Article
Immunology
Jenna M. Kastenschmidt, Suhas Sureshchandra, Aarti Jain, Jenny E. Hernandez-Davies, Rafael de Assis, Zachary W. Wagoner, Andrew M. Sorn, Mahina Tabassum Mitul, Aviv I. Benchorin, Elizabeth Levendosky, Gurpreet Ahuja, Qiu Zhong, Douglas Trask, Jacob Boeckmann, Rie Nakajima, Algimantas Jasinskas, Naresha Saligrama, D. Huw Davies, Lisa E. Wagar
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different antigen formats on mucosal adaptive immune responses using a human tonsil organoid model. The results showed significant differences in the B and T cell responses elicited by different antigen formats, which led to changes in the corresponding antibody response. The ability of antigen formats to recruit naive and memory B and T cells to the response was identified as a major source of variability.
Review
Virology
Edin J. Mifsud, Miku Kuba, Ian G. Barr
Summary: The innate immune system is the host's first defense against pathogens and activates the adaptive immune system to clear viruses, but excessive response may lead to immunopathology.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Duohao Ren, Sylvain Fisson, Deniz Dalkara, Divya Ail
Summary: Inherited retinal diseases are a major cause of blindness, and gene therapy using gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 shows promise for their treatment. However, ocular gene therapies can elicit immune responses that need to be managed to ensure safe and effective gene editing.
Article
Immunology
Ching-Fen Shen, Chia-Liang Yen, Yi-Chen Fu, Chao-Min Cheng, Tzu-Chi Shen, Pei-De Chang, Kuang-Hsiung Cheng, Ching-Chuan Liu, Yu-Tzu Chang, Po-Lin Chen, Wen-Chien Ko, Chi-Chang Shieh
Summary: Age has an impact on the immune response to SARS-CoV2 vaccines, with older adults having a higher likelihood of immune response defects and weaker innate immune activation profiles compared to young individuals.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aleksandar Antanasijevic, Leigh M. Sewall, Christopher A. Cottrell, Diane G. Carnathan, Luis E. Jimenez, Julia T. Ngo, Jennifer B. Silverman, Bettina Groschel, Erik Georgeson, Jinal Bhiman, Raiza Bastidas, Celia LaBranche, Joel D. Allen, Jeffrey Copps, Hailee R. Perrett, Kimmo Rantalainen, Fabien Cannac, Yuhe R. Yang, Alba Torrents de la Pena, Rebeca Froes Rocha, Zachary T. Berndsen, David Baker, Neil P. King, Rogier W. Sanders, John P. Moore, Shane Crotty, Max Crispin, David C. Montefiori, Dennis R. Burton, William R. Schief, Guido Silvestri, Andrew B. Ward
Summary: The authors proposed a method called cryoEMPEM for high-resolution structural analysis of vaccine-elicited polyclonal antibody responses. By applying this method in rhesus macaques, they were able to determine different polyclonal antibody structures and reveal new epitopes in the immune response.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Melanie D. Balhuizen, Chantal M. Versluis, Monica O. van Grondelle, Edwin J. A. Veldhuizen, Henk P. Haagsman
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is increasing, and bacterial vaccines, such as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) produced by Gram-negative bacteria, can be used to prevent resistance development. Host defense peptides (HDPs), specifically cathelicidins, have been found to modulate immune responses by interacting with OMVs and neutralizing LPS-induced TLR4 activation. Additionally, TLR2, 4, 5, and 9 play a role in macrophage stimulation by OMVs.
Article
Immunology
Sutonuka Bhar, Guanqi Zhao, Julia D. Bartel, Heather Sterchele, Alexa Del Mazo, Lisa E. Emerson, Mariola J. Edelmann, Melissa K. Jones
Summary: Human norovirus is a major cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and is the second leading cause of diarrheal deaths in children in developing countries. This study shows that bacterial extracellular vesicles may play a role in controlling murine norovirus infection through modulation of the antiviral immune response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Xuejie Liu, Tianyi Zhao, Liangliang Wang, Zhuolin Yang, Chuming Luo, Minchao Li, Huanle Luo, Caijun Sun, Huacheng Yan, Yuelong Shu
Summary: The study utilized a mosaic vaccine design strategy and genetic algorithms to optimize the influenza virus antigens and generate virus-like particles. Compared to a commercial quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine, the mosaic VLPs induced stronger cross-reactive antibody responses, robust T-cell responses, and provided better protection in a mouse model. These findings demonstrate the promising potential of mosaic vaccines for developing a broad influenza vaccine in the future.
