Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samira Sabzi, Shahla Shahbazi, Narjes Noori Goodarzi, Fatemeh Haririzadeh Jouriani, Mehri Habibi, Negin Bolourchi, Amir Mirzaie, Farzad Badmasti
Summary: This study aims to develop an effective drug and vaccine against Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Through protein and epitope analysis, potential drug targets and vaccine candidates were identified, and a multi-epitope vaccine was designed. These findings may have important implications for the treatment and prevention of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, but further experimental research is needed for validation.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Qi'an Liang, Jiaqi Yan, Shuwen Zhang, Nan Yang, Meifang Li, Yongxin Jin, Fang Bai, Weihui Wu, Zhihui Cheng
Summary: This study found that the global transcriptional regulator CtrA in E. chaffeensis activates the expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) to combat oxidative stress. GST utilizes glutathione (GSH) to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and confers oxidative stress resistance to the pathogen.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Muhammad Umair Aziz, Sabir Hussain, Baolin Song, Hammad Nayyar Ghauri, Jehan Zeb, Olivier Andre Sparagano
Summary: Ehrlichiosis in dogs is caused by Ehrlichia bacteria, with Ehrlichia canis being the most pathogenic species. Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the main vector, but Haemaphysalis longicornis is also involved in transmission in east Asian countries. The disease has acute, subclinical, and chronic clinical manifestations, with no age or sex predilection. Diagnosis can be done through microscopy, indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This review provides information on infection rates, prevalence in Asian countries, treatment options, and vectors responsible for transmission. Canine ehrlichiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease worldwide, with Ehrlichia canis being the most commonly implicated species. Dogs act as reservoirs, with Rhipicephalus sanguineus being the main vector. The disease affects multiple organs and can have acute, subclinical, or chronic manifestations. Diagnosis involves cytology, immunofluorescence testing, and PCR. Doxycycline, rifampicin, and minocycline are effective treatments. This review aims to provide an overview of the disease in dogs, prevalence in Asian countries, current treatment options, and vectors involved, while also identifying areas for further research.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li Zhao, Chuanfu Yao, Hui Wang, Ji Dong, Jing Zhang, Xinping Xu, Haoyu Wang, Binwei Yao, Ke Ren, Liu Sun, Ruiyun Peng
Summary: This study found that multi-frequency microwaves can induce immune suppressive responses by regulating immune regulation and cellular metabolism-associated genes. Multi-frequency microwaves have a stronger impact on B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. These findings provide important information for exploring the potential mechanisms underlying multi-frequency induced immune suppression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yasuko Rikihisa
Summary: Ehrlichia chaffeensis is an intracellular bacterium that causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis. It enters human cells through binding to a specific receptor and manipulates host-cell functions for replication. Future research on the molecular mechanisms of this bacterium and its interaction with host-cell components may lead to advancements in the understanding and treatment of ehrlichiosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ida H. Chung, Amy L. Austin, Cecilia Y. Kato
Summary: Ehrlichiosis, caused by Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia, is an emerging infectious disease with non-specific symptoms. PCR testing is an efficient approach for diagnosis, with assays that can detect the disease at low levels. Developing sensitive detection assays is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of Ehrlichia infection.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ye Wang, Qingxun Zhang, Shuyi Han, Ying Li, Bo Wang, Guohui Yuan, Peiyang Zhang, Ziwen Yang, Heng Zhang, Yali Sun, Jiyong Chen, Xueqing Han, Hongxuan He
Summary: The epidemiological investigation of Anaplasma spp. and E. chaffeensis in livestock in Qinghai, China revealed differences in infection rates between yaks and Tibetan sheep. It also identified triple co-infections and the first detection of A. capra and E. chaffeensis in yaks in China. Risk analysis indicated associations between infection with certain pathogens and region/altitude, providing new data for developing strategies to combat these tick-borne diseases.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna R. Pasternak, Subba R. Palli
Summary: Kentucky experiences a high incidence of ehrlichiosis, primarily transmitted by the lone star tick. Surveillance of tick distribution and pathogen detection is crucial for monitoring the expansion of this important tick vector and the increase in tick-borne diseases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Paidashe Hove, Swetha Madesh, Arathy Nair, Deborah Jaworski, Huitao Liu, Jonathan Ferm, Michael D. Kleinhenz, Margaret A. Highland, Andrew K. Curtis, Johann F. Coetzee, Susan M. Noh, Ying Wang, Dominica Genda, Roman R. Ganta
Summary: This study focuses on targeted mutagenesis and its application in determining virulence and vaccine development for Anaplasma species pathogen. The research successfully developed a complete gene deletion mutation in A. marginale and demonstrated its limited growth in its natural host. Additionally, the study compared the vaccine protection of the mutant with other vaccines and showed its effectiveness against the pathogen.
