Article
Immunology
Rafaela Vaz Sousa Pereira, Mostafa EzEldeen, Estefania Ugarte-Berzal, Erik Martens, Bert Malengier-Devlies, Jennifer Vandooren, Jan Jeroen Vranckx, Patrick Matthys, Ghislain Opdenakker
Summary: This study found that using physiological fibrin hydrogels in skin wound healing in mice can modulate immune cells and molecules, leading to faster wound repair. The hydrogels can reduce neutrophil numbers, increase non-classical Ly6Clow monocytes and resolutive macrophage populations, and decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, the hydrogels can increase the counts of dermal endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes, promote keratinocyte migration, and accelerate wound healing.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Alireza Hassanshahi, Mohammad Moradzad, Saman Ghalamkari, Moosa Fadaei, Allison J. Cowin, Mohammadhossein Hassanshahi
Summary: This review discusses the role and mechanisms of macrophages in skin wound healing, including cellular and molecular aspects such as subtypes, metabolism, plasticity, and epigenetics. The interactions between macrophages and factors important for wound healing are also highlighted.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luisa A. DiPietro, Traci A. Wilgus, Timothy J. Koh
Summary: Macrophages play a prominent role in skin wound healing, with functions including host defense and support of new tissue growth. However, the exact role of macrophages in wound healing remains elusive, as some wounds can heal well even with limited or no functional macrophages. Recent advances in understanding macrophage phenotypes and cellular plasticity in wounds may provide new insights and paradigms on macrophage function in wounds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Duo-Mei Tian, Huan-Huan Wan, Jia-Reng Chen, Yong-Bin Ye, Yong He, Yu Liu, Lu-Yao Tang, Zhong-Yuan He, Kai-Zheng Liu, Chong-Jian Gao, Sheng-Lin Li, Qian Xu, Zheng Yang, Chen Lai, Xiao-Jun Xu, Chang-Shun Ruan, Yun-Sheng Xu, Chao Zhang, Liang Luo, Le-Ping Yan
Summary: This study developed bioactive elastin-based hydrogels that can recruit and modulate innate immune cells, accelerate angiogenesis, and improve wound regeneration. The hydrogels showed tunable mechanical properties and were able to mimic the dermal microenvironment. In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrated that the derived conditioned medium from the hydrogels promoted the expression of M1 and M2 markers in macrophages and induced superior tube formation in endothelial cells. In a mouse wound model, the hydrogels attracted neutrophils and M2 macrophages to the wound, leading to enhanced angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and dermal regeneration.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chujun Chen, Zhenming Lin, Wenbin Liu, Qiong Hu, Jie Wang, Xiaoyan Zhuang, Sujuan Guan, Xiaoting Wu, Tingting Hu, Shijian Quan, Xiaobao Jin, Juan Shen
Summary: Emodin can improve diabetic wound healing by promoting extracellular matrix synthesis and granulation tissue formation, and promote the conversion of M1-like macrophages to M2-like macrophages by down-regulating the NF-xB signaling pathway. This study identified potential targets of emodin and revealed its role in fibroblast proliferation and ECM formation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Li Li, Zhiyu Wang, Kepeng Wang, Siyuan Fu, Dan Li, Mao Wang, Yi Cao, Houjuan Zhu, Ziyan Li, Lixing Weng, Zhiyang Li, Xianguang Ding, Lianhui Wang
Summary: An efficient extracellular vesicle (EV) ink was developed to regulate the inflammatory microenvironment and promote vascular regeneration for wound healing. This bioactive EV ink, called PAINT, utilizes bioactive EVs derived from M2 macrophages and sodium alginate precursor to form a biocompatible EV-Gel for application on wounds. The PAINT technology reprograms macrophage polarization and enhances angiogenesis, significantly accelerating cutaneous wound healing. It demonstrates the high potential of bioactive EV ink as a portable biomedical platform for healthcare when integrated with a 3D printing pen.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paola Leonor Garcia Coronado, Moises Armides Franco Molina, Diana Ginette Zarate Trivino, Jorge Luis Menchaca Arredondo, Pablo Zapata Benavides, Cristina Rodriguez Padilla
Summary: Chronic wounds in diabetic patients pose a significant burden on the healthcare sector and patients' lifestyles. This study explored the potential of exosomes derived from IMMUNEPOTENT CRP, a bovine spleen leukocyte extract, in accelerating wound healing. The isolated exosomes were characterized and found to contain diverse peptides. They exhibited biological activity in modulating inflammation and activating signaling pathways, including PIP3-AKT and FOXE-related pathways specific to skin tissue.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Kenneth H. Hu, Nicholas F. Kuhn, Tristan Courau, Jessica Tsui, Bushra Samad, Patrick Ha, Johannes R. Kratz, Alexis J. Combes, Matthew F. Krummel
