Article
Immunology
Manyu Zhao, Liqun Wang, Mengzhu Wang, Qixue Bao, Rui Qian, Lijun Peng, Aiping Fang, Wen Du, Linshen Xie, Zunzhen Zhang, Yuqin Yao, Ben Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrated that PGRN levels were significantly increased in a silicosis mouse model. PGRN was mainly expressed in alveolar macrophages and promoted the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with IL-6 showing the most significant increase. Knockdown of PGRN blocked the elevation of IL-6 in silicosis-induced alveolar macrophages. Furthermore, PGRN was found to increase the phosphorylation of Creb1, which is a transcriptional regulator of IL-6. These findings suggest that PGRN may play a key role in silica-induced inflammation and provide new insights for the diagnosis and drug therapy of silicosis.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lara K. Abramowitz, John A. Hanover
Summary: Inflammation is an immune response to harmful stimuli, but excessive inflammation can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases. Macrophages play a crucial role in this process, responding to the local microenvironment by polarizing into M1 or M2 phenotypes. Elevated O-GlcNAc levels in M1 polarized macrophages are associated with increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. O-GlcNAc interacts with iNOS and affects its activity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Fethi Khiter, Zoulika Kherrouche, Violaine Dubois, Stephanie Slupek, Emmanuelle Petit, Anne-Sophie Debrie, Stephane Cauchi, Nicolas Barois, Carine Rouanet, Nathalie Mielcarek
Summary: Bordetella pertussis is a highly infectious respiratory pathogen responsible for whooping cough. In this study, the researchers used Max Planck Institute (MPI) cells, which are similar to alveolar macrophages (AMs), to investigate the innate immune response to B. pertussis infection. They found that the MPI cells exhibited a pro-inflammatory phenotype and showed the parallel regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines by STAT3 and STAT5. This research provides valuable insights into the interaction between B. pertussis and AMs, and has the potential to reduce the use of animals in experiments.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Yaima Burgher Pulgaron, Chantale Provost, Marie-Jeanne Pesant, Carl A. Gagnon
Summary: This study investigates the pathogenesis of porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b) and swine influenza A virus (SwIV) co-infection in swine respiratory cells. The results show that the co-infection has different outcomes in different cell types, affecting viral replication and cytokine expression. RNA-sequencing reveals the modulation of gene expression and cellular pathways during PCV2b and SwIV H1N1 co-infection, providing new insights on the pathogenesis of porcine viral co-infections.
Article
Microbiology
Xing Xie, Maoda Pang, Shan Liang, Yan Lin, Yanbing Zhao, Dong Qiu, Jin Liu, Yuhao Dong, Yongjie Liu
Summary: The study found that miRNAs associated with innate immunity and inflammatory response, cfa-miR-125b and cfamiR-151, were significantly decreased in CIV-infected canine primary cells, suggesting they may act as negative regulators of CIV replication.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Toxicology
Jiakun Shen, Dan Shen, Qian Tang, Zhaojian Li, Xiaoming Jin, Chunmei Li
Summary: The study found that mogroside V has an inhibitory effect on inflammation induced by fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and reduces intracellular ROS levels through its antioxidant function.
TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandro Del Re, Chiara Corpetti, Marcella Pesce, Luisa Seguella, Luca Steardo, Irene Palenca, Sara Rurgo, Barbara De Conno, Giovanni Sarnelli, Giuseppe Esposito
Summary: PEA exerts beneficial activity by activating PPARα receptors, inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway, and reducing inflammatory response against COVID-19. Experimental results show that um-PEA can effectively decrease proinflammatory markers in murine alveolar macrophages challenged with SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and downregulate ACE-2 expression.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Wojciech Stadejek, Koen Chiers, Kristien Van Reeth
