Article
Immunology
Keon-Woong Yoon, Ki-Back Chu, Hae-Ji Kang, Min-Ju Kim, Gi-Deok Eom, Jie Mao, Su-Hwa Lee, Md Atique Ahmed, Fu-Shi Quan
Summary: This study found that oral immunization with Toxoplasma gondii vaccines induced a similarly effective immune response as intranasal or intramuscular immunizations, providing a protective effect against lethal infections in mice.
Article
Microbiology
Emi Hashizaki, Miwa Sasai, Daisuke Okuzaki, Tsubasa Nishi, Takashi Kobayashi, Shiroh Iwanaga, Masahiro Yamamoto
Summary: The transcription factor IWS1 in Toxoplasma gondii indirectly regulates ROP18 mRNA expression, thus determining the parasite's fitness in IFN-gamma-activated host cells and mice. Loss of IWS1 leads to decreased ROP18 mRNA expression and significantly reduced virulence due to increased activity of IFN-gamma-dependent immune responses. The findings suggest that Toxoplasma prepares the critical virulence factor ROP18 via an IWS1-dependent system to survive in the host.
Editorial Material
Biology
Juan C. Sanchez-Arcila, Kirk D. C. Jensen
Summary: The gene RARRES3 employs a surprising approach to eliminate the parasite Toxoplasma gondii from human cells.
Article
Immunology
Ines Matia-Garcia, Eduardo Vadillo, Rosana Pelayo, Jose F. Munoz-Valle, Mariel Garcia-Chagollan, Jaqueline Loaeza-Loaeza, Amalia Vences-Velazquez, Lorenzo Salgado-Goytia, Samuel Garcia-Arellano, Isela Parra-Rojas
Summary: The study aimed to identify Th1 and Th2 cell clusters in young subjects and their characteristics, as well as the Th1/Th2 balance. Three clusters were formed based on clinical and metabolic characteristics, showing associations between Th1/Th2 balance and cardiometabolic risk factors in young population.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yongsheng Jia, Krithika N. Kodumudi, Ganesan Ramamoorthi, Amrita Basu, Colin Snyder, Doris Wiener, Shari Pilon-Thomas, Payal Grover, Hongtao Zhang, Mark Greene, Qianxing Mo, Zhongsheng Tong, Yong-Zi Chen, Ricardo L. B. Costa, Hyo Han, Catherine Lee, Hatem Soliman, Jose R. Conejo-Garcia, Gary Koski, Brian J. Czerniecki
Summary: The study reveals the impact of Th1 immune response on HER2 breast cancer, showing that IFN-gamma can regulate HER2 through the PDP pathway. Treatment with IFN-gamma or Th1-polarizing anti-HER2 vaccine can lead to decreased surface HER2 expression and induction of tumor senescence in HER2-resistant mammary carcinoma, demonstrating therapeutic potential through anti-tumor immunity.
Article
Oncology
Juan Aguilera, Xiaorui Han, Shu Cao, John Balmes, Fred Lurmann, Tim Tyner, Liza Lutzker, Elizabeth Noth, S. Katharine Hammond, Vanitha Sampath, Trevor Burt, P. J. Utz, Purvesh Khatri, Nima Aghaeepour, Holden Maecker, Mary Prunicki, Kari Nadeau
Summary: Exposure to ambient air pollutants during pregnancy was found to be associated with alterations in T-helper cell subset percentages and methylation of immune genes, indicating potential detrimental effects on the maternal immune system during pregnancy.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Lan Taijin, Luo Xuefei, Mo Mingyue, Chen Zhenxing, Luo Fei, Han Siyin, Liu Peng, Liang Zhongxiu, Zhang Ting, Li Tianyi, Yan Qiangqiang, Lin Yong, Lin Jiang
Summary: The study showed that HSPT can increase the proportion of T cells, including CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and induce a shift from Th2 to Th1 in an immunosuppressed mouse model induced by CsA. This effect may account for the adjuvant therapeutic efficacy of HSPT on RRI and AIDS.
JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhou Huang, Hejun Liu, Jay Nix, Rui Xu, Catherine R. Knoverek, Gregory R. Bowman, Gaya K. Amarasinghe, L. David Sibley
Summary: The study revealed that the protein TgIST from Toxoplasma gondii blocks interferon-induced gene expression by binding to the STAT1 dimer interface, thus inhibiting the expression of immunity genes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Hannes Lindahl, Tomas Olsson
Summary: IL-22 is a significant interleukin that plays a crucial role in the immune system and tissue repair, particularly in T cell-driven inflammatory diseases. Its influence on T cells has not been fully understood so far, and further research is needed to explore its role in promoting regulatory T cell responses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Qiang Li, Weicong Ren, Jinfeng Yuan, Haiping Guo, Yuanyuan Shang, Wei Wang, Junhua Pan, Mengqiu Gao, Yu Pang
Summary: This study compared the host immunological response to TB-specific antigens between active TB patients with positive and negative IGRA results. It found that the combination of IFN-γ and IL-4 performed well in identifying TB infections.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
David Smith, Geetha Kannan, Isabelle Coppens, Fengrong Wang, Hoa Mai Nguyen, Aude Cerutti, Einar B. Olafsson, Patrick A. Rimple, Tracey L. Schultz, Nayanna M. Mercado Soto, Manlio Di Cristina, Sebastien Besteiro, Vern B. Carruthers
Summary: This study indicates that genetic ablation of TgATG9 substantially reduces canonical autophagy and compromises the viability of T. gondii bradyzoites. Abnormal mitochondrial networks were observed in TgATG9-deficient bradyzoites, which led to compromised fitness both in vitro and in mice. Overall, TgATG9, and autophagy as a whole, play a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis in bradyzoites and are necessary for long-term persistence within the cyst of this coccidian parasite.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao-Xi Zhao, Hong-Yun Lian, Li Zhang, Hong-Hao Ma, Dong Wang, Yun-Ze Zhao, Wei Liu, Xi-Hua Chen, Tian-You Wang, Zhi-Gang Li, Rui Zhang
Summary: This study investigated serum cytokine levels in childhood HLH with different triggers, finding differences in levels among HLH groups and meaningful ratios between cytokines for distinguishing HLH types. However, combining these parameters didn't offer the optimal balance between sensitivity and specificity. Additional data is needed to accurately identify specific underlying diseases using cytokine levels.
Article
Biology
Nicholas Rinkenberger, Michael E. Abrams, Sumit K. Matta, John W. Schoggins, Neal M. Alto, L. David Sibley
Summary: The study investigated the role of IFN gamma-induced ISGs in restricting Toxoplasma gondii infection, and identified RARRES3 as a novel factor restricting parasite infection. The limited number of ISGs capable of restricting T. gondii infection when individually expressed suggests that IFN gamma-mediated immunity to T. gondii infection is a complex, multifactorial process.
Article
Virology
Tamiris Azamor, Andrea Marques Vieira da Silva, Juliana Gil Melgaco, Ana Paula dos Santos, Caroline Xavier-Carvalho, Lucia Elena Alvarado-Arnez, Leonardo Ribeiro Batista-Silva, Denise Cristina de Souza Matos, Camilla Bayma, Sotiris Missailidis, Ana Paula Dinis Ano Bom, Milton Ozorio Moraes, Patricia Cristina da Costa Neves
Summary: The yellow fever vaccine YF17DD induces potent immune responses, with CLEC5A(+) monocyte activation occurring five days after vaccination and early positive correlations between CD4(+) and CD8(+)T cell activation and type II interferon. Certain genotypes, such as rs2430561, rs2069718, and rs13237944, are associated with higher expression levels of IFNG and CLEC5A, potentially playing a key role in the long-lasting immunity elicited by YF17DD.
Article
Virology
Tyler J. Sherman, Douglas Petty, Tony Schountz, Natasha Hodges, Ann C. Hawkinson
Summary: Flaviviruses pose a continuous threat to global public health, and their disease-causing factors are still not fully understood. This study investigated an acute Modoc virus (MODV) infection in two rodent models and found differences in clinical outcomes and tissue tropism between species. Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in gene expression profiles between species across tissues and over time. The expression of Ifng in brain tissues was elevated in hamsters compared to deer mice, which may contribute to viral dissemination into the central nervous system.
