Article
Immunology
E. Guillochon, J. Fraering, V Joste, C. Kamaliddin, B. Vianou, L. Houze, L. G. Baudrin, J. F. Faucher, A. Aubouy, S. Houze, M. Cot, N. Argy, O. Taboureau, G. Bertin
Summary: This study characterized the gene expression profile associated with cerebral malaria (CM) using RNA sequencing data. The findings revealed that CM parasites had reduced circulation times and increased cytoadherence capacity. Differential expression analyses identified specific transcriptome profiles related to malaria severity. Dysregulated expression of genes involved in adhesion and erythrocyte invasion was also observed.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Samuel Odarkwei Blankson, Lauriane Rietmeyer, Patrick Tettey, Liliane Dikroh, Bernard Tornyigah, Rafiou Adamou, Azizath Moussiliou, Caroline Padounou, Annick Amoussou, Benedicta Ayiedu Mensah, Maroufou J. J. Alao, Gordon Awandare, Nicaise Tuikue Ndam, Christian Roussilhon, Rachida Tahar
Summary: This study evaluated the levels of plasma soluble neopterin in severe malaria patients and assessed its prognostic accuracy. The results showed that neopterin levels were higher in patients with severe malarial anemia and in patients who died from the disease. Plasma neopterin levels may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting fatality in severe falciparum malaria patients.
Article
Microbiology
Brittany N. Araj, Bruce Swihart, Robert Morrison, Patricia Gonzales Hurtado, Andrew Teo, Almahamoudou Mahamar, Oumar Attaher, Bacary S. Diarra, Santara Gaoussou, Djibrilla Issiaka, Alassane Dicko, Patrick E. Duffy, Michal Fried
Summary: The study utilized proteomic analyses of PfEMP1 from clinical parasite isolates collected from Malian children to identify targets of immunity. Peptide-specific antibody responses in children were examined, and it was found that high antibody levels to specific PfEMP1 domains correlated with decreased parasite burden in future infections. These findings suggest that certain PfEMP1 domains play a role in protective immunity against malaria.
Article
Cell Biology
James A. Watson, Sophie Uyoga, Perpetual Wanjiku, Johnstone Makale, Gideon M. Nyutu, Neema Mturi, Elizabeth C. George, Charles J. Woodrow, Nicholas P. J. Day, Philip Bejon, Robert O. Opoka, Arjen M. Dondorp, Chandy C. John, Kathryn Maitland, Thomas N. Williams, Nicholas J. White
Summary: Severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is difficult to accurately diagnose in children in high-transmission settings. A combination of platelet count and plasma PfHRP2 concentration can be used to identify severe falciparum malaria in severely ill patients. About one-third of children enrolled in clinical studies of severe malaria in high-transmission settings in Africa had other causes of their severe illness.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica Correa Bezerra Bellei, Nicolas Glanzmann, Barbara Albuquerque Carpinter, Daniela Chaves Renhe, Carolina Brandi Marques, Marina Rocha Azevedo, Livia Maria Barreto, Vinicius Novaes Rocha, Isabelle Karine da Costa Nunes, Henrique Marcelo Gualberto Pereira, Elaine Soares Coimbra, Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho, Adilson David da Silva, Fernando de Pilla Varotti, Kezia Katiani Gorza Scopel
Summary: Chloroquine remains the most effective drug for malaria treatment, although resistance to it has emerged. This study focuses on the synthesis of quinoline derivatives to develop new antimalarials. Compound 3 showed promising activity against malaria, inhibiting parasite growth and protecting against severe malaria development.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rakhee Lohia, Benoit Allegrini, Laurence Berry, Helene Guizouarn, Rachel Cerdan, Manouk Abkarian, Dominique Douguet, Eric Honore, Kai Wengelnik
Summary: A gain-of-function variant (E756del) in the PIEZO1 channel prevents severe malaria. Activation of PIEZO1 by Yoda1 and Jedi2 inhibitors induces echinocytosis and dehydration of red blood cells, inhibiting invasion by Plasmodium falciparum.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Casper Hempel, Dan Milner, Karl Seydel, Terrie Taylor
Summary: Recent studies suggest that endothelial glycocalyx plays a role in malaria pathogenesis. Using postmortem brain samples, changes in specific sugar epitopes were found in cerebral capillaries of children who died from cerebral malaria compared to nonmalarial comas. These findings suggest specific remodeling of cerebral microvessels in cerebral malaria patients.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tamir Zelter, Jacob Strahilevitz, Karina Simantov, Olga Yajuk, Yvonne Adams, Anja Ramstedt Jensen, Ron Dzikowski, Zvi Granot
Summary: Neutrophils can recognize and kill blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum, with neutrophil ICAM-1 and specific PfEMP1 implicated in cerebral malaria being key molecules involved in this killing.
