Review
Immunology
Umut Can Kucuksezer, Esin Aktas Cetin, Fehim Esen, Ilhan Tahrali, Nilgun Akdeniz, Metin Yusuf Gelmez, Gunnur Deniz
Summary: NK cells are a subset of innate lymphoid cells that play important roles in anti-tumor immune responses and immune regulation, with different subgroups showing cytotoxic functions or cytokine production. Their activation is influenced by a variety of factors, including cell surface receptors and cytokines, and their dysregulation can contribute to various immune-mediated diseases. Further research on NK cell biology and their potential therapeutic applications is necessary for better understanding and treatment of inflammatory disorders.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Rikang Wang, Weili Bao, Mouli Pal, Yunfeng Liu, Karina Yazdanbakhsh, Hui Zhong
Summary: This study identified the antimetastasis and pro-NK cell activity of IFN-IMo, identified FOXO1 as a key molecule for IFN-gamma driven monocyte differentiation and function, and found NR4A1 as an inhibitory molecule for IFN-IMo activity. It provided potential targets for developing superior monocytic cell therapy against cancer metastasis.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fuzhen Zhang, Shanshan Yu, Qiyao Chai, Jing Wang, Tuoya Wu, Rongmei Liu, Yi Liu, Cui Hua Liu, Yu Pang
Summary: Research has shown that TB resisters exhibit higher immune responses and lower intracellular bacterial loads upon infection, largely dependent on the specific immune factor HDAC6.
Article
Immunology
Kaiqiang Qian, Lidong Shan, Shengwen Shang, Tianyue Li, Shuxin Wang, Meili Wei, Bikui Tang, Jun Xi
Summary: This study reveals the important role of manganese (Mn) in the host cell antiviral response pathway against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Mn2+ increases the phosphorylation of STING and P65, as well as triggers the phosphorylation cascade of TNF signaling pathway proteins. This leads to the expression of inflammatory factors and a strong inflammatory response in macrophages, inhibiting the survival of M. tuberculosis.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruoqiong Cao, Afsal Kolloli, Ranjeet Kumar, James Owens, Kayvan Sasaninia, Charles Vaughn, Mohkam Singh, Edward Truong, Nala Kachour, Abrianna Beever, Wael Khamas, Selvakumar Subbian, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: In an in vivo mouse model of active M. tb infection, diethyl maleate (DEM)-induced glutathione (GSH) deficiency led to increased oxidative stress, impaired granuloma response, and increased M. tb survival. These findings provide insights into how GSH deficiency can interfere with the control of M. tb infection.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Pauline Rettman, Matthew D. Blunt, Rebecca J. Fulton, Andres F. Vallejo, Leidy Y. Bastidas-Legarda, Laura Espana-Serrano, Marta E. Polak, Aymen Al-Shamkhani, Christelle Retiere, Salim Khakoo
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of a peptide-based KIR-targeting vaccine strategy to activate NK cells and enhance antitumor responses. The DNA vaccine upregulated genes associated with cellular metabolism and downregulated genes related to immune cell maturation. Vaccination led to enhanced antitumor responses against melanoma cells and a tumor model expressing the KIR2DS2 ligand HLA-C*0102.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Alvaro Haroun-Izquierdo, Marianna Vincenti, Herman Netskar, Hanna van Ooijen, Bin Zhang, Laura Bendzick, Minoru Kanaya, Pouria Momayyezi, Shuo Li, Merete Thune Wiiger, Hanna Julie Hoel, Silje Zandstra Krokeide, Veronika Kremer, Geir Tjonnfjord, Stephanie Berggren, Kristina Wikstroem, Pontus Blomberg, Evren Alici, Martin Felices, Bjoern oenfelt, Petter Hoeglund, Bahram Valamehr, Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren, Andreas Bjoerklund, Quirin Hammer, Lise Kveberg, Frank Cichocki, Jeffrey S. Miller, Karl-Johan Malmberg, Ebba Sohlberg
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of off-the-shelf therapy with a non-engineered, yet highly specific, NK cell population for hematological malignancies. The expanded adaptive NK cells retained high cytotoxicity and efficiently killed leukemia cells from AML patients.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Marietta M. Ravesloot-Chavez, Erik Van Dis, Sarah A. Stanley
Summary: Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes a significant number of deaths annually worldwide, where the role of innate immune cells and the inflammatory response in the infection process are crucial yet complex.Understanding the balance of cell-intrinsic control and inflammation regulation is essential for developing effective therapeutics and vaccines.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF IMMUNOLOGY, VOL 39
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Yongwei Qin, Qinglan Wang, Jiahai Shi
Summary: The down-regulated expression of immune-activating receptors and enhanced expression of immune-inhibitory receptors play a role in chronic infectious diseases and cancer. However, the impact of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection on the expression of immune checkpoint molecules on natural killer (NK) cells and their functions has been poorly studied. Understanding the function of NK cells during Mtb infection is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the immune mechanism and evaluation of immunotherapies for treating tuberculosis.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
F. Abebe
Summary: Tuberculosis is the deadliest infectious disease globally, with no vaccine to prevent transmission. Despite the effectiveness of the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine against childhood TB, its efficacy against pulmonary TB varies. Limited understanding of protective immunity hampers vaccine development. Some individuals exposed to Mtb infection clear the infection early without acquired immunity, with certain immune cells like NK cells playing a significant role in fighting Mtb.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Mireia Bachiller, Lorena Perez-Amill, Anthony Matthew Battram, Sebastian Ciro Carne, Amer Najjar, Els Verhoeyen, Manel Juan, Alvaro Urbano-Ispizua, Beatriz Martin-Antonio
Summary: This study demonstrates the important immunoregulatory role of CB-NK collaborating with CAR-T cells to enhance their antitumor activity. Combinatorial treatment based on CAR-T and CAR-NK cells or CB-NK and CAR-T cells showed that CB-NK required high doses for effectiveness, while a low number of CB-NK in the CAR-T product promoted early activation of CAR-T cells and enhanced anti-MM efficacy.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Rania Bouzeyen, Saurabh Chugh, Tannu Priya Gosain, Mohamed-Ridha Barbouche, Meriam Haoues, Kanury V. S. Rao, Makram Essafi, Ramandeep Singh
