liyan Mao, Xu Yuan, Yu Zhou, Weiyong Liu, Shiji Wu, Ziyong Sun, Feng Wang
Summary: Inadequate tuberculosis diagnostics, especially in discriminating between active TB and latent TB infection, are major obstacles in disease burden reduction. The study investigated the role of lymphocyte non-specific function detection for TB diagnosis. Results show that CD4(+) T cell non-specific function has the potential for differentiating T-SPOT results, and the three-index diagnostic model is a potent tool for identifying different events in TB infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Nicole L. Grant, Kristen Kelly, Pauline Maiello, Helena Abbott, Shelby O'Connor, Philana Ling Lin, Charles A. Scanga, JoAnne L. Flynn
Summary: Despite research focus on CD4 T cells in Mtb infections, little is known about Mtb-specific T cells within lung granulomas. We identified immunodominant epitopes for two Mtb proteins using a macaque model, facilitating the identification of Mtb-specific cells. Granulomas were found to be enriched sites for Mtb-specific cells, which expressed activation markers and transcription factors. Our data highlighted the importance of activated, polarized Mtb-specific cells for controlling Mtb in lung granulomas.
Article
Immunology
Yan Liang, Xiaoping Li, Yourong Yang, Li Xiao, Yumei Liang, Jie Mi, Yong Xue, Wenping Gong, Lan Wang, Jie Wang, Junxian Zhang, Yingchang Shi, Bizhen Peng, Xiaoyang Chen, Weiguo Zhao, Xueqiong Wu
Summary: This study compared the effects of MTB ag85ab and 7 latent DNA vaccines on clearing and preventing activation of latent MTB in a mouse model of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The results showed that all vaccine groups significantly reduced the bacterial count and lesion degree in the lungs of mice, and induced antigen-specific cellular immune responses. Among them, MTB ag85ab and rv2659c, rv1733c DNA vaccines showed the most significant preventive effect.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Josephine F. Reijneveld, Mira Holzheimer, David C. Young, Kattya Lopez, Sara Suliman, Judith Jimenez, Roger Calderon, Leonid Lecca, Megan B. Murray, Eri Ishikawa, Sho Yamasaki, Adriaan J. Minnaard, D. Branch Moody, Ildiko Van Rhijn
Summary: The glycolipid DAT from Mycobacterium tuberculosis can act as an antigen for T cells and an agonist for the innate Mincle receptor. Small chemical differences in the structure of DAT determine recognition by different parts of the immune system.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ying Luo, Ying Xue, Liyan Mao, Qun Lin, Guoxing Tang, Huijuan Song, Wei Liu, Shutao Tong, Hongyan Hou, Min Huang, Renren Ouyang, Feng Wang, Ziyong Sun
Summary: The study demonstrated that HLA-DR on MTB-specific cells is a potentially useful biomarker for accurately discriminating between ATB and LTBI individuals.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Cheldon Ann Alcantara, Ira Glassman, Kevin H. Nguyen, Arpitha Parthasarathy, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) remains a major cause of death in developing countries. The BCG vaccine is widely used in developing countries but its efficacy is still uncertain. Neutrophils play a crucial role in the immune response against M. tb, promoting clearance of the bacteria and regulating the inflammatory response. This review highlights the role of neutrophils during M. tb infection and emphasizes the need for more research on effective vaccination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hye-Soo Park, Seunga Choi, Yong-Woo Back, Kang-In Lee, Han-Gyu Choi, Hwa-Jung Kim
Summary: The study found that PGE2 produced by RpfE-activated dendritic cells via the MAPK and cyclooxygenase 2 signaling pathways induces Th1 and Th17 cell responses mainly via the EP4 receptor, contributing to defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Moreover, adding optimal amount of PGE2 to IL-2-IL-6-IL-23p19-IL-1 beta is essential for promoting differentiation into Th1/Th17 cells with strong bactericidal activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Fregenet Tesfaye, Erik Sturegard, John Walles, Bayissa Bekele, Kidist Bobosha, Per Bjorkman, Marianne Jansson
Summary: This study investigates the immune responses and dynamics of tuberculosis (TB) infection in pregnant women. The study found changes in Mtb-specific and nonspecific immune responses during pregnancy, particularly in later stages, but none of the women developed active TB. This suggests that incipient TB occurs during pregnancy but is counteracted by Mtb-specific immune responses.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Thoko Flav Kapalamula, Jeewan Thapa, Mwangala Lonah Akapelwa, Kyoko Hayashida, Stephen V. Gordon, Bernard Mudenda Hang' Ombe, Musso Munyeme, Eddie Samuneti Solo, Precious Bwalya, Mirriam Ethel Nyenje, Aki Tamaru, Yasuhiko Suzuki, Chie Nakajima
Summary: The study developed a rapid and low-cost LAMP-based method for identification of Mycobacterium bovis infections in cattle and humans. The method can detect M. bovis within 40 minutes and results can be observed through color change.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Dorcas O. Owusu, Ernest Adankwah, Wilfred Aniagyei, Isaac Acheampong, Difery Minadzi, Augustine Yeboah, Joseph F. Arthur, Millicent Lamptey, Monika M. Vivekanandan, Mohammed K. Abass, Francis Kumbel, Francis Osei-Yeboah, Amidu Gawusu, Linda Batsa Debrah, Alexander Debrah, Ertan Mayatepek, Julia Seyfarth, Richard O. Phillips, Marc Jacobsen
Summary: In Nigeria, BCG vaccination leads to immune conversion and changes in the phenotype of tuberculosis-specific T cells. A study comparing BCG-vaccinated and non-vaccinated infants showed that BCG vaccination causes delayed immune conversion and differences in cell phenotype among tuberculosis patients.
