Review
Immunology
Tianmeng Yan, Zhenying Zhang
Summary: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease primarily affecting elderly individuals. It presents with heterogeneous manifestations, typically characterized by microscopically subepidermal separation and mixed inflammatory infiltrate. The development mechanism of BP remains unclear. B cells are involved in pathogenic autoantibody production, and other immune cells such as T cells, type II inflammatory cytokines, eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, and keratinocytes also contribute to the pathogenesis of BP. This review focuses on the roles and crosstalk between innate and adaptive immune cells in BP.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Nicoline F. Post, Greta Ginski, Rens Peters, Nathalie O. P. Van Uden, Marcel W. Bekkenk, Albert Wolkerstorfer, Mihai G. Netea, Rosalie M. Luiten
Summary: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease caused by the attack of the immune system on melanocytes. It is believed to be a result of interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Both the adaptive and innate immune systems are involved in the immune response in vitiligo, with recent studies suggesting a potential role of trained immunity in the pathogenesis of the disease.
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanne Bowen, Courtney Cross
Summary: This review highlights the potential focus on innate immune response as a research area for understanding the pathogenesis of OM and developing interventions for patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Further investigation is needed into the contribution of barriers, pattern recognition systems, and microbial composition in early damage signaling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Kai Liu, Fu-Sheng Wang, Ruonan Xu
Summary: Previously considered a homogeneous population, recent data have shown that neutrophils are diverse and involved in tissue damage and immune regulation. Their phenotypic and functional plasticity has been identified in various diseases, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, and infections. Neutrophils play a role in liver diseases through their autocrine, paracrine, and immune modulation functions.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Jongho Ham, MinYeong Lim, Dongmo Kim, Hye Young Kim
Summary: Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are recently discovered innate immune cells that play a role in the defense against external insults in mucosal tissues. They exhibit characteristics similar to adaptive immune cells and can potentially have memory-like properties. Studies suggest that ILCs may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Daniele Mauro, Davide Simone, Laura Bucci, Francesco Ciccia
Summary: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases with unknown causes. Recent research suggests the involvement of new cellular mediators in the pathogenesis, potentially leading to new targeted therapies for controlling inflammation.
SEMINARS IN IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Virology
Saade Abdalkareem Jasim, Roaa Salih Mahdi, Dmitry Olegovich Bokov, Mazin A. A. Najm, Guzal N. Sobirova, Zarnigor O. Bafoyeva, Ahmed Taifi, Ola Kamal A. Alkadir, Yasser Fakri Mustafa, Rasoul Mirzaei, Sajad Karampoor
Summary: The interaction between the immune system and SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for understanding COVID-19 pathogenesis and developing therapeutic tools. Different immune components play various roles in viral infections, and characterizing the immune reactions is essential for defining the pathogenicity of COVID-19. Furthermore, investigating the roles of other immune mediators in the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 is necessary.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Meenu Kalkal, Jyoti Das
Summary: Our understanding of B-cell generation and function has advanced in recent decades. B-cell subsets are known to play a critical role in mediating immune response. Malarial infections in both humans and mice cause significant changes in the composition of B-cell subsets. While these subsets have been well characterized in mouse models, their definition in human malarial infection remains unclear. Furthermore, B cells have a rare function as regulatory cells that can control the activities of other cells in the body. Plasmodium infection strongly alters the frequency of these regulatory B cells, indicating their immunoregulatory role in malaria. Understanding how these B-cell subsets work together to protect against Plasmodium infection is a challenging and important area of investigation.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Yang Li, Fei Sun, Tian-Tian Yue, Fa-Xi Wang, Chun-Liang Yang, Jia-Hui Luo, Shan-Jie Rong, Fei Xiong, Shu Zhang, Cong-Yi Wang
