Article
Cell Biology
Yayun Chen, Qian Jiang, Furong Qing, Junxia Xue, Qiuxiang Xiao, Wenji He, Lina Sui, Zhiping Liu
Summary: MDA5 enhances host susceptibility to invasive C. albicans infection by inducing cell apoptosis and compromising macrophage functions.
Article
Microbiology
Erik Zajta, Katalin Csonka, Adel Toth, Laszlo Tiszlavicz, Tamas Nemeth, Anita Orosz, Adam Novak, Mate Csikos, Csaba Vagvolgyi, Attila Mocsai, Attila Gacser
Summary: This study reveals the differential roles of Syk and CARD9 in immunity against Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans. It highlights Syk as having a more prominent influence on anti-Candida immunity than CARD9 and suggests the Syk/CARD9 pathway as a promising target for anti-Candida immune therapy.
Article
Microbiology
Vuvi G. Tran, Na N. Z. Nguyen, Byungsuk Kwon
Summary: The study demonstrates that CD137 signaling plays a critical role in the innate defense mechanisms against systemic Candida albicans infection, promoting rapid fungal clearance and enhancing restriction of fungal growth.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Damian J. Krysan
Summary: C. albicans undergoes morphological transition between yeast and hyphal forms, which is closely associated with its virulence. This transition also occurs after phagocytosis by macrophages. Multiple models have been proposed for the environmental factors in the phagolysosome that induce this transition, but none of them explain morphogenesis in macrophages, as discovered by H.B. Wilson and M.C. Lorenz.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Peng Gu, Ruofan Liu, Qin Yang, Li Xie, Rongjuan Wei, Jiaxin Li, Fengyi Mei, Tao Chen, Zhenhua Zeng, Yan He, Hongwei Zhou, Hongjuan Peng, Kutty Selva Nandakumar, Huikuan Chu, Yong Jiang, Wei Gong, Ye Chen, Bernd Schnabl, Peng Chen
Summary: The level of Candida albicans was decreased in bacterial sepsis patients, and the supernatant of Candida albicans culture showed bactericidal activity and improved sepsis symptoms. Phenylpyruvate (PPA) derived from Candida albicans enhanced the bactericidal activity of macrophages by binding to SIRT2 and increasing ROS production. PPA also correlated with the severity of sepsis in patients, highlighting the role of commensal fungi in bacterial disease modulation.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alice Coillard, Lea Guyonnet, Alba De Juan, Adeline Cros, Elodie Segura
Summary: Monocytes are recruited to inflamed tissues where they encounter a broad range of microbial motifs, leading to differentiation into mo-mac or mo-DC. Viruses promote mo-mac differentiation via TLR signaling, while Mycobacteria favor mo-DC differentiation through NOD signaling.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Ebrima Bojang, Harlene Ghuman, Pizga Kumwenda, Rebecca A. Hall
Summary: Infections caused by Candida albicans vary from superficial to systemic and are a major cause of nosocomial infections. The host environment plays a key role in modulating the host-pathogen interaction. Phagocytes play a crucial role in clearing C. albicans through PAMP-PRR interactions.
Article
Immunology
Wanwei Sun, Heping Wang, Huijun Hu, Xiaojian Ma, Huazhi Zhang, Jianwen Chen, Yanyun Du, Ruirui He, Zhihui Cui, Qianwen Peng, Chenhui Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates that EPHB2 acts as a coreceptor for Dectin-1 ligand recognition and plays an essential role in antifungal immunity by phosphorylating Syk.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
X. Y. Fang, Y. X. Zhan, X. M. Zhou, L. N. Wu, J. Lin, Y. T. Yi, C. M. Jiang, J. Wang, J. Liu
Summary: Mechanical force-induced CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is involved in promoting orthodontic root resorption (ORR) by attracting Ly6C(hi) inflammatory monocytes and modulating macrophage polarization, leading to an increased M1/M2 ratio in periodontal tissues. Blockage of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis using AMD3100 may potentially inhibit root resorption.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Adam L. Viens, Kyle D. Timmer, Natalie J. Alexander, Rana Barghout, Jelena Milosevic, Alex Hopke, Natalie J. Atallah, Allison K. Scherer, David B. Syke, Daniel Irimia, Michael K. Mansour
Summary: In this study, TLR signaling is found to be an alternative activation pathway that can partially restore neutrophil effector function against Candida albicans in a Syk-independent manner. The findings suggest that modulation of TLR signaling may be a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with impaired neutrophil response to fungal infections.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Weiwei Zhu, Huifang Zhang, Qiming Dong, Hongyong Song, Lin Zhao
Summary: This study reveals the dual wave of neutrophil recruitment during C. albicans infection, emphasizing the importance of early fungal clearance for favorable disease outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Xu Wang, Shuangshaung Wu, Wenjie Wu, Wenqing Zhang, Linman Li, Qian Liu, Zhimin Yan
Summary: This study found that Candida albicans infection can promote the occurrence and progression of oral cancer, and attract tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration. Further analysis showed that the activation of the IL-17A/IL-17RA signaling pathway played an important role in excessive TAMs infiltration in the tumor inflammatory microenvironment caused by Candida infection.