Review
Immunology
Isobel S. Walker, Stephen J. Rogerson
Summary: This article reviews the latest developments in the immunogenicity and pathogenesis of malaria, with a focus on the leading malaria killer, Plasmodium falciparum. Pathogenic factors include parasite-derived toxins and variant surface antigens that cause sequestration in the deep vasculature. The host response to these toxins and antigens plays a crucial role in determining disease severity.
Article
Biology
Rowaida Bakri, Mohd Rehan, Hina Shamshad, Abdul Hafiz
Summary: This study provides structural insights into the binding of the PfEMP1 DBL beta 12 domain with the human receptor gC1qR, potentially aiding in the development of novel interventions for severe malaria.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Melissa D. Conrad, Victor Asua, Shreeya Garg, David Giesbrecht, Karamoko Niare, Sawyer Smith, Jane F. Namuganga, Thomas Katairo, Jennifer Legac, Rebecca M. Crudale, Patrick K. Tumwebaze, Samuel L. Nsobya, Roland A. Cooper, Moses R. Kamya, Grant Dorsey, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Philip J. Rosenthal
Summary: This study identified multifocal emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum with partial resistance to artemisinins in Uganda. The emergence and spread of resistance were predominantly observed in areas where effective malaria control had been discontinued or transmission was unstable.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Margaux Chauvet, Cerina Chhuon, Joanna Lipecka, Sebastien Dechavanne, Celia Dechavanne, Murielle Lohezic, Margherita Ortalli, Damien Pineau, Jean-Antoine Ribeil, Sandra Manceau, Caroline Le Van Kim, Adrian J. F. Luty, Florence Migot-Nabias, Slim Azouzi, Ida Chiara Guerrera, Anais Merckx
Summary: This passage discusses the possible reasons for the high prevalence of sickle cell disease in certain populations may be related to the protective effect of HbS against severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. By studying protein phosphorylation, it reveals the impact of HbS heterozygous carriage on the phosphorylation of proteins in red blood cell membranes and skeletal proteins, as well as parasite proteins during infection with malaria, which may lead to a less severe manifestation of malaria symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Barikissou Georgia Damien, Akoeugnigan Idelphonse Sode, Daniel Bocossa, Emmanuel Elanga-Ndille, Badirou Aguemon, Vincent Corbel, Marie-Claire Henry, Romain Lucas Glele Kakai, Franck Remoue
Summary: This study analyzed the spatial distribution of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection and disease among children under five years in Benin, West Africa. The prevalence of P. falciparum infection was moderate in the south but high in the north, with infants in the north having lower infection rates compared to other age groups. The spatial model predicted more heterogeneity in the south, but a higher risk of malaria infection and clinical cases in the north.
