Article
Immunology
David Pires, Sofia Valente, Marta Calado, Manoj Mandal, Jose Miguel Azevedo-Pereira, Elsa Anes
Summary: Despite the availability of antibiotics, tuberculosis has become a global threat due to co-infection with HIV, drug-resistant strains, and the lack of an effective vaccine. Host-directed strategies could improve treatment efficacy, contain drug-resistant strains, improve immune responses, and reduce disease severity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Nathan P. Crilly, Samuel K. Ayeh, Petros C. Karakousis
Summary: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with treatment requiring a combination of antibiotics over an extended period. Even after infection eradication, patients may still experience residual lung dysfunction. Recent focus has been on developing new therapies to accelerate pathogen clearance and reduce lung damage.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Eui-Kwon Jeong, Hyo-Ji Lee, Yu-Jin Jung
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of death globally and poses a continuous threat to public health. Conventional TB treatment is associated with long-term treatment regimens and side effects. With the emergence of drug-resistant TB, there is an urgent need for the development of new treatment strategies. This article introduces host-directed therapy (HDT) as an alternative approach that modulates host immune responses to effectively treat TB.
Article
Microbiology
Ralf Boland, Matthias T. Heemskerk, Gabriel Forn-Cuni, Cornelis J. Korbee, Kimberley V. Walburg, Jeroen J. Esselink, Carina Carvalho dos Santos, Amy M. de Waal, Daniel C. M. van der Hoeven, Elisa van der Sar, Alex S. de Ries, Jiajun Xie, Herman P. Spaink, Michiel van der Vaart, Marielle C. Haks, Annemarie H. Meijer, Tom H. M. Ottenhoff
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is the most lethal infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This study explored the potential of repurposing the anticancer drug tamoxifen as a host-directed therapeutic against TB. The study demonstrated that tamoxifen acted as an HDT drug, stimulating lysosomal activation and promoting the delivery of mycobacteria to lysosomes. These findings highlight tamoxifen's potential as a repurposed drug for the treatment of drug-resistant TB infections.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fangxue Ma, Hong Zhou, Zhiqiang Yang, Chao Wang, Yanan An, Lihui Ni, Mingyuan Liu, Yang Wang, Lu Yu
Summary: This study developed a modified in vitro M. tuberculosis biofilm model with shorter culture time and used Illumina RNA-seq technology to identify the global gene expression profile of M. tuberculosis biofilms. The results showed that genes involved in various metabolic pathways are differentially expressed in biofilm cells compared to planktonic cells, providing insights into potential target genes and strategies for M. tuberculosis biofilm inhibition.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Stefanie Krug, Sadiya Parveen, William R. Bishai
Summary: Following infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a balanced immune response is crucial to containing the infection and avoiding progression to active TB disease, as excessive pro-inflammatory responses may lead to granuloma enlargement and tissue damage, prolonging treatment duration and permanently diminishing lung function.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Krina Mehta, Herman P. Spaink, Tom H. M. Ottenhoff, Peit H. Van der Graaf, J. G. Coen Van Hasselt
Summary: Host-directed therapies (HDTs) that modulate host-pathogen interactions offer an innovative strategy to combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infections. Quantitative understanding of the multifaceted nature of the host-pathogen interactions is vital to rationally design HDT strategies.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Reto Guler, Mumin Ozturk, Solima Sabeel, Bongani Motaung, Suraj P. Parihar, Friedrich Thienemann, Frank Brombacher
Summary: Tuberculosis remains a serious global health challenge, with the study of host immune responses crucial for finding new treatment methods. Granulomas, a pathological feature of tuberculosis, have a complex host response that can be modulated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, promoting its survival within the host. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for the development of therapeutic interventions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Kely C. Matteucci, Andre A. S. Correa, Diego L. Costa
Summary: Tuberculosis and malaria are major causes of death due to infectious diseases worldwide. While both diseases can be treated with drugs, issues such as treatment compliance and drug resistance have hindered efforts to combat them. Recent research has shown that certain host biological processes play a role in the development of these diseases. Host-directed therapies, which can be administered alongside standard drug treatments, aim to speed up pathogen elimination and reduce harmful side effects caused by inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christy Rosaline Nirmal, Sam Ebenezer Rajadas, Mahizhaveni Balasubramanian, Sucharitha Kannappan Mohanvel, Muthu Sankar Aathi, Saravanan Munishankar, Naresh Babu Chilamakuru, Kannan Thiruvenkadam, Ajith Kumar Pandiya Raj, Ramalingam Paraman, Azger Dusthackeer
