Review
Immunology
Liam J. J. Morrison, Pieter C. C. Steketee, Mabel D. D. Tettey, Keith R. R. Matthews
Summary: African trypanosomes are protozoa that are transmitted by vectors and cause significant disease in humans and animals. The severity of infection varies depending on the species of Trypanosoma and the host, making intervention design challenging. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of trypanosome determinants of infection progression and severity, highlighting knowledge gaps and opportunities for developing novel interventions.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Babina Sanjel, Won-Sik Shim
Summary: This article summarizes mouse models of atopic dermatitis (AD) and describes their characteristics from a researcher's perspective.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Maryam Aliee, Matt J. Keeling, Kat S. Rock
Summary: This study investigates the role of asymptomatic infections in the elimination of Gambiense African sleeping sickness transmission, showing that these infections may significantly impact transmission and hinder progress towards achieving elimination goals. Location-specific modeling and research are needed to determine if asymptomatic infections pose a threat.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Alberto Venturelli, Lorenzo Tagliazucchi, Clara Lima, Federica Venuti, Giulia Malpezzi, George E. Magoulas, Nuno Santarem, Theodora Calogeropoulou, Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva, Maria Paola Costi
Summary: Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) and Animal African Trypanosomiasis (AAT) are tropical diseases caused by the same pathogen. Despite progress in controlling HAT, AAT remains a reservoir of infection. Clearer guidelines are needed to address the challenges of drug use and resistance development.
Review
Cell Biology
Julia Saez Conde, Samuel Dean
Summary: African trypanosomes, early branching protists causing trypanosomiasis, have been extensively studied for over a century and have contributed significantly to our understanding of eukaryotic biology. This article discusses the structural features of their flagellum and its role in transmission and virulence, highlighting the potential of targeting flagellar function for treating trypanosome infections and eradicating trypanosomiasis.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Hematology
Elisa ten Hacken, Catherine J. Wu
Summary: Rapid advances in large-scale sequencing studies have revealed the genetic heterogeneity of CLL, while mouse models have become powerful tools for studying B-cell biology and new therapeutics. Genetic engineering technologies have enabled the creation of novel mouse models that provide deeper insights into disease evolution and therapy responses, contributing valuable platforms for functional genomic analyses and treatment studies in CLL and RS.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Baljinder Singh, Amrita Sharma, Naresh Gunaganti, Mitch Rivers, Pradip K. Gadekar, Brady Greene, Michael Chichioco, Carlos E. Sanz-Rodriguez, Courtney Fu, Catherine LeBlanc, Erin Burchfield, Nyle Sharif, Benjamin Hoffman, Gaurav Kumar, Andrei Purmal, Kojo Mensa-Wilmot, Michael P. Pollastri
Summary: New analogs of the carbazole CBL0137 were synthesized and evaluated, resulting in the discovery of eight compounds with higher or equivalent selectivity indices. Among them, 5v demonstrated potential for drug development against human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), while 5w showed lack of efficacy. Lessons from these studies will guide further optimization of carbazoles for HAT and other indications.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Baljinder Singh, Amrita Sharma, Naresh Gunaganti, Mitch Rivers, Pradip K. Gadekar, Brady Greene, Michael Chichioco, Carlos E. Sanz-Rodriguez, Courtney Fu, Catherine LeBlanc, Erin Burchfield, Nyle Sharif, Benjamin Hoffman, Gaurav Kumar, Andrei Purmal, Kojo Mensa-Wilmot, Michael P. Pollastri
Summary: To develop a candidate drug against human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), researchers synthesized new analogs and evaluated their properties. Eight new compounds with higher or equivalent selectivity indices were identified. Two compounds, 5v and 5w, were tested in a mouse model of HAT, and 5v showed a lead-like profile for drug development while 5w lacked efficacy. These findings will guide further optimization of carbazoles for HAT and other indications.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Daniel M. Musher, Reuben J. Arasaratnam
Summary: Animal experiments have been vital in advancing our understanding of infectious diseases in terms of pathophysiology, host immune response, diagnosis, and treatment. However, the demands of clinical training and stricter requirements for animal research have limited the exposure of infectious disease physicians to animal studies. This article provides an overview of the major contributions of animal studies to the field of infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of appreciating this historical work for current clinical practice.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yinxi Zhou, Jinghua Xia, Shuonan Xu, Tao She, Yanning Zhang, Ying Sun, Miaomiao Wen, Tao Jiang, Yanlu Xiong, Jie Lei
Summary: The development and growth of tumors pose a significant and ongoing threat to human life globally. Despite the remarkable progress achieved by advanced therapeutic strategies such as immune checkpoint therapy and CAR-T in treating solid and hematological malignancies, the malignant initiation and progression of cancer remains controversial and requires further research. Experimental animal models not only have great advantages in simulating tumor occurrence, development, and malignant transformation mechanisms, but also can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of diverse clinical interventions, gradually becoming indispensable in cancer research. This paper reviews recent research progress in mouse and rat models, focusing on spontaneous, induced, transgenic, and transplantable tumor models, aiming to provide guidance for future studies on malignant mechanisms and tumor prevention.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chuangen Li, Harry Cheuk-Hay Lau, Xiang Zhang, Jun Yu