Article
Immunology
Ramin Sedaghat Herati, David A. Knorr, Laura A. Vella, Luisa Victoria Silva, Lakshmi Chilukuri, Sokratis A. Apostolidis, Alexander C. Huang, Alexander Muselman, Sasikanth Manne, Oliva Kuthuru, Ryan P. Staupe, Sharon A. Adamski, Senthil Kannan, Raj K. Kurupati, Hildegund C. J. Ertl, Jeffrey L. Wong, Stylianos Bournazos, Suzanne McGettigan, Lynn M. Schuchter, Ritesh R. Kotecha, Samuel A. Funt, Martin H. Voss, Robert J. Motzer, Chung-Han Lee, Dean F. Bajorin, Tara C. Mitchell, Jeffrey Ravetch, E. John Wherry
Summary: Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy has dynamic effects on noncancer immune responses, enhancing the Tfh-B cell axis response to influenza vaccination and potentially affecting immune predisposition.
Review
Cell Biology
Christine M. O'Connor, Ganes C. Sen
Summary: When a host cell is infected by a viral pathogen, the interferon system will initiate attacks, accumulating antiviral proteins and protective cytokines. However, viruses often evolve mechanisms to undermine host immune responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Auladell, Hoang Vu Mai Phuong, Le Thi Quynh Mai, Yeu-Yang Tseng, Louise Carolan, Sam Wilks, Pham Quang Thai, David Price, Nguyen Thanh Duong, Nguyen Le Khang Hang, Le Thi Thanh, Nguyen Thi Hong Thuong, Tran Thi Kieu Huong, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Vu Thi Ngoc Bich, Arseniy Khvorov, Luca Hensen, Tran Nhu Duong, Katherine Kedzierska, Dang Duc Anh, Heiman Wertheim, Scott D. Boyd, Kim L. Good-Jacobson, Derek Smith, Ian Barr, Sheena Sullivan, H. Rogier van Doorn, Annette Fox
Summary: Recent prior influenza A infection enhances antibody responses to subsequent influenza vaccination and broadens the reactivity to different strains. Immunological memory induced by prior infection plays an important role in vaccine responses.
Review
Immunology
Iwona T. Myszor, Gudmundur Hrafn Gudmundsson
Summary: The innate immune system of the airway epithelium consists of multiple components that work together to protect the host from invading pathogens. Modulating innate immune responses in the airway epithelium to boost host defenses and enhance immune responses is an alternative approach to standard antibiotics. This review discusses the possibilities of such modulation for host-directed therapy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Annemiek Uvyn, Marle Elisabeth Jacqueline Vleugels, Bas de Waal, Ahmed Emad Ibrahim Hamouda, Shikha Dhiman, Benoit Louage, Lorenzo Albertazzi, Damya Laoui, E. W. Meijer, Bruno G. De Geest
Summary: This study successfully recruited endogenous antibodies to the surface of cancer cells using functionalized poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers, addressing the challenges of low affinity of endogenous antibodies and unidentified target receptors in most solid tumors.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Shasha Chen, Zhiyong Liao, Pinglong Xu
Summary: Mitochondria play versatile roles in cellular processes and have emerged as critical components in innate immunity. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted mechanisms underlying the interactions between mitochondria and innate immune responses. It discusses the roles of healthy mitochondria as platforms for signalosome assembly, the release of mitochondrial components as signaling messengers, and the regulation of signaling via mitophagy. Additionally, it explores the impacts of mitochondrial proteins and metabolites on modulating innate immune responses, immune cell polarization, and their implications in infectious and inflammatory diseases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Marwan Bouras, Karim Asehnoune, Antoine Roquilly
Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers an immediate immune response in brain tissue, followed by a systemic inflammatory response. This response aims to limit excessive systemic inflammation and promote healing, involving the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, hormonal systems, and immune cells. However, it also leads to immunosuppression and tolerance, which increases the risk of secondary infections.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Halima Alnaqbi, Guan K. Tay, Herbert F. Jelinek, Amirtharaj Francis, Eman Alefishat, Sarah El Haj Chehadeh, Amna Tahir Saeed, Mawada Hussein, Laila Salameh, Bassam H. Mahboub, Maimunah Uddin, Nawal Alkaabi, Habiba S. Alsafar