Article
Infectious Diseases
David A. Forero-Pena, Fhabian S. Carrion-Nessi, Melynar Chavero, Angel Gamardo, Luisamy Figuera, Natasha A. Camejo-Avila, Maria Marcano, Mariana Hidalgo, Cariagne J. Arenas-Leal, Leopoldo Villegas, Maria E. Grillet, M. Andreina Pacheco, Marisol Sandoval-de Mora, Ananias A. Escalante
Summary: This study described the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of clinical malaria patients in Bolivar state, Venezuela, where young male adults practicing gold mining had a high prevalence of malaria, and a concerning number of patients with Plasmodium vivax showed signs of severe clinical disease. The study suggests further exploration into the reasons behind these findings, such as timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Review
Immunology
Pranavi Muppidi, Emily Wright, Samuel C. Wassmer, Himanshu Gupta
Summary: Cerebral malaria is a severe form of malaria that can cause death, and it is characterized by the accumulation of parasitized red blood cells in the microvasculature of vital organs. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a positive outcome in cerebral malaria. However, current diagnostic tools are insufficient to assess the extent of brain dysfunction associated with cerebral malaria before the window for effective treatment closes. Various biomarkers based on host and parasite factors have been proposed as rapid diagnostic tools for early cerebral malaria diagnosis, but no specific biomarker signature has been validated. In this review, we discuss promising biomarker candidates for cerebral malaria and evaluate their suitability as point-of-care tools in malaria-endemic areas.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Louise Goksoyr, Magdalena Skrzypczak, Maureen Sampson, Morten A. Nielsen, Ali Salanti, Thor G. Theander, Alan T. Remaley, Willem A. De Jongh, Adam F. Sander
Summary: Administration of PCSK9-specific monoclonal antibodies and peptide-based PCSK9 vaccines can reduce plasma LDL cholesterol by blocking PCSK9. However, these treatments also increase plasma PCSK9 levels due to the formation of immune complexes. A study using a cVLP-based vaccine platform shows that the FL PCSK9 cVLP vaccine has an enhanced ability to opsonize and clear plasma PCSK9. These findings have implications for the design of vaccines that can effectively mediate opsonization and immune clearance of target antigens.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Merel J. Smit, Adam F. Sander, Maud B. P. A. Ariaans, Cyrielle Fougeroux, Constanze Heinzel, Rolf Fendel, Meral Esen, Peter G. Kremsner, Rob ter Heine, Heiman F. Wertheim, Manja Idorn, Alexander P. Underwood, Alekxander Binderup, Santseharay Ramirez, Jens Bukh, Max Soegaard, Sayit M. Erdogan, Tobias Gustavsson, Stine Clemmensen, Thor G. Theander, Lancet Microbe, Ali Salanti, Mette Hamborg, Willem A. de Jongh, Matthew B. B. McCall, Morten A. Nielsen, Benjamin G. Mordmuller
Summary: A clinical trial was conducted in the Netherlands to test a cVLP-based COVID-19 vaccine. The results showed that the vaccine exhibited high immunogenicity at antigen levels of 25-70 mu g and had high virus neutralization activity against major SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Article
Oncology
Nanna Skeltved, Mie A. A. Nordmaj, Nicolai T. T. Berendtsen, Robert Dagil, Emilie M. R. Stormer, Nader Al-Nakouzi, Ke Jiang, Alexandra Aicher, Christopher Heeschen, Tobias Gustavsson, Swati Choudhary, Ismail Gogenur, Jan P. P. Christensen, Thor G. G. Theander, Mads Daugaard, Ali Salanti, Morten A. A. Nielsen
Summary: The malaria protein VAR2CSA has anti-tumor efficacy by binding to oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS). Combining V-aCD3 with an immune checkpoint inhibitor enhances the anti-tumor effects, leading to complete elimination of solid tumors in mice.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Samuel Yao Ahorhorlu, Neils Ben Quashie, Rasmus Weisel Jensen, William Kudzi, Edmund Tetteh Nartey, Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie, Felix Zoiku, Bartholomew Dzudzor, Christian William Wang, Helle Hansson, Michael Alifrangis, George Obeng Adjei
Summary: This study aimed to assess and characterize correlates of potential artemisinin tolerance in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from children with uncomplicated malaria in Ghana. The findings suggest that artemisinin-based combination therapy is still effective for treating uncomplicated malaria in Ghana, despite the emerging artemisinin tolerance in some regions of East Africa. The role of two newly identified mutations in drug resistance needs further investigation.
