Correction
Immunology
Fatma Tannich, Asma Tlili, Coralie Pintard, Amina Chniguir, Bruno Eto, Pham My-Chan Dang, Ouajdi Souilem, Jamel El-Benna
Summary: The same mouse brain extracts were used in both figures to ensure accuracy in the study results.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yu Sugimoto, Daiki Endo, Yasuaki Aratani
Summary: In a zymosan-induced systemic inflammation model, CGD mice deficient in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase gp91phox subunit exhibited severe thymic atrophy and lymphopenia, along with enhanced neutrophilic inflammation, while showing increased circulating and splenic neutrophils and enhanced granulopoiesis compared with wild-type mice.
Article
Microbiology
Xi-Ran Qiu, Chen-Rui Shen, Li-Wen Jiang, Peng Ji, Yu Zhang, Wei-Tong Hou, Wen Zhang, Hui Shen, Mao-Mao An
Summary: A monoclonal antibody, mAb 13F4, targeting C. albicans Ssa1 was discovered to have high affinity and displayed antifungal activity. mAb 13F4 prevented C. albicans from adhering to and invading human epithelial cells and showed synergistic effect with fluconazole in vivo. mAb 13F4 significantly prolonged the survival rate of mice with hematogenous disseminated candidiasis.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Felix E. Y. Aggor, Martinna Bertolini, Chunsheng Zhou, Tiffany C. Taylor, Darryl A. Abbott, Javonn Musgrove, Vincent M. Bruno, Timothy W. Hand, Sarah L. Gaffen
Summary: Antibiotics can lead to Candida albicans infections. Microbiome plays a role in antifungal immunity, and mono-colonization with a specific bacterium can restore resistance to Candida infections in mice. This protection involves type 17 cells and the retinoic acid receptor-alpha pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jin Han, Donghwi Park, Ji Young Park, Seungwoo Han
Summary: Increased oxidative stress in OA cartilage leads to extracellular matrix degradation and chondrocyte apoptosis. This study found that inhibiting NOX can decrease ROS production, suppress oxidative stress marker genes and catabolic proteases, and protect against OA by modulating oxidative stress and gene expression.
Article
Microbiology
Andrew S. Wagner, Stephen W. Lumsdaine, Mikayla M. Mangrum, Todd B. Reynolds
Summary: To effectively induce disease, Candida albicans masks immunogenic β(1,3)-glucan epitopes within its cell wall under a layer of mannosylated glycoproteins. Treatment with the antifungal drug caspofungin enhances the exposure (unmasking) of β(1,3)-glucan, making the fungal cells more visible to the host immune system and attenuating disease progression. Our study reveals a correlation between increased chitin synthesis and β(1,3)-glucan unmasking in response to caspofungin, suggesting that altered chitin synthesis drives increased unmasking during drug exposure.
Article
Cell Biology
Biljana Musicki, Serkan Karakus, Justin D. La Favor, Haolin Chen, Fabio H. Silva, Mikael Sturny, Barry R. Zirkin, Arthur L. Burnett
Summary: The study suggests that stimulating the production of endogenous testosterone can help reduce priapism in patients with SCD without affecting fertility. This treatment approach may work by activating TSPO, restoring phosphodiesterase 5 activity, and reducing oxidative stress levels.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Guolei Zhao, Laura N. Rusche
Summary: Candida albicans can switch between yeast and hyphal growth forms, with the sirtuin deacetylase Sir2 playing a critical role in hyphal growth and gene regulation. Loss of Sir2 hampers hypha formation and is essential for the transition from yeast to hyphae. Understanding the role of sirtuins in this process may lead to the development of novel antifungal therapies.
Article
Immunology
Li Tao, Min Wang, Guobo Guan, Yuwei Zhang, Tingting Hao, Chao Li, Shuaihu Li, Yihua Chen, Guanghua Huang
Summary: In this study, it was discovered that the bacteria Streptococcus mutans represses filamentous development and virulence in the fungus Candida albicans through secreting a secondary metabolite called mutanocyclin. The mutanocyclin functions by regulating the PKA catabolic subunit Tpk2 and its binding target Sfl1. The cell wall biogenesis and remodeling proteins, as well as filamentous regulators, also contribute to the response to mutanocyclin.