Summary: This study characterized the coordinated gene expression profiles of single cells during skin wound closure, revealing multicellular movements spanning multiple cell types. It also demonstrated the predictive value of this analysis in identifying gene programs in macrophages and fibroblasts, and found conserved wound healing movements in tumor models and human tumor samples.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arsalan Latif, Leanne E. Fisher, Adam A. Dundas, Valentina Cuzzucoli Crucitti, Zeynep Imir, Karen Lawler, Francesco Pappalardo, Benjamin W. Muir, Ricky Wildman, Derek J. Irvine, Morgan R. Alexander, Amir M. Ghaemmaghami
Summary: Wound healing is a complex biological process involving interactions between various cell types. Fibroblasts play a critical role in granulation tissue formation, which is essential for effective wound healing. Researchers have identified different polymer surfaces that can drive fibroblasts towards either pro- or antiproliferative phenotypes. These findings show promise in reducing the burden of chronic wounds.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ruoyu Mu, Zhe Zhang, Congwei Han, Yiming Niu, Zhen Xing, Zhencheng Liao, Jinzhi Xu, Ningyi Shao, Guokai Chen, Junfeng Zhang, Lei Dong, Chunming Wang
Summary: Nonhealing diabetic wounds can be effectively healed by training macrophages to mimic the reparative functions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which produce immunosuppressive and proliferative factors. These TAM-educated macrophages (TAMEMs) outperform other macrophage phenotypes in reducing inflammation, promoting angiogenesis, and activating fibroblasts. A nine-factor cocktail has also been developed to train human primary monocytes into TAMEMs, enabling the preparation of safer and autologous cells. This study demonstrates the potential of recapitulating TAMs' reparative activities in non-tumor cells for regenerative medicine.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ian Stoppa, Casimiro Luca Gigliotti, Nausicaa Clemente, Deepika Pantham, Chiara Dianzani, Chiara Monge, Chiara Puricelli, Roberta Rolla, Salvatore Sutti, Filippo Reno, Renzo Boldorini, Elena Boggio, Umberto Dianzani
Summary: This study found that ICOS-Fc can improve skin wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and recruitment of reparative macrophages. This suggests that the ICOS/ICOSL network plays an important role in tissue repair.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Yi Li, Yujun Xu, Xinhan Liu, Xin Yan, Yue Lin, Qian Tan, Yayi Hou
Summary: The study found that the wound healing process in diabetic patients is slow, with abnormal accumulation of MDSCs and activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. Treatment with the mTOR signaling inhibitor INK128 can reduce MDSCs and promote wound healing.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Haoyu Chen, Lijuan Wu, Tianyi Wang, Fenglan Zhang, Junyao Song, Jun Fu, Xiaoying Kong, Jinsheng Shi
Summary: Antibiotics have shown limited effectiveness in destroying biofilms and lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and chronic infections. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have emerged as potential alternatives to antibiotics by effectively activating the immune system and promoting wound tissue proliferation. However, there is still debate on whether the success of PDT/PTT in antimicrobial and wound healing depends solely on the cytotoxic effects or also on host immune system activation. This study investigates the dependence of PDT/PTT-induced microbial apoptosis and wound healing on immune activation and macrophage phenotype transformation and highlights the significant role of macrophage phenotype transformation in improving wound healing.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiangting Sun, Yanling Yang, Tao Liu, Hao Huang, Ying Kuang, Lei Chen
Summary: The study demonstrated that Sophora alopecuroides gel promotes wound healing in animal experiments by reducing inflammation, facilitating tissue growth, and promoting angiogenesis.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cheng Yang, Yuhui Chen, Hai Huang, Shicai Fan, Chengliang Yang, Liping Wang, Wenqiang Li, Wenxin Niu, Jianwen Liao
Summary: The ROS-sensitive hydrogel prepared in this study showed strong free radical scavenging ability, accelerated wound healing, and promoted tissue regeneration in experiments.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Norina Gasteiger, Kavita Vedhara, Adam Massey, Ru Jia, Kieran Ayling, Trudie Chalder, Carol Coupland, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: The study found that the New Zealand population had higher levels of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to population norms. Younger individuals and those most at risk of COVID-19 reported poorer mental health. Promoting frequent exercise, reducing loneliness, and unhealthy behaviors can effectively alleviate depression and anxiety.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Norina Gasteiger, Chiara Gasteiger, Kavita Vedhara, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: A study in New Zealand explored the barriers and facilitators of public use of the COVID-19 contact tracing app, finding that technical issues, privacy concerns, forgetfulness, and lack of business support were major barriers, while perceived risk of infection, government recommendations, and the importance of contact tracing were significant facilitators.