Article
Immunology
Stephanie Fischinger, Deniz Cizmeci, Sally Shin, Leela Davies, Patricia S. Grace, Aida Sivro, Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma, Hendrik Streeck, Sarah M. Fortune, Douglas A. Lauffenburger, Kogieleum Naidoo, Galit Alter
Summary: South Africa has the highest prevalence of HIV and tuberculosis co-infection globally, with HIV infected individuals having a greater likelihood of developing recurrent TB. This study investigated the humoral response in HIV co-infected individuals with and without recurrent TB, finding differences in antibody profiles, particularly decreased Mtb-antigen specific IgG3 titers in individuals with recurrent TB. These findings suggest a potential role for Mtb-specific IgG3 responses as biomarkers or mediators of protective immunity against Mtb recurrence.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Aparajita Saha, Jaclyn Escudero, Troy Layouni, Barbra Richardson, Sharon Hou, Nelly Mugo, Andrew Mujugira, Connie Celum, Jared M. Baeten, Jairam Lingappa, Grace C. John-Stewart, Sylvia M. LaCourse, Javeed A. Shah
Summary: This study found that immune activation changes during pregnancy and postpartum may contribute to increased risk for tuberculosis progression. Specifically, pregnant women with latent tuberculosis infection showed diminished M. tuberculosis-specific CD4(+) cytokine responses in the third trimester, while M. tuberculosis-specific CD8(+) cytokines and nonspecifically activated T-cells increased during late pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Wenxi Xu, Laura M. Snell, Mengdi Guo, Giselle Boukhaled, Bethany L. Macleod, Ming Li, Michael Tullius, Cynthia J. Guidos, Ming-Sound Tsao, Maziar Divangahi, Marcus A. Horwitz, Jun Liu, David G. Brooks
Summary: Chronic viral infections exacerbate the severity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) coinfection by increasing Mtb burden, disrupting immune surveillance, and worsening disease mortality. The study demonstrates the impact of viral infections on coinfection and highlights the mechanisms involved in disease progression.
Article
Immunology
Yeeun Bak, Sang Chul Park, Dahee Shim, Yura Ha, Jumi Lee, Hongmin Kim, Kee Woong Kwon, Joo-Heon Yoon, Sung Jae Shin
Summary: Accumulating evidence suggests that NTM-PD and allergic asthma frequently coexist and may influence each other's disease development and progression. This study demonstrates that allergic asthma exacerbates Mav-PI pathogenesis by increasing bacterial burden and lung inflammation, while the Mav-specific Th17 response plays a key role in controlling Mav pathogenesis in the presence of allergic asthma. Targeting the Th17 response may have therapeutic potential for NTM-PD accompanied by allergic asthma.
