Review
Immunology
Rania Bouzeyen, Babak Javid
Summary: Tuberculosis is a deadly bacterial infection and drug resistance poses a threat to successful treatment. Therapeutic vaccination, as a new treatment modality, holds potential as a useful adjunct therapy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shih-Cheng Pao, Mu-Tzu Chu, Shuen-Iu Hung
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy has become indispensable in cancer treatment, with a focus on targeting tumor-specific antigens or neoantigens. Advanced technologies have allowed for the identification and application of neoantigens in cancer vaccines. Therapeutic vaccines have shown success in activating the immune system to kill cancer cells.
Review
Oncology
Mansi Saxena, Sjoerd H. van der Burg, Cornelis J. M. Melief, Nina Bhardwaj
Summary: Therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to induce tumor regression, eradicate minimal residual disease, establish lasting anti-tumor memory, and avoid non-specific or adverse reactions. However, challenges arise due to tumor-induced immunosuppression and immunoresistance, hindering the achievement of these goals.
NATURE REVIEWS CANCER
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Raquel Tarancon, Elena Mata, Santiago Uranga, Ana Belen Gomez, Dessislava Marinova, Isabel Otal, Carlos Martin, Nacho Aguilo
Summary: Therapeutic delivery of live tuberculosis vaccines BCG and MTBVAC can modulate the lung immune environment and efficiently reverse established asthma in mice. This treatment approach affects macrophage phenotype and induces a strong Th1 response, and is effective even in the scenario of chronic asthma.
Review
Oncology
Zhihui Duan, Dandan Yang, Ping Yuan, Xiaoming Dai, Guodong Chen, Daichao Wu
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive overview of therapeutic cancer vaccines, including their classification, clinical application, efficacy, and combination strategies with other therapies. It offers a valuable theoretical basis for the future clinical application and development of therapeutic cancer vaccines.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Liqun Shao, Shu Shen, Huan Liu
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the recent advances in PLGA micro/nanoparticle delivery systems as a novel therapeutic approach for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xuyan Zhou, Haiying Lian, Hongpeng Li, Meiling Fan, Wei Xu, Ye Jin
Summary: Immunotherapy is a promising method for treating cervical cancer, but its clinical application is limited by adverse effects. Nanotechnology offers potential advantages in cervical cancer treatment by enhancing drug delivery, reducing adverse effects, and improving the immune microenvironment.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Carson R. Reynolds, Son Tran, Mohit Jain, Aru Narendran
Summary: Neoantigen-based immunotherapeutic approaches have become an effective and highly tolerable therapeutic option in the rapidly evolving field of cancer treatment.
Review
Immunology
Li Zhuang, Zhaoyang Ye, Linsheng Li, Ling Yang, Wenping Gong
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), and it is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The currently available TB vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), has limited efficacy, especially in adults. This review emphasizes the importance of understanding the interaction mechanism between MTB and hosts in order to develop effective TB vaccines and provides an overview of different types of TB vaccine candidates and future directions for research.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nilakshi Barua, Alak Kumar Buragohain
Summary: Curcumin, derived from the plant Curcuma longa, has been extensively studied for its biological and chemical properties, displaying a range of pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. Its potential in improving tuberculosis outcomes has been identified, but there is a scarcity of reviews on its antitubercular activity. Further preclinical and clinical investigations are crucial before recommending curcumin formulations for public health use against tuberculosis.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Allue-Guardia, Rajagopalan Saranathan, John Chan, Jordi B. Torrelles
Summary: The review discusses the features and mechanisms of action of mycobacteriophages for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis, as well as the advantages and limitations. It also highlights the need to address key issues in the clinical application of phage therapy for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Camila Robles-Oteiza, Catherine J. Wu
Summary: Lessons learned from the rapid deployment of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic are reinvigorating the cancer vaccine field, with recent clinical trials demonstrating the safety and feasibility of cancer vaccines using delivery platforms such as mRNA and synthetic long peptides. However, fundamental questions remain regarding the optimal delivery platforms and antigen targets to use in cancer vaccines.
CURRENT OPINION IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Rokeya Tasneen, Deborah S. Mortensen, Paul J. Converse, Michael E. Urbanowski, Anna Upton, Nader Fotouhi, Eric Nuermberger, Natalie Hawryluk
Summary: Host-directed therapy (HDT) is being explored as a potential approach to enhance immune defenses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Inhibiting mTOR signaling may be an effective strategy within this framework.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Dulce Mata-Espinosa, Jacqueline V. Lara-Espinosa, Jorge Barrios-Payan, Rogelio Hernandez-Pando
Summary: This study reviews the model strategies for gene therapy and new vaccines in the treatment of tuberculosis, suggesting that it is a potential alternative therapy for active TB, as well as for the prevention and treatment of latent TB reactivation and transmission of Mtb.