Article
Immunology
R. Diez-Orejas, L. Casarrubios, M. J. Feito, J. M. Rojo, M. Vallet-Regi, D. Arcos, M. T. Portoles
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of hollow mesoporous SiO2CaO nanospheres labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC-NanoMBGs) on the function of peritoneal macrophages, specifically their ability to phagocytize Candida albicans. The results indicate that the uptake of these nanospheres does not alter macrophage function, and intracellular FITC-NanoMBGs transiently increase fungal phagocytosis by macrophages at MOI 1. As the intracellular fungus quantity increases, the intracellular FITC-NanoMBG content decreases in a MOI- and time-dependent manner, demonstrating that macrophages distinguish between inert material and live yeast during intracellular incorporation.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Monica Cicuendez, Laura Casarrubios, Maria Jose Feito, Iratxe Madarieta, Nerea Garcia-Urkia, Olatz Murua, Beatriz Olalde, Nerea Briz, Rosalia Diez-Orejas, Maria Teresa Portoles
Summary: The study focused on the effects of human and porcine decellularized adipose matrices (DAMs) on the interaction between macrophages and Candida albicans. Differences in macrophage activation and morphological changes were observed when cultured on different DAMs, highlighting the influence of the extracellular matrix on macrophage response to fungal pathogens. This work contributes to understanding how ECM components can affect macrophage metabolism, immune function, and response to the microenvironment during an infection scenario.
Review
Immunology
Yufei He, Jia Liu, Yutong Chen, Lan Yan, Jianhua Wu
Summary: Candida albicans activates neutrophils to release NETs as a defense mechanism, while also developing specific strategies to respond to the attack by NETs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Szu-Ting Huang, Jia-Ling Yang, Chi-Ying Lin, Sung-Hsi Hang, Jann-Tay Wang, Yu-Chung Chuang, Yee-Chun Chen, Shan-Chwen Chang
Summary: This study analyzed the risk factors affecting the treatment outcome of linezolid for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus bloodstream infection. The study found that the linezolid minimum inhibitory concentration and concentration-time curve/MIC were not associated with mortality, while the linezolid dose per body weight, body height, and the interaction between them were independent risks for mortality. In conclusion, the clinical outcomes of linezolid treatment for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus bloodstream infection are associated with the dose and body height.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Wen -Kai Chu, Un-In Wu, Tai-Fen Lee, Aristine Cheng, Kai -Hsiang Chen, Kuan-Yin Lin, Yee-Chun Chen
Summary: Amphotericin B and itraconazole are the primary agents for treating histoplasmosis. Newer azoles are alternatives for patients refractory to or intolerant of standard therapy.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Wang-Huei Sheng, Hao-Chun Chang, Sui-Yuan Chang, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Yu-Cheng Chen, Yu-Yun Wu, Sung-Ching Pan, Jann-Tay Wang, Yee -Chun Chen
Summary: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the omicron variant outbreak in Taiwan. The study found that recent contact with a SARS-CoV-2 infected household and underlying autoimmune diseases were significant risk factors for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. It is recommended to maintain appropriate infection control measures to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs.