INFORMATICS FOR HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Mohsen Alyami, Anna Serlachius, Ibrahim Mokhtar, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: This study did not find a predictive relationship between illness perceptions of diabetes patients and long-term glycemic control or completion of blood tests. The results may be influenced by temporal variability in HbA1c levels and barriers to accessing blood tests.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Yasaman Emad, Nicola Dalbeth, John Weinman, Trudie Chalder, Keith J. Petrie
Summary: The objective of this study was to examine the reasons for nonadherence to allopurinol as reported by patients, and to compare intentional nonadherence between patients who achieved the target serum urate levels and those who did not. The results showed that the most commonly reported reasons for nonadherence were the desire to lead a normal life and the strategy of testing the treatment. Patients who did not achieve the target levels reported more concerns about the medication and were more likely to use testing as a reason for nonadherence.
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jessee Fia'Ali'i, Mikaela Law, Claire O'Donovan, Jonathan R. Skinner, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: This study investigated the differences in patient experiences of cardiac inherited diseases (CID) between ethnic groups in New Zealand (NZ). Maori and Pasifika peoples reported significantly different perceptions and experiences compared to NZ Europeans, including greater symptom perceptions, shorter timeline perceptions, higher perceived risk of severe symptoms, and lower attribution of CID to hereditary factors. Maori and Pasifika individuals also reported higher levels of anxiety and distress. These differences could not be explained by clinical or demographic variables, suggesting the need for culturally appropriate interventions to address these disparities and promote health equity.
HEART LUNG AND CIRCULATION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jessee Fia'Ali'i, Mikaela Law, Claire O'Donovan, Jonathan R. Skinner, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: This study explores the experiences and perspectives of Maori and Pasifika living with a cardiac inherited disease. The findings reveal a gap between indigenous patients' understanding of the disease and the western biomedical approach. Patients' understanding and treatment behaviors are influenced by symptoms, familial ties, and spirituality. The study emphasizes the importance of transparency and culturally appropriate practices in healthcare to reduce health inequities.
PSYCHOLOGY & HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Selina Graham, Sophia Quirke-McFarlane, Vivian Auyeung, John Weinman
Summary: This review aimed to identify and evaluate interventional strategies for improving adherence to GH treatment in pediatric patients. The findings suggest a lack of evidence-based, theory-driven interventions in this area.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Kate Loveys, Michael Antoni, Liesje Donkin, Mark Sagar, William Xu, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: This study compared the effects of virtual humans (VH), telehealth, and e-manuals in delivering cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) to stressed adult women. The results showed that all three technologies significantly improved stress, negative affect, optimism, relaxation, and physiological stress.
MULTIMODAL TECHNOLOGIES AND INTERACTION
(2022)
Article
Robotics
Deborah Johanson, Ho Seok Ahn, Rishab Goswami, Kazuki Saegusa, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: Clinical empathy is associated with positive outcomes in patient trust and satisfaction. This study found that using empathetic statements and head nodding by a healthcare robot significantly increased trust, satisfaction, and perceptions of robot empathy.
ACM TRANSACTIONS ON HUMAN-ROBOT INTERACTION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kate Loveys, Michael Antoni, Liesje Donkin, Mark Sagar, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: This study compared the feasibility and acceptability of virtual humans, teletherapy, and self-guided e-manuals in delivering stress management interventions. Results showed that all three technologies were feasible and acceptable for delivering one module of cognitive behavioral stress management to distressed adult women. The technologies had unique strengths and limitations that may depend on individual characteristics and specific circumstances.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Robotics
Elizabeth Broadbent, Mark Billinghurst, Samantha G. Boardman, P. Murali Doraiswamy
Summary: Companion robots with AI may lead to a new science of social connectedness, necessitating the development of ethical frameworks.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Riley Elizabeth Reston, Fergus J. Caskey, Barnaby Hole, Udaya Udayaraj, John Weinman
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a digital self-management support and adherence program integrated with a patient-facing electronic health record. The findings suggest that the tailored digital and nurse call-based program is feasible and acceptable for patients with CKD.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Norina Gasteiger, Ho Seok Ahn, Christopher Lee, Jongyoon Lim, Bruce A. MacDonald, Geon Ha Kim, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: Participatory design involves stakeholders in the development of products to solve real-life challenges. This project developed a home-based robot for older adults with mild cognitive impairment and age-related health needs, with the involvement of experts, carers, relatives, and older adults. The robot and games were acceptable to older adults and proved useful for delivering stimulating activities and reminders for medication and health checks.
