Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chan Seok Lim, Yoon Ha Jang, Ga Young Lee, Gu Min Han, Hye Jin Jeong, Ji Won Kim, Jie-Oh Lee
Summary: Studies have shown that Toll-like Receptor 3 (TLR3) depends on the length of its ligands for triggering a robust immune response. In this study, the cryo-electron microscopy structure of TLR3 bound to a synthetic RNA ligand of average length 400 base pairs was determined. The structure revealed that TLR3 units form a highly organized and cooperative cluster along the double-stranded RNA helix, suggesting that ligand-induced clustering of TLR3 triggers the assembly of signaling adaptors and initiates a strong innate immune response.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tian Chen, Yamei Jiang, Shihao Xu, Yin Celeste Cheuk, Jiyan Wang, Cheng Yang, Ruiming Rong
Summary: The study investigated the protective effect and mechanism of different subpopulations of mesenchymal stem cells on acute kidney injury using a mouse model of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. It was found that mesenchymal stem cells treated with poly(I:C) exhibited better protection of renal function, alleviation of tissue damage, reduction of circulating inflammation levels, and enhancement of antioxidant capacity. These effects were achieved through the TLR3/PI3K pathway.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luciana Souza-Moreira, Yuan Tan, Yan Wang, Jia-Pey Wang, Mahmoud Salkhordeh, Jennifer Virgo, Maria Florian, Aidan B. P. Murray, Irene Watpool, Lauralyn McIntyre, Shane English, Duncan J. Stewart, Shirley H. J. Mei
Summary: This study found that viral mimic-priming enhances the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to regulate immune responses in COVID-19, reducing inflammation and enhancing antiviral functions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiao Zhang, Xi He, Qi Yu, Yitong Liu, Yonghang Zhu, Liu Yang, Pingping Shang, Jiatong Zhang, Hong Liu, Feifei Feng
Summary: Benzo(a)pyrene can induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and pyroptosis, promoting the occurrence of chronic pulmonary diseases.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Swamita Arora, Sangeetha Gupta, Wasim Akram, Ahmed E. Altyar, Priti Tagde
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a TLR3/dsRNA complex inhibitor on Poly(I:C)-induced airway inflammation following TLR3 activation and to explore a potential pathway for the treatment of asthma through TLR3 inhibition.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiangyu Cao, Mingyang Fu, Ruochen Bi, Xiaomei Zheng, Baorong Fu, Siqi Tian, Chengying Liu, Qijiu Li, Jianli Liu
Summary: Cadmium pollution can decrease cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and increase ROS accumulation, leading to apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells through the activation of mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway and MAPK signaling pathways.
Article
Immunology
Akira Nakazono, Yuji Nakamaru, Mahnaz Ramezanpour, Takeshi Kondo, Masashi Watanabe, Shigetsugu Hatakeyama, Shogo Kimura, Aya Honma, P. J. Wormald, Sarah Vreugde, Masanobu Suzuki, Akihiro Homma
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 cell entry in the nasal mucosa is promoted by the activation of innate immune signals via TLR3, but this expression is suppressed in the presence of the corticosteroid fluticasone propionate (FP). Further studies are needed to determine whether FP can suppress SARS-CoV-2 viral cell entry.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xue Zhang, Liang Chen, Chun Hu, David Fast, Lu Zhang, Binrui Yang, Juntao Kan, Jun Du
Summary: Curcumin exerts a significant down-regulatory effect on cellular responses to poly(I:C) stimulation, particularly involving the TLR3/TBK1/IFN-ss cascade, which may contribute to alleviating virus-like infections. The findings suggest the potential of curcumin preparations in supporting a healthy immune system during viral infections.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mi Seon Jeon, Jun Woo Kim, Yu Bin Han, Mi Ho Jeong, Ha Ryong Kim, Hyung Sik Kim, Yong Joo Park, Kyu Hyuck Chung
Summary: The detection of high levels of microplastics in indoor and outdoor air has raised concerns about their toxic effects on the respiratory system. This study evaluated the inhalation toxicity of three differently charged polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and found that the positively charged PS-MPs showed cytotoxicity and increased ROS generation in bronchial epithelial cells. Animal experiments also showed that only the positively charged PS-MPs significantly increased the expression and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-beta. The study suggests that inhalation of microplastics can induce autophagic cell death in bronchial epithelial cells, leading to inflammatory responses in the lungs.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Monika Majewska-Szczepanik, Paulina Kowalczyk, Philip W. Askenase, Marian Szczepanik
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether poly(I:C) injection can induce NK-mediated hapten reactivity in mice. The results showed that poly(I:C) administration increased the response to hapten and only liver poly(I:C)-activated DX5(+) NK cells were able to transfer reactivity to hapten into a naive recipient. This study provides new insights into how poly(I:C) stimulates NK-mediated reactivity to hapten.