Review
Virology
Marie Lork, Gauthier Lieber, Benjamin G. Hale
Summary: SUMOylation is a crucial post-translational modification involved in cellular stress responses and virus infections, impacting virus replication and antiviral defenses. Proteomic methodologies and SUMO proteomics have been instrumental in uncovering the dynamics of SUMOylation and innate immune mechanisms within cells.
Article
Microbiology
Madison R. Rogan, LaNisha L. Patterson, Caitlan D. Byerly, Tian Luo, Slobodan Paessler, Veljko Veljkovic, Bethany Quade, Jere W. McBride
Summary: This study reveals that the protein TRP120 of Ehrlichia chaffeensis interacts directly with components of the Wnt receptor complex, influencing pathway activity and promoting infection. This finding highlights a unique mechanism of bacterial mimicry of Wnt pathway ligands and provides insights into potential antimicrobial therapeutic targets.
Article
Immunology
Neil Martinson, Bhavna Gordhan, Stefan Petkov, Azure-Dee Pillay, Thabiso Seiphetlo, Natasha Singh, Kennedy Otwombe, Limakatso Lebina, Claudia Fredolini, Francesca Chiodi, Julie Fox, Bavesh Kana, Carolina Herrera
Summary: In this study, researchers compared the mucosal and systemic compartments of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in a South African cohort undergoing maxillofacial surgery. They found higher levels of pro-inflammatory proteins in the nasal compartment compared to plasma. The levels of IP-10 and MIG were higher in secretions than in nasal tissue, while the opposite was observed for TGF-beta. The study also identified correlations between nasal anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG and mucosal MIG expression, as well as a positive correlation with IP-10 in BioNTech/Pfizer-vaccinated individuals.
Article
Immunology
Gustavo Seron Sanches, Margarita Villar, Joana Couto, Joana Ferrolho, Isabel G. Fernandez de Mera, Marcos Rogerio Andr, Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti, Rosangela Zacarias Machado, Gervasio Henrique Bechara, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Jose de la Fuente, Sandra Antunes, Ana Domingos
Summary: The study revealed differences in the proteomic profiles of tropical and temperate lineages of R. sanguineus during E. canis infection, suggesting the possibility of them belonging to different species.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Scott C. Williams, Kirby C. Stafford, Megan A. Linske, Douglas E. Brackney, Andrew M. LaBonte, Heidi R. Stuber, Duncan W. Cozens
Summary: The study demonstrates that topical treatment of 10% permethrin delivered via 4-poster devices effectively reduces the A. americanum population in Norwalk, Connecticut and significantly decreases parasitizing ticks on white-tailed deer. It also shows that the prevalence of two ehrlichial species of public health importance can be controlled to a certain extent.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Cristian Mauricio Barreto Pinilla, Paolo Stincone, Adriano Brandelli
Summary: This study investigated how L. monocytogenes responded to sublethal doses of nisin and nisin-loaded liposomes by examining its proteome regulation, identifying changes in protein expression levels related to various cellular functions. The results showed alterations in protein expression associated with ABC transporter systems, transmembrane proteins, RNA-binding proteins, and stress response proteins, indicating the specific response of L. monocytogenes to nisin treatments. Moreover, the encapsulation of nisin in liposomes led to reduced stress response factors expression and potential implications for nisin resistance development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Omid Teymournejad, Mingqun Lin, Yasuko Rikihisa
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mingqun Lin, Katherine Bachman, Zhihui Cheng, Sean C. Daugherty, Sushma Nagaraj, Naomi Sengamalay, Sandra Ott, Al Godinez, Luke J. Tallon, Lisa Sadzewicz, Claire Fraser, Julie C. Dunning Hotopp, Yasuko Rikihisa
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qi Yan, Mingqun Lin, Weiyan Huang, Omid Teymournejad, Jennifer M. Johnson, Franklin A. Hays, Zhimin Liang, Guangpu Li, Yasuko Rikihisa
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2018)