Review
Immunology
Ditte Rahbaek Boilesen, Karen Norgaard Nielsen, Peter Johannes Holst
Summary: HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical and head and neck cancers globally, with vaccines and screening programs proving effective in prevention. However, cervical cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Therefore, the development of more effective therapeutic vaccines is crucial in combating HPV-related cancers.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marti Catala, David Pino, Miquel Marchena, Pablo Palacios, Tomas Urdiales, Pere-Joan Cardona, Sergio Alonso, David Lopez-Codina, Clara Prats, Enrique Alvarez-Lacalle
Summary: Decision-makers need a clear and fast assessment of the real spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, as standard measures like reported cases and total deaths may not provide a complete picture. This study presents a transparent and empirical method to estimate the diagnostic rate in European countries, in order to provide a uniform and unbiased incidence of the epidemic. This method has been dynamic and has been yielding converging numbers for diagnostic rates in all European countries, allowing policymakers to obtain Effective Potential Growth and assess countries at greater risk of facing an uncontrolled situation.
Article
Cell Biology
Susana Benet, Cristina Galvez, Francis Drobniewski, Irina Kontsevaya, Lilibeth Arias, Marta Monguio-Tortajada, Itziar Erkizia, Victor Urrea, Ruo-Yan Ong, Marina Luquin, Maeva Dupont, Jakub Chojnacki, Judith Dalmau, Paula Cardona, Olivier Neyrolles, Geanncarlo Lugo-Villarino, Christel Verollet, Esther Julian, Hansjakob Furrer, Huldrych F. Gunthard, Paul R. Crocker, Gustavo Tapia, Francesc E. Borras, Jacques Fellay, Paul J. McLaren, Amalio Telenti, Pere-Joan Cardona, Bonaventura Clotet, Cristina Vilaplana, Javier Martinez-Picado, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros
Summary: The SIGLEC1 null variant is significantly associated with extrapulmonary dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, potentially leading to delayed immunity and local bacterial spread. Lack of Siglec-1 limits antigen exchange, increasing the risk of extrapulmonary dissemination.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Cristina Garrido-Amaro, Paula Cardona, Diana Gasso, Lilibeth Arias, Roser Velarde, Asta Tvarijonativiciute, Emmanuel Serrano, Pere-Joan Cardona
Summary: Parasitization and oral administration of heat-killed M. manresensis had anti-inflammatory effects, while intermittent food deprivation increased stress and inflammation, diminishing the protective effects of nematodes against TB progression. Food security plays a crucial role in TB eradication policies, highlighting the need to prioritize food supply over deworming activities.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Ignacio Blanco, Concepcion Violan, Clara Suner, Julio Garcia-Prieto, Maria Jose Argerich, Meritxell Rodriguez-Illana, Nemesio Moreno, Pere-Joan Cardona, Anna Blanco, Pere Toran-Monserrat, Bonaventura Clotet, Josep M. Bonet, Nuria Prat
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Bordas, Antoni Soriano-Arandes, Maria Subirana, Rosina Malagrida, Juliana Maria Reyes-Uruena, Cinta Folch, Pere Soler-Palacin, Mireia Gascon, Jordi Sunyer, Andres Anton, Ignacio Blanco, Jessica Fernandez-Morales, Andreu Colom-Cadena, Alexis Sentis, Tomas Pumarola, Josep Basora, Jordi Casabona
Summary: This study aims to establish a school sentinel surveillance network to monitor SARS-CoV-2 infection and seroprevalence in school settings. The study will also analyze the impact of preventive interventions and assess diverse screening strategies. The project will be conducted in 26 participating schools in Catalonia over a period of 1.5 years. Methods include serological testing, molecular SARS-CoV-2 detection, questionnaires, environmental evaluation, and analysis of transmission dynamics and variants. Findings will be disseminated through reports, conferences, and peer-reviewed journals.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Victoria Gonzalez, Nalia Lopez, Joan Grifols, Laia Egea, Belen Rivaya, Jun Hao Wang Wang, Jordi Casabona, Pere Joan Cardona
Summary: This study aimed to validate the use of a chemiluminiscence assay for the detection of HIV antibodies in oral fluid specimens. The results showed that the assay had high sensitivity and specificity in detecting HIV antibodies in oral fluid specimens.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Respiratory System
Solomon Tibebu Melkie, Lilibeth Arias, Chiara Farroni, Mateja Jankovic Makek, Delia Goletti, Cristina Vilaplana
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis is crucial for TB eradication efforts, but current diagnostic tests have limitations and improved accuracy is needed. Combining different antigens and antibody isotypes has shown promise in enhancing the diagnostic performance of traditional serology. Other types of immunity may also be necessary to supplement cell-mediated immunity in TB prevention and treatment.