CONTACT DERMATITIS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hongsen Wang, Jiaqi Li, Wenhua Xu, Chunming Li, Kuaiying Wu, Gang Chen, Jiajun Cui
Summary: Chronic exposure to arsenic has been linked to lung cancer. This study investigates the mechanism behind arsenic-induced up-regulation of PD-L1, a key factor in immunosuppression. Using a BEAS-2B cell transformation model, the study finds that long non-coding RNA Lnc-DC and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mediate the up-regulation of PD-L1 by arsenic.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jin Chen, Hanshi Wang, Hongzhi Gao, Yiming Zeng
Summary: Silicosis is a non-curable occupational disease caused by crystalline silica. The increased prevalence of silicosis has raised the demand for treatment options. This study used mass spectrometry to analyze changes in metabolites, proteins, and phosphorylation in silica-exposed BEAS-2B epithelial cells, revealing increased TCA cycle, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and aerobic glycolysis activity. Additionally, alterations in protein levels in the endoplasmic reticulum and increased phosphorylation of MAPK signaling proteins were observed. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the role of epithelial cells in silicosis.
Article
Microscopy
Shuwei Wang, Tuoyu Ju, Jiajia Wang, Fan Yang, Kaige Qu, Wei Liu, Zuobin Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of exosomes derived from H1299 cells on the migration and mechanical properties of BEAS-2B cells. The findings showed that H1299-Exos promoted the migration of BEAS-2B cells and led to changes in cell morphology and mechanical properties.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen-Chung Huang, Chian-Jiun Liou, Szu-Chuan Shen, Sindy Hu, Jane C-J Chao, Chien-Yu Hsiao, Shu-Ju Wu
Summary: Urolithin A, an active compound found in gut microbiota-derived metabolites of polyphenol ellagic acid, has been shown to have anti-aging, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the effects of urolithin A on poly(I:C)-induced inflammation in immune cells. The results demonstrated that urolithin A attenuated the inflammatory response and regulated various signaling pathways involved in inflammation and antioxidation. These findings suggest that urolithin A may have antiviral effects and could potentially be used as a treatment for viral-infection-related diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hoda Awad Eltayeb, Leandra Stewart, Mounira Morgem, Tommie Johnson, Michael Nguyen, Kadeshia Earl, Ayodotun Sodipe, Desiree Jackson, Shodimu-Emmanuel Olufemi
Summary: Cells produce free radicals and antioxidants during cellular metabolism, but free radicals are harmful to cells while antioxidants neutralize them. This study aimed to determine if the antioxidants BHA and BHT could ameliorate the toxic effects of acrylamide and alpha-solanine in exposed BEAS-2B cells. The results showed that BHA and BHT did not protect against the synergistic toxic effects of these compounds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shuhei Ueda, Adiana Mutamsari Witaningrum, Siti Qamariyah Khairunisa, Tomohiro Kotaki, Kazushi Motomura, Nasronudin, Masanori Kameoka
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2019)
Article
Virology
Ying Lu, Hui Li, Weiwei Li, Xiaofang Wang, Xiaoli Tao, Lili Dou, Ying Dong, Nan Wu, Yong Gang Li
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Pan, Daisuke Iejima, Mao Nakayama, Akiko Suga, Toru Noda, Inderjeet Kaur, Taraprasad Das, Subhabrata Chakrabarti, Robyn H. Guymer, Margaret M. DeAngelis, Megumi Yamamoto, Paul N. Baird, Takeshi Iwata
Summary: The study indicates that in AMD patients, the binding of the HTRA1 gene and the transcription factors Gtf2i-beta/delta leads to overexpression of HTRA1, causing CNV-like phenotype. A comparison with healthy controls showed a significant increase in HTRA1 concentration in the blood of AMD patients.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Wei Zhao, Mei Ling Yu, XiaoLi Tao, Mei Hui Cheng, Chang Cheng Liu, Yang Liu, Yong Gang Li
Summary: The study revealed significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between RV-infected and un-infected suckling mice, particularly evident in the composition and metabolic pathways of the intestinal flora. These findings shed light on the potential impact of bacterial genera changes during RV infection, which may be related to the replication and pathogenesis of RV.
Article
Microbiology
Yanzhao Zhang, Seiya Ozono, Takuya Tada, Minoru Tobiume, Masanori Kameoka, Satoshi Kishigami, Hideaki Fujita, Kenzo Tokunaga
Summary: MARCH8 is an antiviral factor that can inhibit viral envelope glycoproteins by recognizing their cytoplasmic lysine residues, resulting in lysosomal degradation. This study reveals the broad-spectrum inhibitory activity of MARCH8 against various viral envelope glycoproteins.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Masahiro Urushidani, Akira Kawayoshi, Tomohiro Kotaki, Keiichi Saeki, Yasuko Mori, Masanori Kameoka
Summary: This study attempted to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus adhering to environmental surfaces using dry fogging with hypochlorous acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution. The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 was more resistant to the virucidal effects of these disinfectants than influenza A virus, requiring higher concentrations or longer contact times for inactivation.