Article
Immunology
Magdalena Radwanska, Frederic de Lemos Esteves, Loes Linsen, Nicolas Coltel, Sabrina Cencig, Joelle Widart, Massart Anne-Cecile, Severine Colson, Alexandre Di Paolo, Pauline Percier, Sarra Ait Djebbara, Francois Guillonneau, Veronique Flamand, Edwin De Pauw, Jean-Marie Frere, Yves Carlier, Carine Truyens
Summary: The protein macrophage infectivity potentiator of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes (rTcMIP) exhibits a pro-type 1 immunostimulatory activity on neonatal cells. It triggers the secretion of chemokines CCL2 and CCL3 by human umbilical cord blood cells and promotes secretion of IFN-gamma when supplemented with IL-2 and IL-18. rTcMIP can act as an adjuvant in neonatal mouse immunization models, increasing the IgG antibody response towards antigens and promoting a Th-1 dependent IgG2a isotype. It shows potential for use in neonatal vaccines to reduce infection-associated morbidity and mortality in the early postnatal period.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Thibault Kervarrec, Silke Appenzeller, Anne Tallet, Marie-Laure Jullie, Pierre Sohier, Francois Guillonneau, Arno Rutten, Patricia Berthon, Yannick Le Corre, Ewa Hainaut-Wierzbicka, Astrid Blom, Nathalie Beneton, Guido Bens, Charline Nardin, Francois Aubin, Monica Dinulescu, Sebastien Visee, Michael Herfs, Antoine Touze, Serge Guyetant, Mahtab Samimi, Roland Houben, David Schrama
Summary: This study found that wildtype MCPyV genomes and VP1 transcription exist in a subset of MCC.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Justin Doritchamou, Morten A. Nielsen, Arnaud Chene, Nicola K. Viebig, Lynn E. Lambert, Adam F. Sander, Jean-Philippe Semblat, Sophia Hundt, Sachy Orr-Gonzalez, Christoph Mikkel Janitzek, Alicia J. Spiegel, Stine B. Clemmensen, Marvin L. Thomas, Martha C. Nason, Maryonne Snow-Smith, Emma K. Barnafo, Joseph Shiloach, Beth B. Chen, Steven Nadakal, Kendrick Highsmith, Tarik Ouahes, Solomon Conteh, Ankur Sharma, Holly Torano, Brandi Butler, Karine Reiter, Kelly M. Rausch, Puthupparampil V. Scaria, Charles Anderson, David L. Narum, Ali Salanti, Michal Fried, Thor G. Theander, Benoit Gamain, Patrick E. Duffy
Summary: This study investigated the functional antibody response and antibody boosting during PM episodes in Aotus monkeys immunized with placental malaria vaccine (PMV) candidates. The results showed that PMV candidates induced functional antibodies with limited heterologous activity in the monkeys, similar to human responses. The Aotus model appears to be suitable for preclinical downselection of PMV candidates and assessment of antibody boosting.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sai Sundar Rajan Raghavan, Louise Turner, Rasmus W. Jensen, Nicolai Tidemand Johansen, Daniel Skjold Jensen, Pontus Gourdon, Jinqiu Zhang, Yong Wang, Thor Grundtvig Theander, Kaituo Wang, Thomas Lavstsen
Summary: Using Cryo-EM and PfEMP1 sequence diversity analysis, it was found that the CIDRa1 domains of group A PfEMP1 interact with the adjacent DBLa1 domain through central, conserved residues of the EPCR-binding site to form a compact conformation. Upon EPCR binding, the DBLa1 domain is displaced, and the EPCR-binding helix of CIDRa1 undergoes a rearrangement to reach a stable EPCR-bound conformation. This may represent a conformational masking mechanism for immune evasion in the PfEMP1 family.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thulaciga Yoganathan, Mailyn Perez-Liva, Daniel Balvay, Morgane Le Gall, Alice Lallemand, Anais Certain, Gwennhael Autret, Yasmine Mokrani, Francois Guillonneau, Johanna Bruce, Vincent Nguyen, Umit Gencer, Alain Schmitt, Franck Lager, Thomas Guilbert, Patrick Bruneval, Jose Vilar, Nawal Maissa, Elie Mousseaux, Thomas Viel, Gilles Renault, Nadjia Kachenoura, Bertrand Tavitian