Summary: In 2019, an outbreak of low pathogenic H3N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) occurred in Belgian poultry farms, leading to unusually high mortality in chickens. The concern of AIV transmission to pigs and subsequently to humans was raised due to the ability of influenza A viruses of H1 and H3 subtypes to infect pigs. The replication efficiency of the H3N1 AIV in porcine respiratory tract tissue and in pigs was assessed using virus titration and/or RT-qPCR. The results showed moderate replication in bronchioles and lungs but not in nasal mucosa or trachea. In the pig infection study, infectious virus was only detected in a few lung samples, indicating a low level of infection. Virus transmission from directly inoculated to contact pigs was not observed. Based on these findings, the H3N1 AIV is unlikely to pose a risk to swine populations. However, continuous risk assessment studies for emerging AIVs in pigs are necessary due to the genetic and phenotypic variations among different virus strains.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hiroto Takiguchi, Chen X. Yang, Cheng Wei Tony Yang, Basak Sahin, Beth A. Whalen, Stephen Milne, Kentaro Akata, Kei Yamasaki, Julia Shun Wei Yang, Chung Yan Cheung, Ryan Vander Werff, Kelly M. McNagny, Fernando Sergio Leitao Filho, Tawimas Shaipanich, Stephan F. van Eeden, Ma'en Obeidat, Janice M. Leung, Don D. Sin
Summary: The study found that a subset of macrophages in human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid lack classical M1 or M2 surface markers, and these cells are significantly enriched in COPD patients, suggesting a potential role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung diseases.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Manman Dai, Sufang Zhu, Zhihao An, Bowen You, Ziwei Li, Yongxiu Yao, Venugopal Nair, Ming Liao
Summary: Chicken lung is an important target organ of avian influenza virus (AIV) infection. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers analyzed the transcriptome of 16 cell types in the lung tissue of chickens infected with highly pathogenic H5N1 AIV and low pathogenic H9N2 AIV. The study revealed complex and distinct immune response landscapes and potential mechanisms underlying AIV-driven inflammatory reactions in chickens.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Atif Zafar, Hang Pong Ng, Gun-Dong Kim, E. Ricky Chan, Ganapati H. Mahabeleshwar
Summary: Macrophages are crucial innate immune cells that defend against infections and injuries. The transcription factor BHLHE40 plays a critical role in promoting inflammatory and glycolytic gene expression in macrophages by elevating HIF1α levels. Studies show that BHLHE40 deficiency leads to reduced inflammatory responses and glycolytic gene expression in macrophages.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yeong-Bin Baek, Hyung-Jun Kwon, Muhammad Sharif, Jeongah Lim, In-Chul Lee, Young Bae Ryu, Jae-In Lee, Ji-Sun Kim, Young-Seung Lee, Dong-Hoon Kim, Sang-Ik Park, Don-Kyu Kim, Jeong-Sun Kim, Hyon E. Choy, Sunwoo Lee, Hueng-Sik Choi, Timothy F. Osborne, Tae-Il Jeon, Kyoung-Oh Cho
Summary: The activation of LD-associated lipase is linked to the breakdown of LDs during the late stage of RNA viral infections, providing a potential anti-viral target. Inhibiting LD-associated lipases can suppress viral replication and mitigate lung lesions caused by SARS-CoV-2 and IAV infections. Furthermore, lipase inhibitors can reduce proinflammatory cytokine levels, which are important for the severe infection or mortality in COVID-19 and IAV patients.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jacqueline D. Corry, Gwenddolen Kettenburg, Amit A. Upadhyay, Megan Wallace, Michelle M. Marti, Elizabeth R. Wonderlich, Stephanie J. Bissel, Kyndal Goss, Timothy J. Sturgeon, Simon C. Watkins, Douglas S. Reed, Steven E. Bosinger, Simon M. Barratt-Boyes
Summary: This study used a novel model of lethal avian influenza in nonhuman primates to investigate the mechanism of severe pneumonia caused by the virus. The researchers found that a potent innate immune response, including high-level production of interferons and inflammatory factors, drives severe disease by recruiting inflammatory cells and leading to the release of neutrophil extracellular traps. They also observed a specific form of cell death known as pyroptosis during lethal influenza. These findings shed light on the mechanisms driving severe influenza and could be targeted for therapeutic interventions to prevent acute lung injury in patients with severe influenza.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Bo-Young Kim, Ji Hyeon Ryu, Jisu Park, Byeongjun Ji, Hyun Soo Chun, Min Sun Kim, Yong-Il Shin
Summary: Lettuce and its bioactive compounds can enhance the immune system by acting as immune modulators. This study found that fermented lettuce extract (FLE) can activate macrophages and increase their phagocytic ability and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. FLE can also regulate the activation and polarization of tumor-associated macrophages and promote apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jian Jin, Chao Xu, Sen Wu, Zhengchang Wu, Shenglong Wu, Mingan Sun, Wenbin Bao
Summary: This study demonstrates that PEDV can infect porcine lung tissue and 3D4/21 cells and reveals the crucial role of ALKBH5 in restraining PEDV infections, at least partly, by influencing GAS6 through an m(6)A-YTHDF2-dependent mechanism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abirami Ravichandran, Ruth H. Nissly, Shubhada Chothe, Padmaja Jakka, Suresh V. Kuchipudi
