Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonghoek Kim
Summary: This article introduces an autonomous balloon defense strategy against projectiles with known destinations, utilizing multiple balloons equipped with GPS and IR sensors to block and destroy incoming projectiles. The effectiveness of this strategy is verified through MATLAB simulations, providing an innovative approach to intercept enemy projectiles.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Guoshuai Feng, Cuige Zhu, Chieh-Yu Lin, Andrea Bredemeyer, Irmgard Foerster, Daniel Kreisel, Kory J. J. Lavine
Summary: This study identifies CCL17 as an important immune mediator in early-stage cardiac viral infection and suggests that CCL17 targeted therapies should be avoided in acute viral myocarditis.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Voss, Johanna Kotrba, Evelyn Gaffal, Konstantinos Katsoulis-Dimitriou, Anne Dudeck
Summary: Mast cells are key effector cells in immediate-type allergic reactions, but they also play an important role in the first-line defense against pathogens, although this can lead to detrimental overshooting responses and exacerbation of inflammatory disorders. In the skin, mast cells have both beneficial functions in maintaining skin barrier integrity and host defense mechanisms, as well as causing inflammatory skin disorders, with their IgE-independent activation pathways playing a crucial role in sustained chronic skin inflammation and disease exacerbation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Aetas Amponnawarat, Chalatip Chompunud Na Ayudhya, Hydar Ali
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are difficult to treat due to biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance, but a lipidated HDP mimetic called murepavadin has shown antibacterial activity against multi-drug-resistant strains. Murepavadin activates human MCs via MRGPRX2 and murine MCs via MrgprB2, potentially contributing to bacterial clearance and wound healing.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiu Yan Lam, Vinay Tergaonkar, Alan Prem Kumar, Kwang Seok Ahn
Summary: Mast cells, as innate immune cells with unique features, play sentinel roles in response to rapid changes within their microenvironment and are increasingly recognized for their involvement in various pathophysiological processes, including COVID-19. This review highlights the emerging roles of mast cells in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the potential of mast cells as novel therapeutic targets for COVID-19 and other non-allergic inflammatory diseases.
Article
Allergy
Philipp Starkl, Nicolas Gaudenzio, Thomas Marichal, Laurent L. Reber, Riccardo Sibilano, Martin L. Watzenboeck, Frederic Fontaine, Andre C. Mueller, Mindy Tsai, Sylvia Knapp, Stephen J. Galli
Summary: The study found that IgE sensitization enhances MC detoxification of honeybee venom by promoting proteolytic degradation and heparin-related interference with toxicity. This research emphasizes the importance of IgE, MCs, and specific MC products in defense against honeybee venom.
Review
Cell Biology
Paulina Zelechowska, Joanna Pastwinska, Ewa Brzezinska-Blaszczyk, Justyna Agier
Summary: The fungal kingdom is widespread in the environment and mast cells play an important role in host defense, though their contribution to defense mechanisms against fungi is not fully understood.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Runfeng Miao, Harim Chun, Xing Feng, Ana Cordeiro Gomes, Jungmin Choi, Joao P. Pereira
Summary: This study reveals that a complex homeostatic balance between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells is maintained through competition for a limited amount of cell signaling molecule. When early hematopoietic progenitors fail to interact with specific cells, HSC numbers increase.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Xue Li, Qin Zeng, Shuyi Wang, Mengyuan Li, Xionghui Chen, Yuefang Huang, Binfeng Chen, Mianjing Zhou, Yimei Lai, Chaohuan Guo, Siyuan Zhao, Hui Zhang, Niansheng Yang
Summary: The study shows that enhanced CRAC channel activity in naive B cells from patients with lupus nephritis may contribute to B-cell dysregulation. Inhibiting or downregulating the CRAC channel can reduce B-cell differentiation and IgG production.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Sobiepanek, Lukasz Kuryk, Mariangela Garofalo, Sandeep Kumar, Joanna Baran, Paulina Musolf, Frank Siebenhaar, Joachim Wilhelm Fluhr, Tomasz Kobiela, Roberto Plasenzotti, Karl Kuchler, Monika Staniszewska
Summary: Mast cells play important roles in immune responses, including defense against antigens, modulation of inflammation, and immune responses to microorganisms. Controlling mast cell activation or stabilization is crucial for tissue homeostasis and pathogen clearance. Additionally, mast cells contribute to maintaining the balance between host and resident microbiota.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nicolas Pionnier, Julio Furlong-Silva, Stefano A. P. Colombo, Amy E. E. Marriott, Valerine C. C. Chunda, Bertrand L. L. Ndzeshang, Hanna Sjoberg, John Archer, Andrew Steven, Samuel Wanji, Mark J. J. Taylor, Joseph D. D. Turner
Summary: Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis are major tropical diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. This study found that NKp46(+) NK cells play a crucial role in immune protection against primary and secondary filarial infections.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Jean-Francois Bruxelle, Nino Trattnig, Marianne W. Mureithi, Elise Landais, Ralph Pantophlet
Summary: This review discusses the challenges in developing effective strategies to prevent HIV-1 infection based on insights from the current model of mucosal transmission and cell entry. It examines key viral and host factors, preventive strategies using antibody-mediated protection against T/F viruses and mucosal immunity, and treatment strategies targeting viral entry with a focus on clinically advanced entry inhibitors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaling Wang, Yuping Xie, Jia Luo, Mengyu Guo, Xuhao Hu, Xi Chen, Ziwei Chen, Xinyi Lu, Lichun Mao, Kai Zhang, Liangnian Wei, Yunfei Ma, Ruixin Wang, Jia Zhou, Chunyan He, Yufang Zhang, Ye Zhang, Sisi Chen, Lijuan Shen, Yun Chen, Nasha Qiu, Ying Liu, Yanyan Cui, Guoyang Liao, Ye Liu, Chunying Chen
Summary: The new nanovaccine containing RBD and MnARK shows stronger neutralizing abilities against infection compared to the Alum-adsorbed RBD vaccine. The co-delivery of RBD antigen and MnARK to lymph nodes promotes cellular internalization and the activation of immune cells.