Article
Immunology
Sean M. Thomas, Andrew J. Olive
Summary: Immune networks overlapping regulation and functions to ensure effective host responses against infection. Genetic interaction studies comparing host responses in single and combined knockout backgrounds are useful for identifying new mechanisms of immune control. Understanding the genetic interactions between protective immune pathways may identify new therapeutic targets for tuberculosis.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joe N. Frost, Sarah K. Wideman, Alexandra E. Preston, Megan R. Teh, Zhichao Ai, Lihui Wang, Amy Cross, Natasha White, Yavuz Yazicioglu, Michael Bonadonna, Alexander J. Clarke, Andrew E. Armitage, Bruno Galy, Irina A. Udalova, Hal Drakesmith
Summary: Low plasma iron induced by hepcidin inhibits neutrophil production and alters their effector functions, while having no significant effect on other types of white blood cells. Antagonizing endogenous hepcidin can enhance neutrophil production during acute inflammation. These findings suggest that plasma iron plays a role in modulating the profile of innate immunity, with potential therapeutic implications.
Article
Microbiology
Rocio Garcia-Rodas, Hayet Labbaoui, Francois Orange, Norma Solis, Oscar Zaragoza, Scott G. Filler, Martine Bassilana, Robert A. Arkowitz
Summary: This study reveals that plasma membrane PI(4)P plays a central role in filamentation, cell wall integrity, and virulence in Candida albicans.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicolas Millet, Norma Solis, Diane Aguilar, Michail S. Lionakis, Robert T. Wheeler, Nicholas Jendzjowsky, Marc Swidergall
Summary: This study reveals the role of the beta-glucan receptor EphA2 in modulating renal immunopathology during disseminated candidiasis through IL-23 signaling and ferroptotic cell death.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chong Pang, Jianshuang Chen, Shuangyan Liu, Yingying Cao, Hao Miao
Summary: Shikonin exhibits broad-spectrum antifungal activity, particularly against fluconazole-resistant strains. It also demonstrates potent antifungal activities against other pathogenic fungi without apparent toxicity to mammalian cells. The mechanism of action involves the induction of apoptosis characteristics to combat Candida albicans infection.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Rishabh Sharma, Andrew A. Gibb, Kelcie Barnts, John W. Elrod, Sumant Puri
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of alternative oxidase (AOX) in protecting mitochondria from high iron-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage in the fungal pathogen C. albicans.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Nicholas A. Stella, Kimberly M. Brothers, Robert M. Q. Shanks
Summary: This study demonstrates that the S. marcescens FlhDC-regulated secreted proteins PhlA and ShlA, but not flagellin, are cytotoxic to airway and ocular surface cells, with differences in human epithelial cell susceptibility to PhlA.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Orthopedics
Dongzhu Ma, Kimberly M. Brothers, Patrick L. Maher, Nathan J. Phillips, Deborah Simonetti, Anthony William Pasculle, Anthony R. Richardson, Vaughn S. Cooper, Kenneth L. Urish
Summary: A study using periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) as a model found a higher proportion of atypical Staphylococcus aureus strains in PJI cultures, which were associated with poor host status and compromised immune conditions. Additionally, mutations in genes involved in fibronectin binding systematically distinguished later PJI isolates from the first PJI isolate from each patient, indicating adaptive, parallel evolution of S. aureus during the development of PJI.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Jason Zlotnicki, Alexandra Grabrielli, Kenneth L. Urish, Kimberly M. Brothers
ORTHOPEDIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Siham Hattab, Anna-Maria Dagher, Robert T. Wheeler
Summary: Polymicrobial infections are difficult to treat because of the limited understanding of pathogen interactions and their effects on drug efficacy. A study found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa enhances the effectiveness of the antifungal drug fluconazole in co-infections, partly through iron piracy.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Bing Zhai, Robert T. Wheeler