Article
Immunology
Jae-Hun Ahn, Ji-Yeon Park, Dong-Yeon Kim, Tae-Sung Lee, Do-Hyeon Jung, Yeong-Jun Kim, Yeon-Ji Lee, Yun-Ji Lee, In-Su Seo, Eun-Jung Song, Ah-Ra Jang, Soo-Jin Yang, Sung Jae Shin, Jong-Hwan Park
Summary: The research demonstrates that type I interferons play a role in combating MAB infection by increasing NO production in macrophages, promoting control and clearance of MAB.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kee Woong Kwon, Lee-Han Kim, Soon Myung Kang, Ju Mi Lee, Eunsol Choi, Jiyun Park, Jung Joo Hong, Sung Jae Shin
Summary: This study found that colchicine can enhance the anti-bacterial activity of macrophages against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) through NLRP3-dependent IL-1 beta signaling and Cox-2-regulated PGE2 production. Oral administration of colchicine significantly reduces bacterial loads in the lungs and spleens in mice infected with Mtb.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ji Yeon Choi, Bo Ra Sim, Youngmok Park, Seung Hyun Yong, Sung Jae Shin, Young Ae Kang
Summary: This study examined the similarity between nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in household showerheads and those in patients with NTM-pulmonary disease (PD). The results showed that the mycobacteria species isolated from showerheads were not identical to those in the patients.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ju Mi Lee, Jiyun Park, Steven G. Reed, Rhea N. Coler, Jung Joo Hong, Lee-Han Kim, Wonsik Lee, Kee Woong Kwon, Sung Jae Shin
Summary: This study evaluated the preventative and therapeutic effects of a subunit vaccine against a virulent M.avium isolate causing pulmonary disease. Results showed that immunization with CFA+GLA-SE/CDG induced stronger CFA-specific Th1/Th17 immune responses and provided better protection in the lung and spleen. However, this vaccine was ineffective in reducing bacterial loads during treatment.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Seunghyun Lee, Dawon Song, Sungjae Shin, Namki Hong, Yumie Rhee
Summary: Elevated serum GGT is associated with low muscle function in adults, independent of age, muscle mass, and adiposity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tae Gun Kang, Kee Woong Kwon, Kyungsoo Kim, Insuk Lee, Myeong Joon Kim, Sang-Jun Ha, Sung Jae Shin
Summary: Viral coinfection can lead to immune complications or interference with immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. This study demonstrates that viral coinfection suppresses Mtb-specific T(H)1 response through type I IFN response to the infecting virus, exacerbating tuberculosis immunopathology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Hongmin Kim, Sung Jae Shin
Summary: Dendritic cells play a crucial role in tuberculosis infection by interacting with immune cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, enhancing or inhibiting host defense mechanisms. Understanding the immune responses initiated by dendritic cells is essential for developing anti-tuberculosis control measures.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lee-Han Kim, Soon Myung Kang, Jake Whang, Kee Woong Kwon, Sung Jae Shin
Summary: This study found that the antigout drug febuxostat has significant antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium species, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It also showed efficacy in a murine model of tuberculosis, highlighting its potential as a treatment for TB.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kee Woong Kwon, Michel de Jesus Aceves-Sanchez, Cristian Alfredo Segura-Cerda, Eunsol Choi, Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann, Sung Jae Shin, Mario Alberto Flores-Valdez
Summary: Comparing the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of BCG Delta BCG1419c and its parental BCG in a mouse model, it was found that BCG Delta BCG1419c had an advantage over BCG in enhancing memory CD8+ T cell-associated immunogenicity and mitigating pulmonary inflammation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Hyun-Eui Park, Wonsik Lee, Sangwon Choi, Myunghwan Jung, Min-Kyoung Shin, Sung Jae Shin
Summary: This article reviews the role of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in infectious diseases in humans and discusses the potential of host-directed therapy (HDT) for MAC infection. The innate immune responses, particularly those of macrophages, and host susceptibility factors are highlighted. The article also examines HDTs that target macrophage signaling pathways and contribute to antimycobacterial activity during MAC infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Hoyoung Lee, Min Kyung Jung, Ji Yun Noh, Su-Hyung Park, Yeonseok Chung, Sang-Jun Ha, Eui-Cheol Shin
Summary: The first conference on 'Infection and Immunity' focused on the biology of CD8+ T cells in the context of viral disease and cancer.
Article
Immunology
Kee Woong Kwon, Tae Gun Kang, Ara Lee, Seung Mo Jin, Yong Taik Lim, Sung Jae Shin, Sang-Jun Ha
Summary: The study shows that the combination of BCG vaccine with Rv0351 and Rv3628 can enhance the immune response against tuberculosis, especially when formulated with MPS adjuvant.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seungbo Yoo, Yun Hee Jeong, Hong-Hee Choi, Sehyun Chae, Daehee Hwang, Sung Jae Shin, Sang-Jun Ha
Summary: Chronic virus infections weaken the immune response of dendritic cells, which could lead to new treatments for chronic viral illnesses.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jiyeun Park, Hyun-Hee Lee, Heeji Moon, Nahyun Lee, Sieun Kim, Jung-Eun Kim, Yoonji Lee, Kyunghun Min, Hun Kim, Gyung Ja Choi, Yin-Won Lee, Young-Su Seo, Hokyoung Son
Summary: In this study, we investigated the mechanisms responsible for resistance to oxidative stress in plant pathogenic fungi. The transcriptomes of six strains were analyzed, and pathways related to oxidative stress responses were identified. Key genes involved in these pathways were also studied, revealing their roles in oxidative stress response and pathogenicity. This study provides insights into the adaptive mechanisms of plant pathogenic fungi to cope with oxidative stress.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)