Summary: In the context of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), beta cells actively participate in the initiation of autoimmune responses by producing modified neoantigens and interacting with immune cells, leading to the activation of autoreactive T cells. This antigen-presenting function of beta cells helps explain the tissue specificity of T1D and underscores the active roles of structural cells in immune-related disorders' pathogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Samanthi Narayanan, Srikanth Elesela, Andrew J. Rasky, Susan H. Morris, Surinder Kumar, David Lombard, Nicholas W. Lukacs
Summary: The upregulation of ER stress in RSV-infected DC was closely associated with the PERK pathway, leading to altered innate cytokine profiles. Blocking PERK activity resulted in decreased inflammation and respiratory dysfunction in infected DC, suggesting a potential target for modifying immune responses to RSV infection.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Virology
Liselotte E. E. Jensen
Summary: Pellino proteins are important ubiquitin ligases in intracellular signaling involved in immune responses. Viruses can target Pellino proteins to evade the immune system. Mouse models of viral infections have shown both beneficial and detrimental effects of Pellino proteins on immune responses. This review highlights the diverse aspects of viral immunity and pathogenesis associated with Pellino proteins and emphasizes the need for further research.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Israel Guerrero-Arguero, Claudia M. Tellez-Freitas, K. Scott Weber, Bradford K. Berges, Richard A. Robison, Brett E. Pickett
Summary: Human pathogens belonging to the Alphavirus genus are primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, causing symptoms such as fever, polyarthralgia, and encephalitis. Recent outbreaks of CHIKV in Asia, Europe, and the Americas have increased our understanding of Alphavirus interactions with the human host, emphasizing the importance of developing effective treatments.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Shan Liang, Yun-Shan Wu, Dong-Yi Li, Ji-Xin Tang, Hua-Feng Liu
Summary: Autophagy, as a crucial cellular process, plays a vital role in cellular metabolism and viral infections, but viruses can also manipulate autophagy for their own benefit. Understanding the function of host autophagy in viral infections and pathogenesis helps in developing more specific therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Urshila Naithani, Priyanjal Jain, Aastha Sachan, Prachi Khare, Reema Gabrani
Summary: This paper discusses the challenges in the clinical classification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) due to its multifactorial nature and complex pathogenesis. It also highlights the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the development and treatment of SLE, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Brian J. Laight, Natasha A. Jawa, Kathrin Tyryshkin, David M. Maslove, J. Gordon Boyd, Peter A. Greer
Summary: Sepsis is caused by initial over-activation of the immune system in response to an infection or trauma, followed by suppression of the immune system. Enhancing FES in early sepsis and inhibiting it in late sepsis may improve the severity and outcome of septic illness.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yash Gupta, Steven Goicoechea, Catherine M. Pearce, Raman Mathur, Jesus G. Romero, Samuel K. Kwofie, Matthew C. Weyenberg, Bharathi Daravath, Neha Sharma, Poonam, Hoseah M. Akala, Stefan M. Kanzok, Ravi Durvasula, Brijesh Rathi, Prakasha Kempaiah
Summary: Calcium channels play essential roles in protozoan parasites and have the potential to be new therapeutic targets. Antiparasitic drugs and calcium channel modulators have been shown to either kill parasites or increase their sensitivity to drugs.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Melissa C. Kapulu, Domtila Kimani, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Edward Otieno, Rinter Kimathi, James Tuju, B. Kim Lee Sim
Summary: This study assessed the controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) model as a means of studying naturally acquired immunity to malaria in Kenyan adults. The results showed that anti-schizont antibodies and location of residence were more closely associated with naturally acquired immunity than other parasite parameters. Therefore, the CHMI model is highly effective in studying markers of naturally acquired immunity to malaria.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yash Gupta, Dawid Maciorowski, Brian Medernach, Daniel P. Becker, Ravi Durvasula, Claudia R. Libertin, Prakasha Kempaiah
Summary: After more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the infection rates of newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to devastate the world. Silent hypoxia accompanied by rapid deterioration and septic shock contribute to COVID-19 mortality in many hospitalized patients. Obtaining a better understanding of the relationships between the virus and the human host during the disease progression and immune evasion is urgently needed. Acquired immunity through vaccination or prior infection is usually effective against the emerging variants, except for the Omicron variant which requires a recent booster. The new strains exhibit higher viral loads, greater transmissibility, and more severe disease presentations. Severe COVID-19 patients often have iron dysregulation and hypoxia, which is still not well understood. The spike protein fragment, Covidin, derived from the virus, mimics the function of Hepcidin and is resistant to human proteases. It may play a role in dysregulated iron metabolism by binding to and internalizing the host ferroportin protein. The Hepcidin mimetic mechanism is highly conserved among different variants, including Omicron, and the new variants show increased resistance to selective human proteases associated with host defense.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anushay Mistry, Boaz Odwar, Fredrick Olewe, Jonathan Kurtis, Ann M. Moormann, John Michael Ong'echa