Summary: HLA alleles may play a role in viral susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study examined the association between specific HLA alleles and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in a population from the UAE. Certain HLA alleles and supertypes showed statistical significance with the severity of the infection.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eman Alefishat, Herbert F. F. Jelinek, Mira Mousa, Guan K. K. Tay, Habiba S. S. Alsafar
Summary: This article discusses the heterogeneous phenotypes among COVID-19 patients and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants on immune responses. The article points out that the ability of the SARS-CoV-2 strain and new emerging variants to antagonize IFN-mediated antiviral responses can lead to higher early viral load, higher transmissibility, and milder symptoms. Among the circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2, there are some variants of concern that have the potential to evade immune responses.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Lizeth Orozco Morales, Catherine A. Rinaldi, Emma de Jong, Sally M. Lansley, Joel P. A. Gummer, Bence Olasz, Shabarinath Nambiar, Danika E. Hope, Thomas H. Casey, Y. C. Gary Lee, Connull Leslie, Gareth Nealon, David M. Shackleford, Andrew K. Powell, Marina Grimaldi, Patrick Balaguer, Rachael M. Zemek, Anthony Bosco, Matthew J. Piggott, Alice Vrielink, Richard A. Lake, W. Joost Lesterhuis
Summary: The study found that increased activity of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma is associated with the development of mesothelioma. However, a dual PPAR alpha/gamma antagonist is not a viable treatment for the cancer.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andreas Henschel, Samuel F. Feng, Rifat A. Hamoudi, Gihan Daw Elbait, Ernesto Damiani, Fathimathuz Waasia, Guan K. Tay, Bassam H. Mahboub, Maimunah Hemayet Uddin, Juan Acuna, Eman Alefishat, Rabih Halwani, Herbert F. Jelinek, Farah Mustafa, Nawal Alkaabi, Habiba S. a Alsafar
Summary: The study utilizes global and local whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 to trace the domestic and international transmissions of the virus. The results show that the prevalence shift of the D614G mutation is due to international introductions of the G-variant, rather than local transmissibility. Additionally, the study finds that clades spanning different emirates pre-date domestic travel bans.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Halima Alnaqbi, Guan K. Tay, Sarah El Hajj Chehadeh, Habiba Alsafar
Summary: This study fills the knowledge gap of the structure and content of the MHC region in the UAE population, and identifies several CEHs in the population, including previously detected ones and novel ones. The results indicate substantial gene flow with neighboring ethnic groups and the presence of alleles and haplotypes associated with autoimmune diseases.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hend Chaker Masmoudi, Nariman Afify, Halima Alnaqbi, Zainab Alhalwachi, Guan K. Tay, Habiba Alsafar
Summary: This article reviews the known associations between HLA alleles and drug hypersensitivity in North Africa and the Middle East, highlighting the lack of data in the Greater Middle East (GME) region. The authors summarize the significant HLA alleles associated with drug hypersensitivity in different populations and provide prevalence rates in the diverse populations of the GME. Studying pharmacogenomic associations in the ethnic groups of the GME may lead to the discovery of new associations and allow for cost-effectiveness analysis of allele screening before drug use.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariane Daou, Hussein Kannout, Mariam Khalili, Mohamed Almarei, Mohamed Alhashami, Zainab Alhalwachi, Fatima Alshamsi, Mohammad Tahseen Al Bataineh, Mohd Azzam Kayasseh, Abdulmajeed Al Khajeh, Shadi W. Hasan, Guan K. Tay, Samuel F. Feng, Dymitr Ruta, Ahmed F. Yousef, Habiba S. Alsafar
Summary: In this study, viral load trends were investigated in stools and nasopharyngeal swabs of 211 laboratory-confirmed cases of mild COVID-19. The results showed that a positive fecal viral test was associated with male gender, diarrhea as a symptom, and hospitalization. The study also highlighted the importance of stool sample analysis for the follow-up and diagnosis of recovering COVID-19 patients.