Article
Microbiology
Qingming Xiong, Mingqun Lin, Weiyan Huang, Yasuko Rikihisa
Article
Microbiology
Omid Teymournejad, Mingqun Lin, Hannah Bekebrede, Ahmed Kamr, Ramiro E. Toribio, Luis G. Arroyo, John D. Baird, Yasuko Rikihisa
Article
Immunology
Hannah Bekebrede, Mingqun Lin, Omid Teymournejad, Yasuko Rikihisa
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mingqun Lin, Giovanna Grandinetti, Lisa M. Hartnell, Donald Bliss, Sriram Subramaniam, Yasuko Rikihisa
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Correction
Microbiology
Omid Teymournejad, Mingqun Lin, Hannah Bekebrede, Ahmed Kamr, Ramiro E. Toribio, Luis G. Arroyo, John D. Baird, Yasuko Rikihisa
Article
Microbiology
Khemraj Budachetri, Omid Teymournejad, Mingqun Lin, Qi Yan, Mariella Mestres-Villanueva, Guy Nathaniel Brock, Yasuko Rikihisa
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mingqun Lin, Qingming Xiong, Matthew Chung, Sean C. Daugherty, Sushma Nagaraj, Naomi Sengamalay, Sandra Ott, Al Godinez, Luke J. Tallon, Lisa Sadzewicz, Claire Fraser, Julie C. Dunning Hotopp, Yasuko Rikihisa
Summary: Ehrlichia sp. HF, a novel species in the genus Ehrlichia, has been stably cultured and its complete genome sequenced, showing similarities with E. chaffeensis. This species is proposed as a model for studying fatal human ehrlichiosis, providing insights into virulence factors and host inflammatory responses. The naming of this bacterium as Ehrlichia japonica sp. nov. reflects its initial isolation in Japan.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wenqing Zhang, Mingqun Lin, Qi Yan, Khemraj Budachetri, Libo Hou, Ashweta Sahni, Hongyan Liu, Nien-Ching Han, Jeffrey Lakritz, Dehua Pei, Yasuko Rikihisa
Summary: The study developed a specific nanobody, NbD7, that inhibits T4SS effector functions and Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection. NbD7 was successfully delivered into host cells by conjugating to cell-permeable peptide 12 (CPP12-NbD7), effectively blocking infection and overcoming current barriers in research and therapy development.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qi Yan, Wenqing Zhang, Mingqun Lin, Omid Teymournejad, Khemraj Budachetri, Jeffrey Lakritz, Yasuko Rikihisa
Summary: Etf-3 is a bacterial protein that induces ferritinophagy to facilitate pathogen iron capture, allowing the bacterium to acquire iron for survival and proliferation in the host cell.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Weiyan Huang, Qingming Xiong, Mingqun Lin, Yasuko Rikihisa
Summary: The cholesterol transport proteins NPC1 and lipid-raft protein flotillin are essential for Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection, with a cholesterol-dependent interaction between flotillin FLOT2 and NPC1 identified. Inhibiting their interaction with the drug ezetimibe can effectively block Anaplasma infection without directly affecting bacterial proliferation, providing potential pharmacological intervention against intracellular cholesterol hijacking by the bacterium.
Article
Microbiology
Rory C. Chien, Lin Mingqun, Qi Yan, Nina Randolph, Weiyan Huang, Maxey Wellman, Ramiro Toribio, Yasuko Rikihisa
Summary: A study in Ohio identified strains of A. phagocytophilum that cause equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA), and found that these strains are related to human isolates in the northeastern USA but distinct from those in California or Europe. The study also revealed a previously unrecognized prevalence of EGA in the region, highlighting the risk of transmission of anaplasmosis to humans and animals.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mingqun Lin, Amritendu Koley, Wenqing Zhang, Dehua Pei, Yasuko Rikihisa
Summary: This study identified peptides that can bind to Etf-1 and demonstrated their ability to inhibit Ehrlichia infection. Mechanistic studies revealed that these peptides inhibit the binding of Etf-1 to Beclin 1 and its localization to inclusion membranes. These findings not only confirm the critical role of Etf-1 in E.chaffeensis infection but also demonstrate the potential of developing macrocyclic peptides as chemical probes and treatments for diseases caused by Ehrlichia and other intracellular pathogens.