Article
Microbiology
Minori Takaichi, Kayo Osawa, Ryohei Nomoto, Noriko Nakanishi, Masanori Kameoka, Makiko Miura, Katsumi Shigemura, Shohiro Kinoshita, Koichi Kitagawa, Atsushi Uda, Takayuki Miyara, Ni Made Mertaniasih, Usman Hadi, Dadik Raharjo, Ratna Yulistiani, Masato Fujisawa, Kuntaman Kuntaman, Toshiro Shirakawa
Summary: This study confirms the increase in antibiotic resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica (NTS) in Indonesia. The NTS strains isolated from chicken meat showed high resistance to multiple antibiotics and had many virulence factors. Particularly, a serotype called S. Schwarzengrund was frequently detected as multi-antimicrobial resistant and had a high prevalence of virulence genes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Akina Nakamura, Tomohiro Kotaki, Yurie Nagai, Shunta Takazawa, Kenzo Tokunaga, Masanori Kameoka
Summary: Replicon RNA (repRNA) vaccine is a promising vaccine platform that can self-replicate and act as an adjuvant, generating robust immunity. This study successfully constructed and evaluated a repRNA vaccine that induced high levels of T-cell response but had minimal impact on antibody response. Future work should focus on optimizing vaccine administration methods and improving S protein expression to enhance the immune-inducing ability of the repRNA vaccine.
Article
Immunology
Tomohiro Kotaki, Yurie Nagai, Atsushi Yamanaka, Eiji Konishi, Masanori Kameoka
Summary: This study focused on developing a Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine that does not induce antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of dengue virus (DENV) infection. By introducing a mutation at the 106th amino acid residue of the JEV E protein, the modified JE vaccine was able to significantly reduce the production of cross-reactive ADE-prone antibodies against DENV.
Article
Immunology
Siti Qamariyah Khairunisa, Ni Luh Ayu Megasari, Shuhei Ueda, Tomohiro Kotaki, Afif Nurul Hidayati, Nasronudin Nasronudin, Masanori Kameoka
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of HIV-1 subtypes and the emergence of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. CRF01_AE was identified as the predominant circulating recombinant form (CRF) in this region, along with subtype B and recombinant viruses containing CRF02_AG and/or subtype B gene fragments. DRMs against non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were found among ART-experienced individuals, while no transmitted drug resistance was observed in ART-naive individuals.
AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Yang Pan, Yingbin Fu, Paul N. Baird, Robyn H. Guymer, Taraprasad Das, Takeshi Iwata
Summary: This article extensively reviews the literature on the ARMS2/HTRA1 risk alleles and their functional significance in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study explores the molecular mechanisms of the ARMS2 and HTRA1 susceptibility loci and their role in AMD pathophysiology, providing new testable paradigms for treatment.
PROGRESS IN RETINAL AND EYE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Chie Aoki-Utsubo, Puguh Indrasetiawan, Kento Fukano, Masamichi Muramatsu, Nina Artanti, Muhammad Hanafi, Hak Hotta, Masanori Kameoka
Summary: In this study, a plant-derived polyphenolic bioflavonoid called amentoflavone was identified as a new anti-HBV compound. It demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of HBV infection in susceptible cells by targeting the viral entry process.
MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yang Pan, Akiko Suga, Itaru Kimura, Chojiro Kimura, Yuriko Minegishi, Mao Nakayama, Kazutoshi Yoshitake, Daisuke Iejima, Naoko Minematsu, Megumi Yamamoto, Fumihiko Mabuchi, Mitsuko Takamoto, Yukihiro Shiga, Makoto Araie, Kenji Kashiwagi, Makoto Aihara, Toru Nakazawa, Takeshi Iwata
Summary: Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) is characterized by retinal ganglion cell death and visual field loss. This research identifies a mutation in the METTL23 gene associated with NTG in a Japanese family. The mutation impacts protein production and localization, leading to glaucoma phenotypes in mice. Additionally, METTL23 plays a role in transcription regulation of key genes in the retina.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Waseem Ahamed, Richard Ming Chuan Yu, Yang Pan, Takeshi Iwata, Veluchamy Amutha Barathi, Yeo Sia Wey, Sai Bo Bo Tun, Beiying Qiu, Alison Tan, Xiaomeng Wang, Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung, Tien Yin Wong, Yasuo Yanagi
Summary: In this study, we characterized the phenotypic changes in transgenic mice expressing the HtrA1 gene and found the presence of subretinal white material and scattered white-yellowish retinal foci. Histopathological analysis revealed increased macrophages and RPE cell migration, while indocyanine green angiography showed punctate hyperfluorescent spots in the retina of the CAG-HtrA1 transgenic mice, and increased monocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood. Laser induced CNV demonstrated increased leakage and angiogenesis in the CAG-HtrA1 transgenic mice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Youdiil Ophinni, Sayaka Miki, Yoshitake Hayashi, Masanori Kameoka