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Eman Alefishat, Mira Mousa, Mohammed Albreiki, Herbert F. Jelinek, Zainab Al Halwachi, Mariam Khalili, Fathimathuz Waasia, Maimunah Uddin, Nawal Al Kaabi, Bassam Mahboub, Mohammad T. Albataineh, Guan K. Tay, Habiba S. Alsafar
Summary: This study investigated the association between cytokine genetic variants, cytokine serum levels/profiles, and disease severity in critically and noncritically ill COVID-19 patients. IL-6 and CXCL-16 were found to potentially be used as biomarkers for monitoring disease progression of COVID-19 patients.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Aamer Alshehhi, Aliya Almarzooqi, Khadija Alhammadi, Naoufel Werghi, Guan K. Tay, Habiba Alsafar
Summary: The rapid advancements in genetic identification of facial morphology have enabled early detection of craniofacial syndromes and solved forensic cases where reference samples are absent. This review summarizes methods for predicting human traits based on genetic variations, with a focus on facial features. Various 2D and 3D scanning techniques and analysis tools are examined, along with face-landmarking techniques and genetic analysis of 3D face shape. A systematic review of genetic markers for facial traits and challenges in forensic DNA phenotyping are also discussed.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Lizeth Orozco M. Morales, Catherine Rinaldi, Emma M. de Jong, Sally Lansley, Y. C. Gary A. Lee, Rachael Zemek, Anthony Bosco, Richard Lake, W. Joost Lesterhuis
Summary: This study compared and analyzed the transcriptomes of invasive pleural tumors and non-invasive subcutaneous tumors in mesothelioma. The invasive pleural tumors showed an enrichment of genes associated with MEF2C and MYOCD signaling, muscle differentiation, and myogenesis. Geldanamycin was identified as a potential antagonist of this transcriptomic signature, but its efficacy in vitro and in vivo was limited.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Afnan Mansour, Mira Mousa, Dima Abdelmannan, Guan Tay, Ahmed Hassoun, Habiba Alsafar
Summary: This study conducted an Exome-Wide Association Study (EWAS) on Emirati individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to identify susceptibility loci associated with T2DM-related complications. The results showed associations between various genes and each complication category. The study also highlighted the limitations of the current genotyping arrays in representing diverse populations, emphasizing the need for better representation in future studies.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Veterinary Sciences
Herbert F. Jelinek, Mira Mousa, Eman Alefishat, Wael Osman, Ian Spence, Dengpan Bu, Samuel F. Feng, Jason Byrd, Paola A. Magni, Shafi Sahibzada, Guan K. Tay, Habiba S. Alsafar
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Correction
Veterinary Sciences
Herbert F. Jelinek, Mira Mousa, Eman Alefishat, Wael Osman, Ian Spence, Dengpan Bu, Samuel F. Feng, Jason Byrd, Paola A. Magni, Shafi Sahibzada, Guan K. Tay, Habiba S. Alsafar
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Mira Mousa, Sara Albarguthi, Mohammed Albreiki, Zenab Farooq, Sameeha Sajid, Sarah El Hajj Chehadeh, Gihan Daw ElBait, Guan Tay, Asma Al Deeb, Habiba Alsafar
Summary: This study aims to identify new (de novo) genetic markers for T1DM patients by sequencing the genes of the affected individual and their parents. The findings include 12 variants linked to T1DM and 20 variants linked to other diseases. These results contribute to the understanding of T1DM's genetic basis and can improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guan K. Tay, Halima Alnaqbi, Sarah Chehadeh, Braulio Peramo, Farah Mustafa, Tahir A. Rizvi, Bassam H. Mahboub, Maimunah Uddin, Nawal Alkaabi, Eman Alefishat, Herbert F. Jelinek, Habiba Alsafar
Summary: This study found that certain Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles are associated with the severity of COVID-19. These alleles may influence the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study supports the potential use of HLA testing in prioritizing public healthcare interventions for COVID-19 patients at risk and providing personalized immunotherapeutic targets.