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Joe James, Amanda H. Seekings, Paul Skinner, Katie Purchase, Sahar Mahmood, Ian H. Brown, Rowena D. E. Hansen, Ashley C. Banyard, Scott M. Reid
Summary: Avian influenza virus (AIV) can be highly or lowly pathogenic based on its impact on chickens and the presence of specific residues. The recent incursions of H5Nx HPAIV in Europe have raised concerns. Currently, AIV detection relies on PCR assays and subsequent sequencing for determining the pathotype. This study presents a rapid and cost-effective PCR assay for the detection of high pathogenic H5 strains, which showed comparable sensitivity to the conventional sequencing method. The results demonstrated 100% discrimination and improved the diagnostic workflow.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Adam Lee, Stephen C. C. Mansbridge, Lu Liang, Ian F. F. Connerton, Kenneth H. H. Mellits
Summary: New-born piglets that fail to thrive during suckling may suffer from lack of nutrition due to excessive piglet production values. The use of commercial milk replacers can provide nutrition but lacks milk sugars that contribute to immune system and gut microbiota development. This study investigated the effects of supplementing milk replacer with milk sugars on gut health, microbiome, and immune-protective goblet cells in piglets. The results showed that milk replacers supplemented with milk sugars improved gut health, increased beneficial gut bacteria, and enhanced the numbers of protective immune goblet cells. This suggests that milk sugars in milk replacers can play a beneficial role in the husbandry of poorly performing piglets moved to controlled environments.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Neetha Balaram, James Jose, Abdul V. Gafoor, Smita Balachandran, Joe James, Aparna Ramachandran, Shivakumar H. Ramesh, Anjana Prabhakaran
Summary: This study investigated the spatio-temporal propagation of occipito-frontal spikes in childhood epilepsies and identified different types of spikes based on onset, propagation, and stability of their dipoles. The sleep EEG data of children were analyzed to select occipito-frontal spikes and generate voltage maps. Three types of occipito-frontal spikes were identified, with different characteristics and propagation patterns. The dipole analysis can be used to differentiate idiopathic and symptomatic cases based on stability quotient and occipito-frontal interval.
EPILEPTIC DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joe James, Elizabeth Billington, Caroline J. Warren, Dilhani De Sliva, Cecilia Di Genova, Maisie Airey, Stephanie M. Meyer, Thomas Lewis, Jacob Peers-Dent, Saumya S. Thomas, Abigail Lofts, Natalia Furman, Alejandro Nunez, Marek J. Slomka, Ian H. Brown, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: The 2021/2022 epizootic of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAIV) caused by clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV is the largest ever in the UK, affecting over 145 poultry premises. The virus was transmitted to poultry through independent incursion from infected wild birds, supported by over 1700 detections of H5N1 from wild bird mortalities. The H5N1-21 virus used for investigation exhibited high infectivity and transmission in ducks, while showing a lower adaptation to chickens.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Joe James, Caroline J. Warren, Dilhani De Silva, Thomas Lewis, Katherine Grace, Scott M. Reid, Marco Falchieri, Ian H. Brown, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: Since October 2021, Europe has experienced a large-scale avian influenza (AIV) outbreak caused by the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity AIV. The virus has infected numerous poultry premises and led to the detection of H5N1-positive wild birds in Great Britain. It has been found that airborne particles carrying infectious HPAIV can be transmitted over short distances (<10 m) through the air, while macroscopic particles containing viral RNA may travel further (<= 80 m). However, the potential for airborne transmission between premises is considered low compared to other factors such as indirect contact with wild birds and biosecurity efficiency.
Article
Virology
Shubhada K. Chothe, Padmaja Jakka, Veda Sheersh Boorla, Santhamani Ramasamy, Abhinay Gontu, Ruth H. Nissly, Justin Brown, Gregory Turner, Brent J. Sewall, DeeAnn M. Reeder, Kenneth A. Field, Julie B. Engiles, Saranya Amirthalingam, Abirami Ravichandran, Lindsey LaBella, Meera Surendran Nair, Costas D. Maranas, Suresh V. Kuchipudi
Summary: A study has found that little brown bats, a widely distributed North American bat species, could be at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and potentially serve as a natural reservoir. The combination of in vitro and in silico methods can be used to assess the susceptibility of bats and other animal species to SARS-CoV-2.