Article
Ophthalmology
Diego Polania, Juliana Reyes-Guanes, William Rojas-Carabali, Daniella Pardo-Pizza, Domenico Barraquer-Lopez, Carlos Cifuentes-Gonzalez, Natalia Neira-Segura, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: This study describes the distribution patterns and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with uveitis in a specialized uveitis center in Bogota, Colombia, from 2013 to 2021 and compares these patterns with previous reports. The study found a significant shift from infectious etiologies to immune-mediated processes as the cause of uveitis in Colombia.
GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Nadine Nsiangani Lusambo, Dieudonne Kaimbo Wa Kaimbo, Dieudonne Mumba Ngoyi, Janvier Kilangalanga Ngoy, Marie-Therese Ngoyi Bambi, Theodore Kadima Mutombo, Guy Kintoki Makela, Lady Ngandowe Nzamokili, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: This study describes demographic data, clinical features, and serological profiles of Congolese patients with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). The study found that most patients had recurrent OT with multiple, extensive, and central retinochoroidal lesions.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Domenico Barraquer-Lopez, Carlos Cifuentes-Gonzalez, Luisa Fernanda Pena-Pulgar, William Rojas-Carabali, Jeronimo Villa-Pineros, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: This study found significant differences between elderly and young patients with de novo uveitis in Colombia. Idiopathic uveitis was the most common type in the elderly group, followed by immune-mediated and infectious uveitis. Elderly patients had worse visual acuities compared to young patients. There were significant differences between the two groups in corneal edema, macular edema, cataract, glaucoma, and epiretinal membrane. There were also differences in the drugs used.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2023)
Letter
Ophthalmology
Jeronimo Villa-Pineros, Mario Ramos-Santodomingo, William Rojas-Carabali, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: This study presents the clinical features, management, and prognosis of three Hispanic patients with ocular involvement as the initial manifestation of RP. It expands the understanding of ocular disease characteristics in RP patients and raises awareness among ophthalmologists, leading to earlier diagnoses and improved treatment for better patient outcomes.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Nadine Nsiangani Lusambo, Dieudonne Kaimbo Wa Kaimbo, Dieudonne Mumba Ngoyi, Pierre Akilimali Zalagile, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) in a cohort of Congolese patients with uveitis. The results indicated that being under the age of 60, consuming cat meat and undercooked meat, and living in rural areas were identified as risk factors for OT.
BMJ OPEN OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cesar Reyes, Manuel A. Patarroyo
Summary: Adjuvants play a crucial role in vaccine development by allowing the inclusion of previously discarded antigens and expanding the range of candidates. The research on adjuvant development has grown alongside the increasing knowledge of immune systems and their recognition of foreign microorganisms. Although the mechanism of action for alum-derived adjuvants is not fully understood, they have been used in human vaccines for years. The number of adjuvants approved for human use has recently increased, reflecting the efforts to interact with and stimulate the immune system. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of adjuvants, focusing on those approved for human use, their mechanism of action, and their importance in vaccine candidate formulations. The review also discusses the future prospects in this growing research field.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Cuy-Chaparro, Cesar Reyes, Eliana Vanessa Diaz-Guiot, Darwin Andres Moreno-Perez, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
Summary: Bovine babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease caused by Babesia parasites. Babesia bovis is the most severe species associated with the disease, leading to high economic losses. The traditional approach of using live attenuated vaccines against B. bovis has limitations, prompting researchers to explore alternative methodologies for vaccine production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
William Rojas-Carabali, Maria Camila Cortes-Albornoz, Gabriela Florez-Esparza, Carlos Cifuentes-Gonzalez, Alejandra de-la-Torre, Claudia Talero-Gutierrez
Summary: This study describes the ocular features of children with Down Syndrome (DS) in Bogota, Colombia. The study evaluated 67 children with DS and found various ophthalmological manifestations such as refractive errors, strabismus, amblyopia, and lens opacity. Gender was associated with strabismus and amblyopia. The study highlights the importance of ophthalmologists and optometrists in assessing and managing visual and ocular problems in children with DS to improve their rehabilitation outcomes.