Article
Immunology
Paulina Zelechowska, Ewa Brzezinska-Blaszczyk, Justyna Agier, Elzbieta Kozlowska
Summary: This study compares the effects of different fungal cell wall components on the activity of mast cells. The results show that inner layer fungal cell wall components, specifically β-glucans, have a stronger ability to activate mast cells.
IMMUNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Paulina Zelechowska, Ewa Brzezinska-Blaszczyk, Sylwia Rozalska, Justyna Agier, Elzbieta Kozlowska
Summary: The study found that fungal mannan can activate mast cells to produce various anti-fungal responses mediated through TLR4, affecting the course of the immune response.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Colette Marie Gaillard, Sebastien David Pion, Hadjira Hamou, Constant Sirima, Charlotte Bizet, Thomas Lemarcis, Jules Rodrigues, Amandine Esteban, Martine Peeters, Eitel Mpoudi Ngole, Illich Mombo, Florian Liegeois, Coralie Martin, Michel Boussinesq, Sabrina Locatelli
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marc P. Huebner, Coralie Martin, Sabine Specht, Marianne Koschel, Bettina Dubben, Stefan J. Frohberger, Alexandra Ehrens, Martina Fendler, Dominique Struever, Edward Mitre, Nathaly Vallarino-Lhermitte, Suzanne Gokool, Sara Lustigman, Manfred Schneider, Simon Townson, Achim Hoerauf, Ivan Scandale
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jana Freff, Kathrin Schwarte, Lisa Broeker, Judith Buehlmeier, Isabelle Kraft, Dana Oeztuerk, Anke Hinney, Volker Arolt, Udo Dannlowski, Georg Romer, Bernhard T. Baune, Johannes Hebebrand, Manuel Focker, Judith Alferink
Summary: This study found altered phenotype of circulating B cell subsets and their positive correlation with body composition parameters in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. The research suggests that regulatory B cell subgroups are reduced in anorexia nervosa patients, potentially impacting the pathogenesis of the disorder.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Alexandra Ehrens, Benjamin Lenz, Anna-Lena Neumann, Samuela Giarrizzo, Julia Jennifer Reichwald, Stefan Julian Frohberger, Wiebke Stamminger, Benedikt Christian Buerfent, Frederic Fercoq, Coralie Martin, Daniel Kulke, Achim Hoerauf, Marc Peter Hubner
Summary: The study shows that eosinophils protect against filarial nematodes by forming extracellular traps, which inhibit the motility of microfilariae through DNA and contact-dependent mechanisms. Microfilariae injection triggers the release of DNA by eosinophils, leading to a faster clearance of microfilariae. This DNA-dependent inhibition of microfilariae motility by eosinophils is a conserved mechanism across different species of filarial nematodes.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Janik Goltermann, Jonathan Repple, Ronny Redlich, Katharina Dohm, Claas Flint, Dominik Grotegerd, Lena Waltemate, Hannah Lemke, Stella Mercedes Fingas, Susanne Meinert, Verena Enneking, Tim Hahn, Jochen Bauer, Simon Schmitt, Tina Meller, Frederike Stein, Katharina Brosch, Olaf Steinstraeter, Andreas Jansen, Axel Krug, Igor Nenadic, Bernhard T. Baune, Marcella Rietschel, Stephanie Witt, Andreas J. Forstner, Markus Noethen, Andreas Johnen, Judith Alferink, Tilo Kircher, Udo Dannlowski, Nils Opel
Summary: The present study investigated the association between APOE genotype and cortical gray matter structure as well as white matter microstructure. The findings showed pronounced and widespread reductions in cortical surface area and white matter microstructure in homozygous APOE 84 carriers, supporting a global rather than regionally specific effect of the allele status.