ACM TRANSACTIONS ON HUMAN-ROBOT INTERACTION
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mohsen Alyami, Anna Serlachius, Mikaela Law, Rinki Murphy, Turky H. Almigbal, Mataroria Lyndon, Mohammed A. Batais, Rawabi K. Algaw, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: This study assesses the cross-cultural acceptability and potential effectiveness of a brief visual animation of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in changing illness and treatment perceptions and self-efficacy among patients and family members. The results suggest that the visual animation is acceptable and has potential to improve the perceptions and self-efficacy of patients with diabetes in a short time frame.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Norina Gasteiger, Ho Seok Ahn, Christine Fok, JongYoon Lim, Christopher Lee, Bruce A. MacDonald, Geon Ha Kim, Elizabeth Broadbent
Summary: This study examined the experiences of older self-supporting and community-dwelling adults using a dailycare robot in their homes, finding a high acceptance towards the robots and potential benefits. Participants suggested future functions to be personalizable to accommodate individual health needs and made recommendations for improvement.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Wan-Ju Cheng, Hong-Mo Shih, Kuan-Pin Su, Po-Ren Hsueh
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Felipe Kenji Sudo, Talita P. Pinto, Fernanda G. Q. Barros-Aragao, Ivanei Bramati, Theo F. Marins, Marina Monteiro, Fernanda Meireles, Rejane Soares, Pilar Erthal, Victor Calil, Naima Assuncao, Natalia Oliveira, Joana Bondarovsky, Camila Lima, Beatriz Chagas, Alana Batista, Julia Lins, Thais L. Pinheiro, Felippe Mendonca, Andrea Silveira de Souza, Fernanda C. Rodrigues, Gabriel R. de Freitas, Pedro Kurtz, Paulo Mattos, Erika C. Rodrigues, Fernanda G. De Felice, Fernanda Tovar-Moll
Summary: Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is a multisystemic syndrome that persists for months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting cognitive function and neuropsychiatric features. A study on COVID-19 survivors in Brazil found that these patients experienced significant difficulties in overall cognition, memory, working memory, and inhibitory control, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In addition, elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the blood were associated with brain microstructural damage and cognitive impairments.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Letter
Immunology
Tieh-Cheng Fu, Juei-Chao Chen, Ching-Mao Chang
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Aastha Dheer, Dale B. Bosco, Jiaying Zheng, Lingxiao Wang, Shunyi Zhao, Koichiro Haruwaka, Min-Hee Yi, Abhijeet Barath, Dai-Shi Tian, Long-Jun Wu
Summary: Microglial activation plays a crucial role in the pathology of epilepsy, with both acute and prolonged activation affecting seizure severity and neuronal loss.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Julie B. Rosenberg, Jens Richardt Mollegaard Jepsen, Parisa Mohammadzadeh, Astrid Sevelsted, Rebecca Vinding, Mikkel E. Sorensen, David Horner, Kristina Aagaard, Birgitte Fagerlund, Susanne Brix, Nilofar Folsgaard, Ann -Marie M. Schoos, Jakob Stokholm, Bo Chawes, Christos Pantelis, Soren Dalsgaard, Birte Y. Glenthoj, Niels Bilenberg, Klaus Bonnelykke, Bjorn H. Ebdrup
Summary: Clinical data demonstrates a strong association between prenatal maternal inflammation assessed by hs-CRP and a diagnosis of ADHD by age 10. Maternal inflammation is also associated with ADHD symptom load in the entire cohort.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Suzanne M. Green-Fulgham, Michael J. Lacagnina, Kendal F. Willcox, Jiahe Li, Michael E. Harland, Adriano Polican Ciena, Igor R. Correia Rocha, Jayson B. Ball, Renee A. Dreher, Younus A. Zuberi, Joseph M. Dragavon, Marucia Chacur, Steven F. Maier, Linda R. Watkins, Peter M. Grace
Summary: Regular aerobic activity, specifically voluntary wheel running, can reduce the risk of chronic pain by inhibiting MAC and preserving myelin integrity at the site of peripheral nerve injury.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
India Boyton, Stella M. Valenzuela, Lyndsey E. Collins-Praino, Andrew Care
Summary: Neuronanomedicine is a multidisciplinary field that aims to develop innovative nanotechnologies for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Nanoparticles are an important component of neuronanomedicine, as they can improve drug properties and enhance safety and delivery across the blood-brain barrier. However, a major challenge for neuronanomedicine translation is the poor understanding of bio-nano interactions, partly due to inconsistent reporting in published works. This review provides specific recommendations to guide researchers in harnessing the unique properties of nanoparticles for breakthrough treatments of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Celine De Looze, Cathal McCrory, Aisling O'Halloran, Silvia Polidoro, Rose Anne Kenny, Joanne Feeney