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Pere-Joan Cardona, Marti Catala, Clara Prats
Summary: This research explores the origin and transmission of tuberculosis. The researchers used a new model to differentiate smear-positive and -negative tuberculosis and found that tuberculosis originated in the Middle Paleolithic and continued to spread into the Neolithic period. The study also suggests a link between human health conditions and the severity of tuberculosis.
Article
Virology
Gema Fernandez-Rivas, Jaume Barallat, Bibiana Quirant-Sanchez, Victoria Gonzalez, Maria Dolade, Eva Martinez-Caceres, Monica Pina, Joan Matllo, Ignacio Blanco, Pere-Joan Cardona
Summary: The implementation of vaccination among healthcare workers played an important role in controlling the pandemic, especially during the spread of the Delta variant. It has been shown that mRNA vaccines generate strong humoral responses, but breakthrough infections can still occur. Testing SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels can be used as a marker to predict the likelihood of Delta variant infections in vaccinated individuals.
Article
Microbiology
Jun Hao Wang-Wang, Antoni E. Bordoy, Elisa Martro, Maria Dolores Quesada, Maria Perez-Vazquez, Mercedes Guerrero-Murillo, Andrea Tiburcio, Marina Navarro, Laia Castella, Nieves Sopena, Irma Casas, Veronica Saludes, Montserrat Gimenez, Pere-Joan Cardona
Summary: This study evaluates the performance of FTIR as a first-line tool for the detection of ESBL-Kp outbreaks and compares it with WGS. The results demonstrate that FTIR has better consistency in clustering and can be used for rapid and cost-effective outbreak detection, while WGS is used for outbreak confirmation and isolate characterization.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marti Catala, Ermengol Coma, Sergio Alonso, Cristina Andres, Ignacio Blanco, Andres Anton, Antoni E. Bordoy, Pere-Joan Cardona, Francesc Fina, Elisa Martro, Manuel Medina, Nuria Mora, Veronica Saludes, Clara Prats, Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, Enrique Alvarez-Lacalle
Summary: This study aims to compare the severity of infections between the omicron and delta variants. The results show a significant decrease in hospital and ICU admissions for the omicron variant compared to the delta variant. Additionally, omicron is associated with a reduction in the risk of hospitalization and ICU admission regardless of age and vaccination status.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antoni E. Bordoy, Veronica Saludes, David Panisello Yague, Gemma Clara, Laia Soler, Alexia Paris de Leon, Cristina Casan, Ana Blanco-Suarez, Mercedes Guerrero-Murillo, Beatriz Rodriguez-Ponga, Marc Noguera-Julian, Francesc Catala-Moll, Irina Pey, Maria Pilar Armengol, Maria Casadella, Mariona Parera, Raquel Pluvinet, Lauro Sumoy, Bonaventura Clotet, Montserrat Gimenez, Elisa Martro, Pere-Joan Cardona, Ignacio Blanco
Summary: Monitoring the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants is crucial for identifying potential risks. This study investigated the use of real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) routine diagnostics data to identify variants of concern. By analyzing the cycle threshold (Ct) values and conducting whole genome sequencing (WGS), the study achieved high sensitivity and specificity in predicting the presence of new variants at early stages of circulation. Tracking the trends of Ct values in the population, combined with WGS, could be valuable for real-time management and response to local epidemics.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Isabel Nogueira, Marti Catala, Andrew D. White, Sally A. Sharpe, Jordi Bechini, Clara Prats, Cristina Vilaplana, Pere-Joan Cardona
Summary: In this study, CT images of macaques were analyzed to evaluate the impact of BCG vaccination on the progression of tuberculosis. The data suggests that cynomolgus macaques have a higher capacity to contain Mtb infection and reduce the formation of daughter micronodules.
Article
Microbiology
Carmen Bracke, Cristina Miranda, Sandra Gonzalez, Irma Casas, Pere Joan Cardona, Rosa Maria Benitez, Nieves Sopena, Esteban Alberto Reynaga, Marta Massanella, Bonaventura Clotet, Jorge Carrillo, Lourdes Mateu, Maria Luisa Pedro-Botet
Summary: This prospective observational study examined the immune response of predominantly antibody deficiency disorders (ADD) patients and healthy controls after receiving the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. The study found that the vaccine was safe and well-tolerated, and the humoral response depended on the type of immunodeficiency and the frequency of B and T cell populations.