Summary: This study demonstrates that enhancing the protective efficacy of M. bovis BCG in mice and guinea pig infection models by inhibiting Akt inhibitor MK-2206 promotes FOXO3 activation and BCG-induced immune responses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Mitchell Foster, Philip C. Hill, Todia Pediatama Setiabudiawan, Valerie A. C. M. Koeken, Bachti Alisjahbana, Reinout van Crevel
Summary: This review examines the protective effect of BCG vaccine against Mtb infection, discusses limitations and variations, and explores potential mechanisms for BCG efficacy against Mtb infection, including the role of trained immunity.
IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Frederique St-Pierre, Shailender Bhatia, Sunandana Chandra
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy has traditionally focused on adaptive immunity, but there is increasing recognition of the important role innate immunity plays in the body's response to neoplastic cells. Targeting natural killer (NK) cells, a key component of the innate immune response, for cancer treatment shows promise in developing innovative strategies for immunotherapy.
Article
Immunology
Minna Sivonen, Katja A. Sirvio, Sara Wojciechowski, Anssi Kailaanmaki, Satu Kaipainen, Aubrey Bailey, Martin Villalba, Tuija Kekarainen
Summary: In this study, we aimed to identify the optimal activation and expansion protocol for cytotoxic NK cells against glioblastoma in vitro. The results showed that the ex vivo proliferation capacity and functionality of NK cells were affected by multiple factors, including the donor, composition of starting material, cytokine combination, and the activation protocol. These findings could be utilized for upscaling clinical NK cell manufacturing.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vanaja Kenchappa, Ruoqiong Cao, Vishwanath Venketaraman, Guru V. Betageri
Summary: HIV-infected individuals have increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased antioxidant capacity. Combination therapy with antiretrovirals and antioxidants can improve oxidative stress, intracellular uptake, and target viral reservoirs.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Davit Orujyan, William Narinyan, Subhapradha Rangarajan, Patrida Rangchaikul, Chaya Prasad, Beatrice Saviola, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: The genus mycobacterium includes species that can cause infections in humans, which are classified into tuberculous and non-tuberculous based on their morphological characteristics. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) include all species other than those causing tuberculosis. The prevalence of NTM infections has increased relative to TB infections due to strict prevention and control programs. NTM can spread easily from the environment, with the exception of M. abscessus in cystic fibrosis patients, which can also be transmitted through human contact and fomites. NTM infections are more common in immunocompromised individuals.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aram Yegiazaryan, Arbi Abnousian, Logan J. Alexander, Ali Badaoui, Brandon Flaig, Nisar Sheren, Armin Aghazarian, Dijla Alsaigh, Arman Amin, Akaash Mundra, Anthony Nazaryan, Frederick T. Guilford, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Coronaviruses, including COVID-19, are highly contagious respiratory diseases transmitted through close contact and respiratory droplets. Glutathione, a naturally occurring antioxidant, plays an important role in immune response and cellular detoxification, and is targeted by proinflammatory cytokines and transcription factors during infection. Exploring the role of glutathione in COVID-19 may lead to potential treatment mechanisms and alleviate severe symptoms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Victor Bonavida, Mitchell Frame, Kevin H. Nguyen, Shlok Rajurkar, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Several reports suggest that ageing negatively affects the human immune system and increases susceptibility to infections like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). This article explores how ageing decreases T-cell immune response, reduces glutathione production, over activates the mTORC1 pathway, inhibits autophagy and mitophagy, and alters protective genes/transcription factors. It also highlights a potential defect in antigen presenting by dendritic cells and the role of inflammaging in increasing susceptibility to M. tb infection. Possible preventative strategies, such as immunomodulators and antioxidant supplementation, are proposed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William Narinyan, Nicole Poladian, Davit Orujyan, Areg Gargaloyan, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: This article discusses the major causes and immune response of tuberculosis and focuses on the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in combating tuberculosis infection. By reviewing recent literature and current evidence, the authors summarize the characteristics of the three major groups of ILCs (including NK cells) and analyze the role of each group in the tuberculosis infection process to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the host immune response.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akaash Mundra, Aram Yegiazaryan, Haig Karsian, Dijla Alsaigh, Victor Bonavida, Mitchell Frame, Nicole May, Areg Gargaloyan, Arbi Abnousian, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality, and its rates have increased during the emergence of COVID-19. This review explores the detrimental effects of high levels of type I interferons (IFNs) on the host fighting TB infection. The findings suggest that increased type I IFNs can affect immune cell functions, promote inflammation, and inhibit production of protective substances.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Cheldon Ann Alcantara, Ira Glassman, Kevin H. Nguyen, Arpitha Parthasarathy, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) remains a major cause of death in developing countries. The BCG vaccine is widely used in developing countries but its efficacy is still uncertain. Neutrophils play a crucial role in the immune response against M. tb, promoting clearance of the bacteria and regulating the inflammatory response. This review highlights the role of neutrophils during M. tb infection and emphasizes the need for more research on effective vaccination.