Summary: This study assessed factors affecting participant retention through qualitative surveys. The results showed overall satisfaction among the participants, but concerns were raised regarding the amount of venous blood samples and associated risks. Future studies will address these concerns to improve study retention.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Y. Tong, E. Orang'o, M. Nakalembe, P. Tonui, P. Itsura, K. Muthoka, M. Titus, S. Kiptoo, A. Mwangi, J. Ong'echa, R. Tonui, B. Odongo, C. Mpamani, B. Rosen, A. Moormann, S. Cu-Uvin, J. A. Bailey, C. Oduor, A. Ermel, C. Yiannoutsos, B. Musick, E. Sang, A. Ngeresa, G. Banturaki, A. Kiragga, J. Zhang, Y. Song, S. Chintala, R. Katzenellenbogen, P. Loehrer, D. R. Brown
Summary: The East Africa Consortium was established to study the epidemiology of HPV infections and cervical cancer, as well as the influence of HIV infection on HPV and cervical cancer. Collaborations between researchers in North America and East African countries have led to a better understanding of the impact of HIV infection on the detection and persistence of oncogenic HPV, the effects of dietary aflatoxin on HPV detection, the benefits of antiretroviral therapy on HPV persistence, and the differences in HPV detections among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women undergoing treatment for cervical dysplasia. Future research will focus on how HPV testing can be integrated into cervical cancer screening programs, the influence of aflatoxin on the immunological control of HIV, and how HPV alters certain genes involved in tumor growth in HIV-infected women.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Debashish Das, Ranitha Vongpromek, Thanawat Assawariyathipat, Ketsanee Srinamon, Kalynn Kennon, Kasia Stepniewska, Aniruddha Ghose, Abdullah Abu Sayeed, M. Abul Faiz, Rebeca Linhares Abreu Netto, Andre Siqueira, Serge R. Yerbanga, Jean Bosco Ouedraogo, James J. Callery, Thomas J. Peto, Rupam Tripura, Felix Koukouikila-Koussounda, Francine Ntoumi, John Michael Ong'echa, Bernhards Ogutu, Prakash Ghimire, Jutta Marfurt, Benedikt Ley, Amadou Seck, Magatte Ndiaye, Bhavani Moodley, Lisa Ming Sun, Laypaw Archasuksan, Stephane Proux, Sam L. Nsobya, Philip J. Rosenthal, Matthew P. Horning, Shawn K. McGuire, Courosh Mehanian, Stephen Burkot, Charles B. Delahunt, Christine Bachman, Ric N. Price, Arjen M. Dondorp, Francois Chappuis, Philippe J. Guerin, Mehul Dhorda
Summary: The EasyScan Go microscopy device shows promising results in automated parasite detection and quantification. It achieves a high level of accuracy in parasite species identification, but improvement is needed in sensitivity for low parasite density and parasite density estimation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fauzia K. Musasia, Irene N. Nkumama, Roland Frank, Victor Kipkemboi, Martin Schneider, Kennedy Mwai, Dennis O. Odera, Micha Rosenkranz, Kristin Fuerle, Domitila Kimani, James Tuju, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Melissa C. Kapulu, Hedda Wardemann, Faith H. A. Osier
Summary: The study shows that antibody-dependent phagocytosis of ring-stage P. falciparum parasites in semi-immune Kenyan adults is mediated by merozoite antigens and is a strong predictor of protection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seth Osei Asiedu, Yash Gupta, Vlad Nicolaescu, Haley Gula, Thomas R. Caulfield, Ravi Durvasula, Prakasha Kempaiah, Samuel K. Kwofie, Michael D. Wilson
Summary: We previously demonstrated that Mycolactone (MLN), a toxin produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, binds strongly to Munc18b and other proteins, potentially inhibiting degranulation and exocytosis. In this study, we investigated MLN's effects on endocytosis and found that it strongly binds to the N-terminal of the clathrin protein and a novel SARS-CoV-2 fusion protein.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sebastian Flieger, Mao Takagaki, Natsuko Kondo, Marlon R. Lutz, Yash Gupta, Hiroki Ueda, Yoshinori Sakurai, Graham Moran, Prakasha Kempaiah, Narayan Hosmane, Minoru Suzuki, Daniel P. Becker
Summary: New carborane-bearing hydroxamate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) ligands with nanomolar potency against MMP-2, -9 and -13 have been synthesized for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). In vitro studies showed that these new MMP ligands had high tumoricidal effects in the BNCT assay. This study highlights the importance of targeting MMP enzymes overexpressed on the surface of tumor cells for BNCT efficacy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thahani S. Habeeb Mohammad, Yash Gupta, Cory T. Reidl, Vlad Nicolaescu, Haley Gula, Ravi Durvasula, Prakasha Kempaiah, Daniel P. Becker