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
L. Huang, J-W Hou, H-Y Fan, M-C Tsai, C. Yang, J. B. Hsu, Y. C. Chen
Summary: This study found an association between the timing of puberty onset and body fat percentage (BFP), and identified the critical periods of BFP transition before and after puberty. The BFP of girls first decreases and then increases before puberty onset.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hsien-Yu Fan, Wan-Yu Lin, Tzu-Pin Lu, Yun-Yu Chen, Justin BoKai Hsu, Sung-Liang Yu, Ta-Chen Su, Hung-Ju Lin, Yang-Ching Chen, Kuo-Liong Chien
Summary: This study used targeted next-generation sequencing to investigate the association between genetic variants and left ventricular mass, and identified candidate genes including CASQ2, COL5A1, and FXN. These findings provide important insights into the functional mechanisms of these genes and variants.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tai-Chung Tseng, Yu-Chung Chuang, Jia-Ling Yang, Chi-Ying Lin, Sung-Hsi Huang, Jann-Tay Wang, Yee-Chun Chen, Shan-Chwen Chang
Summary: In this study, combination therapy with high-dose daptomycin and fosfomycin was found to improve the survival rate of patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bloodstream infection compared to daptomycin monotherapy. The survival benefit was most pronounced for patients with fosfomycin MIC ≤64 mg/L and a low Pitt bacteremia score.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hsien-Yu Fan, Yen-Tsung Huang, Yun-Yu Chen, Justin BoKai Hsu, Hung-Yuan Li, Ta-Chen Su, Hung-Ju Lin, Kuo-Liong Chien, Yang-Ching Chen
Summary: The timing of menarche is not directly associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study examined the roles of metabolic factors in explaining the relationship between age at menarche and CAD risk. Through various analytical methods, it was found that systolic blood pressure plays a mediating role in the effect of earlier age at menarche on CAD risk.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Feng-Jen Lin, Yun-Hsi Huang, Ching-Han Tsao, Wei-Chen Hsieh, Yuan-Hsin Lo, Christos C. Zouboulis, Hung-Lin Chen, Fu-Tong Liu
Summary: Sebaceous glands play a role in skin immune response and dysregulated lipid production may contribute to the progression of certain skin diseases. Galectin-12 is a factor that affects the immune response and regulates IL-4 signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress in sebaceous glands.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shih-Yi Huang, Rong Sun, Yang-Ching Chen, Lin Kang, Chung-Teng Wang, Ching-Feng Chiu, Hung-Tsung Wu
Summary: The prevalence of obesity and adverse obesity-associated pregnancy outcomes has increased. Aspartame, commonly used as an artificial sweetener, may reduce calorie content in food and drinks, but its effects on pregnancy are largely unknown. In this study, pregnant mice treated with aspartame showed decreased fasting blood glucose level and increased systolic blood pressure. The treated animals had lower placenta and fetus weights, as well as reduced thickness of the placenta decidua layer. Aspartame also affected the expression of certain proteins involved in placental function. In trophoblast cells, aspartame induced cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferation rate and migration activity, and increased oxidative stress. These effects were reversed by antioxidants or sweet taste receptor inhibitors. A metabolite of aspartame, phenylalanine, had similar effects on trophoblasts. Overall, our data suggest that aspartame consumption during pregnancy may impact placental structure, growth, and function through oxidative stress mediated by sweet taste receptors.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Clea Melenotte, Vishukumar Aimanianda, Monica Slavin, Jose Maria Aguado, Darius Armstrong-James, Yee-Chun Chen, Shahid Husain, Christian Van Delden, Faouzi Saliba, Agnes Lefort, Francoise Botterel, Olivier Lortholary
Summary: Invasive aspergillosis is a rare but serious infection in liver transplant recipients, with a high mortality rate. Risk factors before, during, and after transplantation have been identified, and accurate diagnosis requires collaboration between radiology and clinical biology. It is recommended to reduce the dose of tacrolimus and closely monitor blood levels when using certain drugs, and surgery should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Antifungal prophylaxis and environmental measures should be implemented to prevent outbreaks.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yu-Hsin Chien, Chia-Yuan Lin, Shih-Yuan Hsu, Yue-Hwa Chen, Hung-Tsung Wu, Shiu-Wen Huang, Yang-Ching Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of consuming different types of nonnutritive sweeteners (NNSs) on adiposity changes during pubertal growth. The results showed that the consumption of aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, stevioside, and sorbitol was associated with decreased fat mass and increased fat-free mass. These effects were more prominent in girls and normal-weight children.
Article
Allergy
Linh Ba Phuong Huynh, Nam Nhat Nguyen, Hsien-Yu Fan, Shih-Yi Huang, Chung-Hsiung Huang, Yang -Ching Chen
Summary: A meta-analysis study found that maternal omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation can reduce the risk of infant food allergy and sensitization, while childhood intake of omega-3 supplements does not appear to have a significant protective effect against food allergies.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2023)
Correction
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hsien Yu Fan, Yen-Tsung Huang, Yun-Yu Chen, Justin Bokai Hsu, Hung-Yuan Li, Ta-Chen Su, Hung-Ju Lin, Kuo-Liong Chien, Yang Ching Chen
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Fu-Tong Liu, Sean R. Stowell
Summary: Galectins can modulate immune cells by binding to glycosylated proteins and lipids on the cell surface, or intracellularly via carbohydrate-dependent or carbohydrate-independent interactions. This Review explores the diverse ways in which galectins affect immunity and discusses the opportunities and challenges in the field.
NATURE REVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Nam N. Nguyen, Linh T. D. Tran, Ngan D. K. Ho, Linh B. P. Huynh, Hung S. Nguyen, Yang-Ching Chen
Summary: This study suggests that the consumption of nitrites and nitrosamines may increase the risk of diabetes, while high nitrate intake is not associated with diabetes risk.