Review
Immunology
Paul Stewart, Shivani Patel, Andrew Comer, Shafi Muneer, Uzma Nawaz, Violet Quann, Mira Bansal, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Historically, research on the immunologic response to M. tb infection has mainly focused on T cells and macrophages, disregarding the role of B cells. However, recent studies have shown that B cells play varying roles during different stages of mycobacterial infection. A better understanding of the role of B cells in defense against TB could contribute to the development of effective vaccines and therapies to reduce the burden of disease.
Article
Microbiology
Ira Glassman, Kevin H. Nguyen, Michelle Booth, Marine Minasyan, Abby Cappadona, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: This paper presents a rare case of atypical septic arthritis caused by drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and discusses current diagnostic methods, novel diagnostic techniques, and Staphylococcus aureus vaccine development for high-risk patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arbi Abnousian, Joshua Vasquez, Kayvan Sasaninia, Melissa Kelley, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that helps prevent damage caused by reactive oxygen species and other harmful substances. It plays an important role in the immune response against tuberculosis (TB) by modulating immune cells and their functions. The use of GSH as a therapy for TB has shown promising results, especially for patients with higher susceptibility.
Review
Cell Biology
Ira Glassman, Nghia Le, Aamna Asif, Anabel Goulding, Cheldon Ann Alcantara, Annie Vu, Abraham Chorbajian, Mercedeh Mirhosseini, Manpreet Singh, Vishwanath Venketaraman, Robert Clarke, Abhishek Tyagi
Summary: Research has identified that obesity increases the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance, elevating estrogen levels, and promoting the release of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, high glucose levels activate the mTOR signaling pathway, contributing to the pathogenesis of breast cancer. This article reviews the role of obesity in breast cancer development and correlates it with body mass index (BMI) and oxidative stress. It also explores the potential use of antioxidants and therapies targeting various signaling pathways in treating breast cancer.
Article
Microbiology
Melissa Kelley, Kayvan Sasaninia, Arbi Abnousian, Ali Badaoui, James Owens, Abrianna Beever, Nala Kachour, Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: This study aims to test the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial peptide, cyclic [R4W4], alongside the first-line antibiotics azithromycin and rifampicin in reducing M. avium survival. The findings demonstrate cyclic [R4W4] as a potent treatment method against M. avium and provide insight into novel therapeutic approaches against mycobacterium infections.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Inesa Navasardyan, Stephanie Yeganyan, Helena Nguyen, Payal Vaghashia, Selvakumar Subbian, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria invade the meninges, leading to inflammation. Oxidative stress, caused by reactive oxygen species, plays a significant role in TBM by impairing the body's defense mechanisms. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases susceptibility to TBM due to heightened oxidative stress. This review summarizes the role of oxidative stress in TBM and DM, and discusses potential therapeutic approaches.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicole Poladian, Inesa Navasardyan, William Narinyan, Davit Orujyan, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant removal, leading to accumulation and tissue damage. Glutathione, as the brain's main antioxidant, plays a crucial role in maintaining redox homeostasis and its reduced levels are associated with the development and progression of psychiatric disorders. This review focuses on analyzing the potential associations between the glutathione antioxidant pathway and major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
CLINICS AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ira Glassman, Kevin H. Nguyen, Jane Giess, Cheldon Alcantara, Michelle Booth, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: The prevalence of tuberculosis is increasing in developed nations and continues to cause significant mortality in low- and middle-income countries. The rise in cases has also led to an increased occurrence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, particularly in the spinal column (Pott's disease). Timely diagnosis is crucial, but there is a lack of specific clinical diagnostic criteria for Pott's disease, making the symptoms challenging to identify. Molecular diagnostic methods have shown effectiveness in diagnosing the disease. Risk factors such as HIV, immunosuppression, poverty, and malnutrition have been implicated in the susceptibility and severity of Pott's disease.
CLINICS AND PRACTICE
(2023)