Summary: The landscape of SARS-CoV-2 viral strains is dominated by the Delta and Omicron variants, with the latter showing high immune evasion and global circulation. In search of potential drugs against SARS-CoV-2, a library of substituted alpha-aminocyclobutanones was screened, resulting in the identification of derivatives with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, particularly against the Nsp13 helicase enzyme. These inhibitors exhibited higher activities against the Omicron variant than the wild-type strain, suggesting the potential of targeting Nsp13 helicase to combat aggressive variants. This work highlights the importance of cyclobutanones as medicinal chemistry scaffolds and the need for Nsp13 helicase inhibitors to address immune-evading variants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peter O. Oluoch, Catherine S. Forconi, Cliff I. Oduor, Dominic A. Ritacco, Hoseah M. Akala, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Jonathan J. Juliano, John M. Ong'echa, Christian Munz, Ann M. Moormann
Summary: The prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and the occurrence of endemic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) are higher in regions with malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. A study examined KSHV serological profiles and viral loads in children with acute malaria and healthy children from high and low malaria regions. The results showed that KSHV seroprevalence was significantly associated with malaria endemicity, and acute malaria episodes disrupted KSHV latency in seropositive children.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Dennis O. Odera, James Tuju, Kennedy Mwai, Irene N. Nkumama, Kristin Fuerle, Timothy Chege, Rinter Kimathi, Stefan Diehl, Fauzia K. Musasia, Micha Rosenkranz, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Melissa C. Kapulu, Roland Frank, Faith H. A. Osier
Summary: NK cells can be activated through Fc receptor engagement by antibodies, leading to degranulation and IFN-gamma release upon stimulation with antibody-opsonized Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. Antibody-dependent NK activity plays a crucial role in controlling parasitemia after experimental malaria challenge in adults and reducing the risk of clinical episodes of malaria in children. Several vaccine candidates, including less characterized antigens such as P41, P113, MSP11, RHOPH3, and Pf_11363200, induce antibody-dependent NK response, suggesting their potential in evaluating malaria vaccines.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Priya Saikumar Lakshmi, Cliff Oduor, Catherine S. Forconi, Viriato M. ' Bana, Courtney Bly, Rachel M. Gerstein, Juliana A. Otieno, Christian Muenz, Micah A. Luftig, Michael A. Brehm, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Ann M. Moormann, John M. Ong'echa
Summary: Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL), characterized by Epstein-Barr virus and malaria associated aberrant B-cell activation and MYC chromosomal translocation, is a childhood cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Conventional chemotherapies have limited efficacy, thus the need for clinically relevant models to test additional therapies. This study established patient-derived BL tumor cell lines and corresponding NSG-BL avatar mouse models, which were shown to maintain fidelity to patient tumors. Significant variation in tumor growth, survival, and Epstein-Barr virus protein expression patterns were observed among the NSG-BL avatars. The findings highlight the importance of these models in guiding new therapeutic strategies for improving outcomes in children with BL.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2023)
Article
Tropical Medicine
Lily E. Kisia, Qiuying Cheng, Evans Raballah, Elly O. Munde, Benjamin H. McMahon, Nick W. Hengartner, John M. Ong'echa, Kiprotich Chelimo, Christophe G. Lambert, Collins Ouma, Prakasha Kempaiah, Douglas J. Perkins, Kristan A. Schneider, Samuel B. Anyona
Summary: This study investigated the impact of genetic variations in the 5q31.1 gene region on susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum infections, severe malarial anemia, and mortality. The results showed that these genetic variations influenced the rate and risk of malaria, and age and HIV-1 status were also factors affecting susceptibility.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Hannah W. Kimingi, Ann W. Kinyua, Nicole A. Achieng, Kennedy M. Wambui, Shaban Mwangi, Roselyne Nguti, Cheryl A. Kivisi, Anja T. R. Jensen, Philip Bejon, Melisa C. Kapulu, Abdirahman I. Abdi, Samson M. Kinyanjui, CHMI-SIKA Study Team
Summary: The breadth of IgG antibodies to VSAs, but not to individual isolate VSAs, is associated with protection in controlled human malaria infection (CHMI).
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)