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thulaciga Yoganathan, Mailyn Perez-Liva, Daniel Balvay, Morgane Le Gall, Alice Lallemand, Anais Certain, Gwennhael Autret, Yasmine Mokrani, Francois Guillonneau, Johanna Bruce, Vincent Nguyen, Umit Gencer, Alain Schmitt, Franck Lager, Thomas Guilbert, Patrick Bruneval, Jose Vilar, Nawal Maissa, Elie Mousseaux, Thomas Viel, Gilles Renault, Nadjia Kachenoura, Bertrand Tavitian
Summary: This study demonstrates that stress-induced cardiomyopathy can lead to continuous deterioration of heart function and structure due to abnormalities in cardiac metabolism, contradicting the supposed reversibility of Takotsubo. This highlights the dysregulation of glucose metabolic pathways as a main cause of long-term cardiac disease.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julie Van Coillie, Tamas Pongracz, Tonci Sustic, Wenjun Wang, Jan Nouta, Mathieu Le Gars, Sofie Keijzer, Federica Linty, Olvi Cristianawati, Jim B. D. Keijser, Remco Visser, Lonneke A. van Vught, Marleen A. Slim, Niels van Mourik, Merel J. Smit, Adam Sander, David E. Schmidt, Maurice Steenhuis, Theo Rispens, Morten A. Nielsen, Benjamin G. Mordmueller, Alexander P. J. Vlaar, C. Ellen van der Schoot, Ramon Roozendaal, Manfred Wuhrer, Gestur Vidarsson
Summary: In this study, the glycosylation profiles of anti-S IgG1 Fc in response to mRNA, adenoviral, and protein-based COVID-19 vaccines were compared using mass spectrometry (MS). The results showed variations in the glycosylation patterns between different vaccine platforms and individuals, but overall, vaccine-induced anti-S IgG glycosylation was dynamic with marked overlaps.
Article
Parasitology
Naa Adjeley Frempong, Charity Ahiabor, William K. Anyan, Atikatou Mama, Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi, Michael F. Ofori, Bright Adu, Alex Yaw Debrah, Abraham K. Anang, Nicaise T. Ndam, David Courtin
Summary: Anaemia is prevalent during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa, and parasitic infections, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, are associated with increased risk of anaemia. However, Schistosoma haematobium infection did not show a significant correlation with haemoglobin levels. It is recommended to initiate routine diagnosis and treatment of S. haematobium infections in endemic areas to reduce schistosomiasis during pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Line Hjort, Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen, Daniel Minja, Christine Rasmussen, Sofie Lykke Moller, John Lusingu, Thor Theander, Ib Christian Bygbjerg, Christentze Schmiegelow, Louise Groth Grunnet
Summary: This study found that malaria during pregnancy is associated with lower FGF-21 levels, while anemia during pregnancy is associated with higher FGF-21 levels. Additionally, cord blood levels of FGF-21 and GDF-15 are negatively associated with neonatal weight and skinfold thickness.
JOURNAL OF THE ENDOCRINE SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nikolaj Juul Nitschke, Marwa Almosailleakh, Yiyuan Niu, Jakob Werner Hansen, Klas Raaschou-Jensen, Jakob Schmidt Jespersen, Marianne Tang Severinsen, Anne Stidsholt Roug, Morten Frodin, Joachim Lutken Weischenfeldt, Mette Klarskov Andersen, Kirsten Gronbaek
Summary: Current estimates suggest that up to 10% of patients with myeloid neoplasms have a germline predisposition. A study in Danish patients with myeloid neoplasms found that germline RUNX1 variants are rare and proposed classifying two of the confirmed germline variants as likely benign. A novel CRISPR-Select functional genetic assay was used to study the pathogenicity of these variants.