Summary: This review explores the overall features and mechanisms of carcinogen-induced and transgenic mouse models for colon tumorigenesis, as well as their limitations and applications in evaluating and studying drugs and treatment regimens against CRC. These mouse models provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of colon tumorigenesis and facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies against CRC.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christopher N. Davis, Kat S. Rock, Marina Antillon, Erick Mwamba Miaka, Matt J. Keeling
Summary: This study used cost-effectiveness analysis to investigate the optimization of active screening in villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results showed that high-coverage annual screening strategies achieve the highest net monetary benefits, and annual screening is cost-effective compared to biennial screening for a coverage rate of 55%.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Olaf Valverde Mordt, Antoine Tarral, Nathalie Strub-Wourgaft
Summary: This article describes the strategy used to simplify the introduction of a new oral treatment for human African trypanosomiasis. The authors discuss various aspects of the drug's development, including determining dosage range, testing food effects, optimizing absorption, establishing partnerships, and preparing for regulatory approval and distribution. The article highlights the importance of early preparation and collaboration in successfully bringing the new treatment to affected regions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Amy Gillgrass, Jocelyn M. Wessels, Jack X. Yang, Charu Kaushic
Summary: Antiretroviral therapy has turned HIV-1 from a deadly infection to a chronic disease, but the virus reservoir remains and global HIV-1 infections continue to rise. Non-human primates have contributed to HIV research, but limitations exist, making humanized mouse models a cost-effective option. Innovations in Hu-mouse models have advanced HIV-1 research in the past decade, offering potential for novel strategies in HIV prevention and therapeutics.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Samanthi Dijkstra-Silva, Stefan Schaltegger, Philip Beske-Janssen
Summary: Current methods for assessing companies' contributions to sustainability mainly focus on reducing negative impacts. This article argues that it is important to explore how positive contributions can be made to further sustainable development. A systematic review of literature in environmental management reveals that the understanding of positive contributions to sustainability is mostly implicit or vague. However, further analysis identifies three distinct understandings - an operationalization, a stakeholder, and a transformation perspective - which have not been discussed together. By drawing on theoretical foundations, the article proposes an integrated understanding of positive contributions to sustainability, emphasizing the need for a clear definition to facilitate decision-making and implementation of effective sustainability measures.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robin B. Guevarra, Stefan Magez, Eveline Peeters, Mi Sook Chung, Kyung Hyun Kim, Magdalena Radwanska
Summary: Pantoea agglomerans is a Gram-negative bacterium causing opportunistic infections in humans, with its genome containing antibiotic resistance genes and factors for environmental stress adaptation, and exhibiting strong immunostimulatory properties in vitro.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Robinson H. Mdegela, Elibariki R. Mwakapeje, Bachana Rubegwa, Daniel T. Gebeyehu, Solange Niyigena, Victoria Msambichaka, Hezron E. Nonga, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, Folorunso O. Fasina
Summary: There is a growing concern over the increasing ineffectiveness of antibiotics globally, especially in animal agriculture. This has led to issues such as antibiotic residues and resistance, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackle the problem.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariline Poupaud, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, Isabelle Dieuzy-Labaye, Marisa Peyre
Summary: Public-private partnerships in the veterinary domain are widely used and in need of evaluation tools to ensure success. This study developed an assessment tool with 44 evaluation criteria and 6 quality attributes, validated through expert elicitation and field application.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Aouatif Saadi, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, Hamid Sahibi, Hind Filali, Tanguy Marcotty, Severine Thys
Summary: This study analyzed the feasibility and social acceptance of the CE control strategy in Morocco, finding that breeders and their wives are concerned about the costs of procedures while professionals have mixed views on sheep vaccination and anthelmintic treatment. All participants proposed solutions to improve the strategy and highlighted the lack of education on CE.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Marion Bordier, Flavie Luce Goutard, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, Phuc Pham-Duc, Renaud Lailler, Aurelie Binot
Summary: The early engagement of stakeholders in the development of a One Health surveillance system is crucial for creating an environment conducive to collaborative solutions. The socio-technical framework used consists of four steps: defining the problem, co-constructing current and desired systems, and identifying necessary changes. The success of the process depends on workshop facilitation and the representativeness of participants.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Hang Thi Thu Nguyen, Robin B. Guevarra, Stefan Magez, Magdalena Radwanska
Summary: The study reveals that Trypanosoma evansi induces rapid activation and differentiation of mature B cells, leading to decreased host immunity against the parasite. The absence of anti-parasite IgG responses in AID(-/-) mice results in a higher defense level against T. evansi infections, with elevated natural IgMs exerting trypanocidal activity.