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Natalija Novak, Heike Weighardt, Rafael Valdelvira, Elena Izquierdo, Irmgard Forster, Beatriz Cabanillas
Summary: HSV-1 protein gD can significantly increase T cell and mast cell infiltration in the skin, leading to inflammation. In contrast, VP22 and gB contribute less to skin inflammation.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Victor Hugo Borba, Coralie Martin, Jose Roberto Machado-Silva, Samanta C. C. Xavier, Flavio L. de Mello, Alena Mayo Iniguez
Summary: This study aims to characterize eggs of capillariid species deposited in institutional helminth collections and to process the data using machine learning as a new approach for taxonomic identification. The logistic model tree algorithm showed the highest values in all metrics, with J48 producing the most reliable decision tree for species identification alongside REPTree.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Rafael Leite Dantas, Jana Freff, Oliver Ambree, Eva C. Beins, Andreas J. Forstner, Udo Dannlowski, Bernhard T. Baune, Stefanie Scheu, Judith Alferink
Summary: Dendritic cells (DCs), a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells, are believed to play a role in peripheral immune responses and neuroinflammation in mood disorders, although their specific mechanisms of involvement remain unclear. The review summarizes current knowledge on the role of DCs in mood disorders and discusses their impact on neuroinflammation and behavior in animal models of AD.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jana Freff, Eva C. Beins, Lisa Broeker, Kathrin Schwarte, Rafael Leite Dantas, Carlo Maj, Volker Arolt, Udo Dannlowski, Markus M. Noethen, Bernhard T. Baune, Andreas J. Forstner, Judith Alferink
Summary: This study characterizes the expression pattern of CCR4 and its ligands CCL17 and CCL22 in major depressive disorder (MDD) and explores their clinical relevance in predicting disease severity. The results show that decreased CCR4 expression and increased CCL17/CCL22 levels are associated with MDD. CCR4 expression on CD4(+) T cells is correlated with depression severity and specific symptoms. Additionally, CCR4 and polygenic risk score (PRS) have predictive capacity for disease severity.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Natalie Hawryluk, Dale Robinson, Yixing Shen, Graham Kyne, Matthew Bedore, Sanjay Menon, Stacie Canan, Thomas von Geldern, Simon Townson, Suzanne Gokool, Alexandra Ehrens, Marianne Koschel, Nathaly Lhermitte-Vallarino, Coralie Martin, Achim Hoerauf, Geraldine Hernandez, Deepak Dalvie, Sabine Specht, Marc Peter Hubner, Ivan Scandale
Summary: This article describes the discovery of a new type of macrofilaricide for the treatment of human filarial infections, which is of great importance for controlling and eliminating filarial diseases.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Natalie Hawryluk, Li Zhiru, Clotilde Carlow, Suzanne Gokool, Simon Townson, Tamara Kreiss, Agnieszka Chojnowski, Monika Prorok, John Siekierka, Alexandra Ehrens, Marianne Koschel, Nathaly Lhermitte-Vallarino, Coralie Martin, Achim Hoerauf, Geraldine Hernandez, Stacie Canan, Vikram Khetani, Jerome Zeldis, Sabine Specht, Marc P. Huebner, Ivan Scandale
Summary: Filarial diseases, such as lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, affect over 86 million people worldwide. This study describes a platform using various surrogate nematodes for phenotypic ex vivo assays to assess activity across different parasites. The screening cascade established in this platform identified potential macrofilaricidal compounds for further drug discovery efforts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Estelle Remion, Josephine Gal, Soraya Chaouch, Jules Rodrigues, Nathaly Lhermitte-Vallarino, Joy Alonso, Linda Kohl, Marc P. Huebner, Frederic Fercoq, Coralie Martin
Summary: This study investigated the role of Th2 immune response in regulating filarial infections using the rodent filaria Litomosoides sigmodontis. The study found that Th2 deficient mice showed sustained high microfilarial viremia after infection, but pleuropulmonary pathologies were significantly reduced. Additionally, the presence of both microfilariae and IL-4R/IL-5 signaling were crucial for the development of the pathology and phenotype of macrophages.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Daijiro Okazaki, Masako Fukuda, Akira Hebisawa, Shigehiko Uni, Kerstin Junker, Yoshio Suzuki, Michiyo Nakano, Takeshi Agatsuma, Hideo Hasegawa, Minoru Yamada, Jun Nakatani, Tatsuru Hara, Coralie Martin, Daisuke Kimura, Hiroyuki Takaoka
Summary: Reports of zoonotic infections caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca japonica have increased in Japan recently. This case report describes a 69-year-old woman in Sosa City, Chiba Prefecture, who developed a painful nodule on the finger joint. The causative agent was identified as female O. japonica based on histopathological characteristics and gene sequencing. The case is likely linked to the geographic range expansion of Japanese wild boar.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexandra Ehrens, Benjamin Lenz, Anna-Lena Neumann, Wiebke Strutz, Coralie Martin, Daniel Kulke, Achim Hoerauf, Marc P. Hubner
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ritu Mann-Nuettel, Shafaqat Ali, Patrick Petzsch, Karl Koehrer, Judith Alferink, Stefanie Scheu
Summary: This study reveals the role of transcription factors (TFs) in immune responses, particularly the less noticed but potentially important AP-1 family, in pDCs. The research demonstrates the involvement of TLR9-induced TFs in epigenetic modulation, NF kappa B and JAK-STAT signaling, and protein production in the endoplasmic reticulum.