Summary: The alarming increase in multidrug resistance poses a challenge to tuberculosis treatment. A study found that five small molecules can synergistically inhibit drug-resistant TB isolates when used in combination with rifampicin, and three of these molecules can inhibit efflux pump activity. These findings have potential for adjunct TB therapy, but their impact on other anti-TB drugs needs to be further tested.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Dramane Diallo, Anou M. Somboro, Seydou Diabate, Bacar Baya, Amadou Kone, Yeya S. Sarro, Bourahima Kone, Bassirou Diarra, Souleymane Diallo, Mahamadou Diakite, Seydou Doumbia, Yacouba Toloba, Robert L. Murphy, Mamoudou Maiga
Summary: Tuberculosis remains a major global public health issue with significant obstacles such as overlap with HIV infections, long treatment duration, and drug resistance. Recent studies have shown that anti-TB drugs can cause prolonged damage to the gut microbiota, potentially impairing the immune response, and leading to re-infections and drug resistance. Proposed strategies include corrective measures to address dysbiosis for faster bacterial clearance and better treatment outcomes, along with the concept of Host Microbiota Directed-Therapies (HMDT) to improve treatment effectiveness and potentially shorten treatment duration.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Santasree Sarma Biswas, Rene Barbie Browne, Vedant Vikrom Borah, Jayanti Datta Roy
Summary: Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a major cause of death worldwide due to drug resistance mechanisms present in the bacterium, particularly efflux pumps. Plant compounds can serve as resources for developing efflux pump inhibitors, potentially improving existing antibiotics and leading to the discovery of new drugs. Computational tools can be used for efficient screening of phytochemicals as inhibitors for efflux pumps, offering a promising strategy for combatting drug resistance in tuberculosis.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Juan M. M. Cubillos-Angulo, Betania M. F. Nogueira, Maria B. Arriaga, Beatriz Barreto-Duarte, Mariana Araujo-Pereira, Catarina D. D. Fernandes, Caian L. L. Vinhaes, Klauss Villalva-Serra, Vanessa M. M. Nunes, Joao P. Miguez-Pinto, Eduardo P. P. Amaral, Bruno B. B. Andrade
Summary: Tuberculosis is a deadly disease and one of the top ten causes of mortality worldwide. Current treatment methods have limitations and low success rates. Host-directed therapy, which targets the host immune response, could potentially improve treatment outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Simisola Ayodele, Pradeep Kumar, Armorel van Eyk, Yahya E. Choonara
Summary: Tuberculosis remains a major threat to global health, mainly due to drug resistance and immune compromise. Repurposing drugs as host-directed therapies can improve clinical outcomes by enhancing antimicrobial activity and reducing treatment duration, while minimizing the risk of drug resistance.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. T. Heemskerk, C. J. Korbee, J. J. Esselink, C. Carvalho dos Santos, S. van Veen, I. F. Gordijn, F. Vrieling, K. V. Walburg, C. G. Engele, K. Dijkman, L. Wilson, F. A. W. Verreck, T. H. M. Ottenhoff, M. C. Haks
Summary: The study identified the potential of antipsychotic drugs Fluspirilene and Pimozide to inhibit Mtb, suggesting them as promising candidates for host-directed therapy. They act by modulating the autophagic/lysosomal response to control Mtb growth by multiple mechanisms.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Leonard Mvaya, Trevor Khaba, Agness E. Lakudzala, Thandeka Nkosi, Ndaru Jambo, Innocent Kadwala, Anstead Kankwatira, Priyanka D. Patel, Melita A. Gordon, Tonney S. Nyirenda, Kondwani C. Jambo, Zaza M. Ndhlovu
Summary: The duodenum serves as a major site of HIV persistence during suppressive antiretroviral therapy, with tissue-resident memory (Trm) CD8+ T cells playing a significant role. HIV-specific CD8+ Trm cells in the duodenum are enriched and exhibit high polyfunctionality but lack expression of canonical cytolytic molecules. These findings shed light on the mechanisms of HIV persistence in the duodenum and have implications for cure therapies.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Godfrey Bwire, Alex Riolexus Ario, Patricia Eyu, Felix Ocom, Joseph F. Wamala, Kwadwo A. Kusi, Latif Ndeketa, Kondwani C. Jambo, Rhoda K. Wanyenze, Ambrose O. Talisuna
Summary: This passage introduces the discovery of a new coronavirus and the associated COVID-19 disease in China in December 2019. It explains that scientists initially predicted a severe situation in Africa, but the reality did not match the predictions. Therefore, the purpose of this forum is to bring together experts to discuss the current situation of COVID-19 in Africa, analyze why Africa's situation differs from the predictions, and propose measures to support Africa in overcoming the negative effects of COVID-19 and accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marah G. Chibwana, Thandeka Moyo-Gwete, Gaurav Kwatra, Jonathan Mandolo, Tandile Hermanaus, Thopisang Motlou, Nonkululeko Mzindle, Frances Ayres, Mphatso Chaponda, Godwin Tembo, Percy Mwenechanya, Ndaona Mitole, Chisomo Jassi, Raphael Kamng'ona, Louise Afran, David Mzinza, Henry C. Mwandumba, Stephen B. Gordon, Khuzwayo Jere, Shabir Madhi, Penny L. Moore, Robert S. Heyderman, Kondwani C. Jambo
Summary: This study aimed to assess the dynamics of anti-Spike antibodies in an African adult population with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and determine the effect of subsequent COVID-19 vaccination. The findings showed that neutralizing antibodies wane within 6 months post-infection, but a single dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine significantly increased antibody levels. Furthermore, the antibodies generated after vaccination demonstrated broad cross-reactivity against multiple variants and had neutralizing potency.