Summary: In this study, it is shown that prophylactic use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can actually increase the risk of deadly fungal-bacterial co-infection by targeting the commensal microbes necessary for immune response.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Aaron Bivins, Devrim Kaya, Warish Ahmed, Joe Brown, Caitlyn Butler, Justin Greaves, Raeann Leal, Kendra Maas, Gouthami Rao, Samendra Sherchan, Deborah Sills, Ryan Sinclair, Robert T. Wheeler, Cresten Mansfeldt
Summary: Passive sampling is a promising technique for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been found to produce qualitative results superior to grab samples and useful for sub-sewershed surveillance of COVID-19. However, there is heterogeneity in the correlation between passive samplers and composite samples for SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations. Electronegative membranes show great promise as passive sampler materials. Further development of passive sampling methods should focus on optimizing sampler materials, kit-free extraction, and resource-efficient testing methods.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nicholas A. Stella, Eric G. Romanowski, Kimberly M. Brothers, Rachel C. Calvario, Robert M. Q. Shanks
Summary: This study investigates the role of the Rcs stress response system in a clinical keratitis isolate of Serratia marcescens. The results show that the GumB gene has a global impact on S. marcescens gene expression, and measurable effects on bacterial cytotoxicity and surface adhesin production.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicolas Millet, Norma Solis, Diane Aguilar, Michail S. Lionakis, Robert T. Wheeler, Nicholas Jendzjowsky, Marc Swidergall
Summary: This study reveals the role of the beta-glucan receptor EphA2 in modulating renal immunopathology during disseminated candidiasis through IL-23 signaling and ferroptotic cell death.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Arianna Sala, Andrea Ardizzoni, Luca Spaggiari, Nikhil Vaidya, Jane van der Schaaf, Cosmeri Rizzato, Claudio Cermelli, Selene Mogavero, Thomas Krueger, Maximilian Himmel, Olaf Kniemeyer, Axel A. Brakhage, Benjamin L. King, Antonella Lupetti, Manola Comar, Francesco de Seta, Arianna Tavanti, Elisabetta Blasi, Robert T. Wheeler, Eva Pericolini
Summary: Despite a high incidence of VVC, our understanding of this female-specific disease is still limited, and it has become a public health issue due to its negative impact on women's quality of life. It is not yet possible to determine if a specific Candida albicans strain is more likely to cause VVC based on genotype or laboratory phenotype. VVC affects nearly 3/4 of women and significantly reduces their quality of life.
Article
Biology
Dana M. Parker, John A. Koch, Charles G. Gish, Kimberly M. Brothers, William Li, Jessica Gilbertie, Sarah E. Rowe, Brian P. Conlon, Venkata K. C. Byrapogu, Kenneth L. Urish
Summary: Hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, and chlorhexidine are effective against planktonic Staphylococcus aureus, but have limited efficacy against biofilm bacteria. The addition of these antiseptics to cefazolin treatment only slightly reduces the biofilm burden. This study highlights the importance of considering antibiotic tolerance in the treatment of established S. aureus biofilms.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Robert T. Wheeler
Summary: This study reveals how antifungal drugs cause exposure of proinflammatory beta(1,3)-glucan by driving excess chitin production and identifies intracellular signaling components that regulate cell wall changes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David B. Huang, Kimberly M. Brothers, Jonathan B. Mandell, Masashi Taguchi, Peter G. Alexander, Dana M. Parker, Dean Shinabarger, Chris Pillar, Ian Morrissey, Stephen Hawser, Parviz Ghahramani, Despina Dobbins, Nicholas Pachuda, Ronald Montelaro, Jonathan D. Steckbeck, Kenneth L. Urish
Summary: The lack of novel antibiotics for drug-resistant and biofilm-associated infections is a global public health crisis. Researchers have designed PLG0206, an engineered antimicrobial peptide, to overcome the challenges associated with size, toxicity, safety profile, and pharmacokinetics. PLG0206 has demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity, making it a potential treatment for multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
Robert M. Q. Shanks, Nicholas A. Stella, Kimberly M. Brothers, Eric G. Romanowski
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Ashley Jensen, Gabriela R. Rossi, Ruben Munoz, Kimberly Brothers, Lewis Gruber, Misty Gruber, Haiyong Han
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
Robert Shanks, Mohammed Al Higaylan, Nicholas Stella, Kimberly Brothers, Patrick Thibodeau
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)