Article
Immunology
Sangphil Moon, Ibo Janssens, Kyung Hyun Kim, Benoit Stijlemans, Stefan Magez, Magdalena Radwanska
Summary: This study demonstrates that trypanosomosis induces general immunological B-cell memory loss, benefiting the parasite by reducing the requirements for surface antigenic variation.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Benoit Stijlemans, Maxime Schoovaerts, Patrick De Baetselier, Stefan Magez, Carl De Trez
Summary: African trypanosome infection can lead to a seesaw balance between protective immunity and excessive inflammation, with the roles of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) being crucial in modulating the host immune microenvironment. Blocking MIF and promoting IL-10 receptor signaling pathways could potentially be used as therapy to counteract immunopathology development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Andres Alvarez-Rodriguez, Bo-Kyung Jin, Magdalena Radwanska, Stefan Magez
Summary: Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a disease caused by parasites of the genus Trypanosoma brucei. Different subspecies cause different infections. Diagnosing and treating HAT has improved, but further research and improvements are needed.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Steven Odongo, Hedmon Okella, Christian Ndekezi, Moses Okee, Monica Namayanja, Brian Mujuni, Yann G. J. Sterckx, Dennison Kizito, Magdalena Radwanska, Stefan Magez, Kokas Ikwap, Frank Nobert Mwiine, Julius Julian Lutwama, Charles Ibingira
Summary: This study tracked the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in Uganda and found that these variants have the potential to escape detection, resist antibody therapy, or increase infectivity. These findings are crucial for refining COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dan Bi Lee, Hyojin Kim, Ju Hwan Jeong, Ui Soon Jang, Yuyeon Jang, Seokbeom Roh, Hyunbum Jeon, Eun Jeong Kim, Su Yeon Han, Jin Young Maeng, Stefan Magez, Magdalena Radwanska, Ji Young Mun, Hyun Sik Jun, Gyudo Lee, Min-Suk Song, Hye-Ra Lee, Mi Sook Chung, Yun Hee Baek, Kyung Hyun Kim
Summary: In this study, a stable mosaic multivalent nanoparticle, 6RBD-np, was developed by linking six receptor-binding domains (RBDs) derived from α- and β-coronaviruses to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) subunits. Prime-boost immunizations with 6RBD-np in mice induced high antibody titers and full protection against SARS-CoV-2. This nanoparticle has the potential to be developed as a pan-CoV vaccine against future coronavirus spillovers.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hang Thi Thu Nguyen, Magdalena Radwanska, Stefan Magez
Summary: This study identifies an experimental disease model that mimics the major features of chronic animal trypanosomosis caused by extracellular single-celled trypanosomes. It also reveals the complexity of spleen macrophage activation status and the crucial role of tissue resident macrophages in regulating extramedullary erythropoiesis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bo-kyung Jin, Steven Odongo, Magdalena Radwanska, Stefan Magez
Summary: Nanobodies, derived from heavy-chain only IgG antibodies found in the Camelidae family, possess unique advantages compared to conventional monoclonal antibodies, including their small size, simple structure, high antigen binding affinity, and stability in extreme conditions. They have been extensively studied and have shown promising applications in various research fields, particularly in disease diagnosis and treatment. The recent approval of Caplacizumab, the world's first nanobody-based drug, highlights the potential of nanobodies in therapeutic development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ignace O. Dotche, Aichatou Gakou, Constant Boris O. B. Bankole, Mahamadou Dahouda, Isidore Houaga, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, Jean Paul Dehoux, Pierre Thilmant, Benoit G. Koutinhouin, Issaka Youssao Abdou Karim
Summary: The semen characteristics of local, improved, and Large White boars in Benin differ significantly, with Large White boars producing more semen, improved boars having higher motility scores, and local boars having higher sperm concentration. Each genetic type has its own strengths, with Large White boars producing larger semen, local boars producing more concentrated semen, and improved boars producing spermatozoa with better morphology. The semen of these three genetic types can be used in artificial insemination, but the improved boar's semen is more recommended.
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Benoit Govoeyi, Serge G. Ahounou, Pascal S. Kiki, Ignace O. Dotche, Nassim Moula, Issaka Youssao Abdou Karim, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux
Summary: This article investigates local stakeholders' perceptions regarding innovation along the swine value chain in Benin, revealing three main discourses: an optimistic one tied to endogenous innovation vision, a pessimistic one tied to a top-down, exogenous vision, and a third discourse highlighting more nuanced redistributive effects of innovation. The study suggests that innovation platform projects should be based on and strengthen the optimistic discourse to stimulate local innovation.
DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE
(2021)