Article
Immunology
Louise Afran, Kondwani C. Jambo, Wilfred Nedi, David J. C. Miles, Anmol Kiran, Dominic H. Banda, Ralph Kamg'ona, Dumizulu Tembo, Annette Pachnio, Eleni Nastouli, Brigit Ferne, Henry C. Mwandumba, Paul Moss, David Goldblatt, Sarah Rowland-Jones, Adam Finn, Robert S. Heyderman
Summary: The study found that HEU infants have altered monocyte function and B-cell subset homeostasis compared to HU infants, as well as lower vaccine-induced antibody responses to Haemophilus influenzae type b and tetanus toxoid. Additionally, human herpes virus infection rates were similar between HEU and HU infants.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Prisca Benedicto-Matambo, Julie E. Bines, Chikondi Malamba-Banda, Isaac T. Shawa, Kayla Barnes, Arox W. Kamng'ona, Daniel Hungerford, Kondwani C. Jambo, Miren Iturriza-Gomara, Nigel A. Cunliffe, Katie L. Flanagan, Khuzwayo C. Jere
Summary: Live-attenuated vaccines have been shown to reduce deaths and hospitalizations associated with diarrhea in children and may provide protection against other infections as well. The off-target effects of vaccination are thought to be mediated by modified innate and adaptive immunity. However, it remains unclear whether rotavirus vaccines can also reduce non targeted gastrointestinal infections.
Article
Immunology
Olubukola T. Idoko, Effua Usuf, Uduak Okomo, Chizoba Wonodi, Kondwani Jambo, Beate Kampmann, Shabir Madhi, Ifedayo Adetifa
Summary: The burden of severe Covid-19 has been relatively low in sub-Saharan Africa, but sero-prevalence data suggests wider transmission. Previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 provides protection against reinfection and vaccination induces robust antibody responses.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kondwani Jambo
Article
Biology
Thandeka Nkosi, Caroline Chasara, Andrea O. Papadopoulos, Tiza L. Nguni, Farina Karim, Mahomed-Yunus S. Moosa, Inbal Gazy, Kondwani Jambo, Willem Hanekom, Alex Sigal, Zaza M. Ndhlovu
Summary: Unsuppressed HIV infection severely impairs T cell responses to COVID-19 and diminishes T cell cross-recognition. This may partly explain the increased susceptibility of people living with HIV to severe COVID-19 and highlights their vulnerability to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Article
Immunology
Deus Thindwa, Thandie S. Mwalukomo, Jacquline Msefula, Kondwani C. Jambo, Comfort Brown, Arox Kamng'ona, Charles Mwansambo, John Ojal, Stefan Flasche, Neil French, Robert S. Heyderman, Todd D. Swarthout
Summary: A study found that although ART duration reduced overall carriage and vaccine-serotype carriage, there is evidence of incomplete vaccine-serotype indirect protection in African ALWHIV. Targeted-vaccination campaigns and other public health measures should be considered to further reduce vaccine-serotype carriage and disease.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Upendo L. Mseka, Jonathan Mandolo, Kenneth Nyoni, Oscar Divala, Dzinkambani Kambalame, Daniel Mapemba, Moses Kamzati, Innocent Chibwe, Marc Y. R. Henrion, Kingsley Manda, Deus Thindwa, Memory Mvula, Bright Odala, Raphael Kamng'ona, Nelson Dzinza, Khuzwayo C. Jere, Nicholas Feasey, Antonia Ho, Abena S. Amoah, Melita Gordon, Todd D. Swarthout, Amelia Crampin, Robert S. Heyderman, Matthew Kagoli, Evelyn Chitsa-Banda, Collins Mitambo, John Phuka, Benson Chilima, Watipaso Kasambara, Kondwani C. Jambo, Annie Chauma-Mwale