Summary: Our study found that subjective measures of stress and biological metrics may be independently associated with cognitive function over time in older adults, hinting at potential different underlying mechanisms.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Beatrice Bravi, Elisa Maria Teresa Melloni, Marco Paolini, Mariagrazia Palladini, Federico Calesella, Laura Servidio, Elena Agnoletto, Sara Poletti, Cristina Lorenzi, Cristina Colombo, Francesco Benedetti
Summary: Depressed patients show changes in immune-inflammatory markers in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The Choroid Plexus, located at the base of the brain ventricles, plays a key role in regulating the exchange of substances between the brain and immune cells. Patients with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder have larger Choroid Plexus volumes compared to healthy controls. Age and levels of circulating cytokines are associated with Choroid Plexus volumes in the clinical groups.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Mingxuan Zheng, Huaiyu Ye, Xiaoying Yang, Lijun Shen, Xuemei Dang, Xiaoli Liu, Yuying Gong, Qingyuan Wu, Li Wang, Xing Ge, Xiaoli Fang, Benchi Hou, Peng Zhang, Renxian Tang, Kuiyang Zheng, Xu-Feng Huang, Yinghua Yu
Summary: Obesity is linked to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease. The connection between the gut microbiota and the brain is altered in obesity. The probiotic Clostridium butyricum can improve cognitive impairment caused by obesity and prevent gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Edward Drydale, Phalguni Rath, Katie Holden, Gregory Holt, Laurissa Havins, Thomas Johnson, James Bancroft, Lahiru Handunnetthi
Summary: This study created a novel three-dimensional neurosphere assay using induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation and live cell imaging techniques to investigate the effect of a simulated viral infection on cortical development. The findings demonstrated that the infection led to reduced radial glial growth and neural migration.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Yuancheng Weng, Ningting Chen, Rui Zhang, Jian He, Xukai Ding, Guo Cheng, Qianqian Bi, Ying-mei Lu, Xiao Z. Shen, Shu Wan, Peng Shi
Summary: This study reveals that microglia is the primary cellular source of PDGFB in adults, and microglial PDGFB is crucial for maintaining BBB integrity in adult mice.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Evan A. Bordt, Haley A. Moya, Young Chan Jo, Caitlin T. Ravichandran, Izabella M. Bankowski, Alexis M. Ceasrine, Christopher J. Mcdougle, William A. Carlezon Jr, Staci D. Bilbo
Summary: There is a strong male bias in many neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, but the mechanisms behind this bias are unknown. Infection during the perinatal period increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Using a mouse model, researchers found that early-life immune activation only induced deficits in social behaviors in male mice. These behavioral changes were associated with alterations in microglial immune signaling, mitochondrial morphology, gene expression, and function specifically in microglia, the brain's innate immune cells. Furthermore, the vulnerability to early-life immune activation and its effects on behavior and microglial mitochondria were programmed by the male-typical perinatal gonadal hormone surge. These findings highlight the role of microglia-specific mechanisms shaped by early developmental events in regulating male social behavior throughout lifespan.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Maria Amalia Di Castro, Stefano Garofalo, Alessandro Mormino, Laura Carbonari, Erika Di Pietro, Eleonora De Felice, Myriam Catalano, Laura Maggi, Cristina Limatola
Summary: Cytokines, such as interleukin-15 (IL-15), play important roles in modulating the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the authors found that exposure to IL-15 enhances GABA release and reduces glutamatergic currents in hippocampal slices. Chronic treatment with IL-15 has negative effects on memory formation. Serotonin is involved in mediating these effects, as a selective 5-HT3A receptor antagonist prevents the effects on inhibitory neurotransmission and improves performance in a memory test.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Nikhitha Sreenivas, Michael Maes, Hansashree Padmanabha, Apoorva Dharmendra, Priyanka Chakkera, Saptamita Paul Choudhury, Fazal Abdul, Thrinath Mullapudi, Vykuntaraju K. Gowda, Michael Berk, John Vijay Sagar Kommu, Monojit Debnath
Summary: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a spectrum of conditions with both common and differing characteristics in terms of phenome, symptomatome, neuropathology, risk factors and underlying mechanisms. This study investigates the possibility of a shared immune etiology among three early-onset NDDs, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD).
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)