Article
Ophthalmology
German Mejia-Salgado, Carlos Cifuentes-Gonzalez, William Rojas-Carabali, Laura Zarate-Pinzon, Luisa Fernanda Pena-Pulgar, Diego Polania, Danna Lesley Cruz-Reyes, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: This study estimated the incidence of keratoconus (KC) in Colombia using national health registry data. The incidence rate in the general population was 10.36 per 100,000 inhabitants. The disease had a higher incidence in males in their early 20s and females in their late 20s.
BMJ OPEN OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Diana Isabel Pachon-Suarez, Laura Zarate-Pinzon, Carlos Cifuentes-Gonzalez, William Rojas-Carabali, German Mejia-Salgado, Juan Sebastian Pineda, Luisa Fernanda Pena-Pulgar, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: This study reviewed the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for developing anti-drug antibodies (AAA) in patients with non-infectious uveitis (NIU) treated with Adalimumab (ADA). The results showed that the prevalence of AAA in NIU patients treated with ADA is higher in real-life scenarios compared to clinical trials, and several factors are associated with AAA generation in NIU patients.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Yun Feng, Ruby Garcia, William Rojas-Carabali, Carlos Cifuentes-Gonzalez, Ikhwanuliman Putera, Jingyi Li, Rina La Distia Nora, Padmamalini Mahendradas, Vishali Gupta, Alejandra de-la-Torre, Rupesh Agrawal
Summary: Anterior uveitis is the most common type of uveitis globally, with infectious and non-infectious causes. Common viral pathogens include Herpes Simplex Virus, while emerging viruses like West Nile Virus can also cause anterior uveitis. Early recognition allows prompt management and reduces ocular complications.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Carlos A. Naranjo-Galvis, Rima Mcleod, Jorge Enrique Gomez-Marin, Alejandra de-la-Torre, Cristian Rocha-Roa, Nestor Cardona, Juan Carlos Sepulveda-Arias
Summary: Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is characterized by inflammation within the eye. This study identified a significant association between the Gln460Arg single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the P2RX7 gene and OT in Colombian patients. This SNP could potentially serve as a biomarker for identifying Colombian patients at risk of OT.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Richar Torres, Adriana Barreto-Santamaria, Gabriela Arevalo-Pinzon, Carolina Firacative, Beatriz L. Gomez, Patricia Escandon, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo, Julian E. Munoz
Summary: The study evaluated the antifungal activity of three synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against Candida species, including the multidrug-resistant Candida auris. The AMPs showed antifungal activity against all Candida species tested and had effects on biofilm formation and cell viability in C. auris and C. albicans. The study suggests that these AMPs are potential therapeutic alternatives against important Candida species.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
William Rojas-Carabali, Carlos Cifuentes-Gonzalez, Rupesh Agrawal, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: Mpox virus infection is a global public health concern with potential severity and outbreaks across regions. Ophthalmic manifestations, such as conjunctivitis and periocular umbilicated lesions, are the most common, with potential severe manifestations including corneal opacity. Antiviral treatment and topical management for conjunctivitis can be considered for severe cases, but the evidence quality is poor. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are important for ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals.
Article
Ophthalmology
Juan Sebastian Pineda-Sierra, Carlos Cifuentes-Gonzalez, William Rojas-Carabali, Paula Tatiana Munoz-Vargas, Alejandro Henao-Posada, Alejandra de-la-Torre
Summary: This study described the clinical characteristics of HLA-B27-associated uveitis in a cohort of Colombian patients and evaluated the impact of systemic treatment on the recurrence rate. The results showed that Colombian patients with HLA-B27-associated uveitis had a higher proportion of females and were older at presentation. Topical corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and DMARDs were commonly used treatments, and the use of DMARDs was associated with a decreased recurrence rate.
JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMIC INFLAMMATION AND INFECTION
(2023)