Summary: A study conducted in Malawi found that the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is high among the population, but the COVID-19 vaccination coverage is low. Vaccinated individuals have higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies compared to the unvaccinated. Additionally, there was a reduction in hospitalizations and deaths during the Omicron variant wave in Malawi.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Catherine Anscombe, Samantha Lissauer, Herbert Thole, Jamie Rylance, Dingase Dula, Mavis Menyere, Belson Kutambe, Charlotte van der Veer, Tamara Phiri, Ndaziona Banda, Kwazizira Mndolo, Kelvin Mponda, Chimota Phiri, Jane Mallewa, Mulinda Nyirenda, Grace Katha, Henry Mwandumba, Stephen B. Gordon, Kondwani C. Jambo, Jennifer Cornick, Nicholas Feasey, Kayla G. Barnes, Ben Morton, Philip M. Ashton
Summary: This study explores the relationship between viral lineage and patient outcome in COVID-19. By observing and sequencing patients in Blantyre, Malawi, it was found that each wave of patients was infected with a different viral variant. The clinical data suggests that patients with severe COVID-19 were more likely to die during the Delta wave.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Deus Thindwa, Samuel Clifford, Jackie Kleynhans, Anne von Gottberg, Sibongile Walaza, Susan Meiring, Todd D. Swarthout, Elizabeth Miller, Peter McIntyre, Nick Andrews, Zahin Amin-Chowdhury, Norman Fry, Kondwani C. Jambo, Neil French, Samanta Cristine Grassi Almeida, Shamez N. Ladhani, Robert S. Heyderman, Cheryl Cohen, Maria Cristina de Cunto Brandileone, Stefan Flasche
Summary: The risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) increases with age for older adults, but the population benefiting from pneumococcal vaccines and the immunogenic response to vaccination decline. This study examined the impact of demographics, vaccine efficacy, and waning efficacy on the optimal age for pneumococcal vaccination. The findings suggest that administering pneumococcal vaccines earlier in adulthood in low/middle-income countries could prevent a significant proportion of residual IPD burden.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dingase Dula, Ben Morton, Tarsizio Chikaonda, Anthony E. Chirwa, Edna Nsomba, Vitumbiko Nkhoma, Clara Ngoliwa, Simon Sichone, Bridgette Galafa, Godwin Tembo, Mphatso Chaponda, Neema Toto, Raphael Kamng'ona, Lumbani Makhaza, Alfred Muyaya, Faith Thole, Evaristar Kudowa, Ashleigh Howard, Tinashe Kenny-Nyazika, John Ndaferankhande, Christopher Mkandawire, Gift Chiwala, Lorensio Chimgoneko, Ndaziona P. K. Banda, Jamie Rylance, Daniela Ferreira, Kondwani Jambo, Marc Y. R. Henrion
Summary: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) against pneumococcal carriage. The results showed that the vaccine group had a significantly lower carriage rate compared to the placebo group, with an estimated efficacy of 62.4%. This study provides important evidence for establishing vaccine-induced correlates of protection and comparing alternative strategies to prevent pneumococcal carriage.
Article
Immunology
Joe Alex Theu, Alinune Nathanael Kabaghe, George Bello, Evelyn Chitsa-Banda, Matthews Kagoli, Andrew Auld, Jonathan Mkungudza, Gabrielle O'Malley, Fred Fredrick Bangara, Elizabeth F. Peacocke, Yusuf Babaye, Wingston Ng'ambi, Christel Saussier, Ellen MacLachlan, Gertrude Chapotera, Mphatso Dennis Phiri, Evelyn Kim, Mabvuto Chiwaula, Danielle Payne, Nellie Wadonda-Kabondo, Annie Chauma-Mwale, Titus Henry Divala
Summary: This study conducted a multistage cluster survey in 5 districts of Malawi to determine the early burden of COVID-19, finding infection prevalence and seroprevalence among both community members and health facility staff. Most of the infected participants were asymptomatic, with higher seroprevalence in urban areas. The cumulative infection findings were significantly higher compared to national statistics, highlighting the importance of identifying alternative surveillance approaches and predictors of severe disease.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)