Editorial Material
Ecology
Suresh V. Kuchipudi, Cedric Tan, Lucy van Dorp, Maureen Lichtveld, Bradley Pickering, Jeff Bowman, Samira Mubareka, Francois Balloux
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in animal reservoirs may increase the risk of novel variants emerging, highlighting the need for comprehensive surveillance.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Robert W. Furness, Sheila C. Gear, Kees C. J. Camphuysen, Glen Tyler, Dilhani de Silva, Caroline J. Warren, Joe James, Scott M. Reid, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: During the summers of 2021 and 2022, high pathogenicity avian influenza had a significant impact on seabird populations, causing unprecedented mortality. In one specific case at Foula, Shetland, 1500 adult great skuas died, leaving decomposing virus-laden material. The risk of further spread of infection was investigated through water sampling, and although no viral genetic material was detected after four months, limitations to the study need to be considered for future environmental monitoring.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Adam Lee, Lu Liang, Phillippa L. Connerton, Ian F. Connerton, Kenneth H. Mellits
Summary: This study aimed to determine if dietary galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation during gestation could improve immunity, reduce rotavirus infection, and modulate the microbiota in sows and neonates. The results showed that galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation during gestation significantly increased rotavirus-specific IgG and IgA in sow colostrum, thereby reducing neonatal rotavirus infection and suppressing potential pathogenic bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Shubhada K. Chothe, Maurice Byukusenge, Manoj K. Sekhwal, Lingling Li, Lindsey Cecelia LaBella, Padmaja Jakka, Kay Palchak, Rhiannon Barry, Michele Yon, Ruth H. Nissly, Kathleen M. Kelly, Bhushan M. Jayarao, Meera Surendran Nair, Suresh V. Kuchipudi
Summary: We present the complete genomic sequence of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) isolated from a goat in Pennsylvania in 2022. BCoV is known to cause calf scours and winter dysentery in cattle.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Santhamani Ramasamy, Abhinay Gontu, Sabarinath Neerukonda, Diana Ruggiero, Becky Morrow, Sheweta Gupta, Saranya Amirthalingam, John M. Hardham, Joshua T. Lizer, Michele Yon, Ruth H. Nissly, Padmaja Jakka, Shubhada K. Chothe, Lindsey C. LaBella, Deepanker Tewari, Meera Surendran Nair, Suresh V. Kuchipudi
Summary: This study assesses the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variant infections in domestic and community cats in an urban setting. While no cats tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, 35 cats (12.86%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The study also compares two different assays for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection in cats and identifies the presence of antibodies to pre-Omicron and Omicron variants.
Article
Virology
Tamiru N. Alkie, Alexander M. P. Byrne, Megan E. B. Jones, Benjamin C. Mollett, Laura Bourque, Oliver Lung, Joe James, Carmencita Yason, Ashley C. Banyard, Daniel Sullivan, Anthony V. Signore, Andrew S. Lang, Meghan Baker, Beverly Dawe, Ian H. Brown, Yohannes Berhane
Summary: In December 2022 and January 2023, clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 avian influenza viruses were isolated from six American crows and a red fox in Canada. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these viruses belonged to two different clusters, indicating the continued transcontinental dissemination of the virus through migratory birds.
Article
Microbiology
Alexander M. P. Byrne, Joe James, Benjamin C. Mollett, Stephanie M. Meyer, Thomas Lewis, Magdalena Czepiel, Amanda H. Seekings, Sahar Mahmood, Saumya S. Thomas, Craig S. Ross, Dominic J. F. Byrne, Michael J. McMenamy, Valerie Bailie, Ken Lemon, Rowena D. E. Hansen, Marco Falchieri, Nicola S. Lewis, Scott M. Reid, Ian H. Brown, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: Outbreaks of high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) have devastating effects on avian species, causing economic losses in the poultry industry and ecological impacts on wild birds. These viruses also pose a significant zoonotic risk. Since 2020, the United Kingdom has experienced two successive outbreaks of H5 HPAIV, with different subtypes dominating each outbreak. Genetic analysis has allowed for tracking the evolution of these viruses and assessing their risk to both avian and human populations.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kimberly M. Edwards, Jurre Y. Siegers, Xiaoman Wei, Ammar Aziz, Yi-Mo Deng, Sokhoun Yann, Chan Bun, Seng Bunnary, Leonard Izzard, Makara Hak, Peter Thielen, Sothyra Tum, Frank Wong, Nicola S. Lewis, Joe James, Filip Claes, Ian G. Barr, Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: Institute in Cambodia collaborated with FAO to monitor AI virus in bird markets and poultry storage in Cambodia. The surveillance showed high levels of AIV circulation, with approximately 30%-50% of ducks and 20%-40% of chickens testing positive for various subtypes. The predominant subtypes were H5N1 during 2005-2014 and H5N1 and H5N6 since 2014, with sporadic detection of other subtypes including novel H7Nx in late 2021. Some samples tested positive for HPAIV H5 HA but negative for neuraminidase PCR, and further analysis confirmed them as H5N8 subtype.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)