Review
Oncology
Anneloes van Duijn, Sjoerd H. Van der Burg, Ferenc A. Scheeren
Summary: This article focuses on the interactions between myeloid immune cells and anti-tumor immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. Blocking the CD47/SIRP alpha axis can enhance adaptive immune response. The potential therapeutic role of CD47/SIRP alpha axis is discussed in tumors with acquired resistance to classic immunotherapy.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Trevor Ung, Nakisha S. Rutledge, Adam M. Weiss, Aaron P. Esser-Kahn, Peter Deak
Summary: This article summarizes the recent advancements in immunology and chemistry in targeted vaccine technology, including cellular targets, methods of targeting, and their effects on immune responses. The relationships between vaccine targets and subsequent adaptive immune responses are crucial for effective vaccine design, potentially leading to more effective, disease-specific vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Tianmeng Yan, Zhenying Zhang
Summary: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease primarily affecting elderly individuals. It presents with heterogeneous manifestations, typically characterized by microscopically subepidermal separation and mixed inflammatory infiltrate. The development mechanism of BP remains unclear. B cells are involved in pathogenic autoantibody production, and other immune cells such as T cells, type II inflammatory cytokines, eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, and keratinocytes also contribute to the pathogenesis of BP. This review focuses on the roles and crosstalk between innate and adaptive immune cells in BP.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad, Gulnaz Afzal, Muhammad Nouman Iqbal, Muhammad Arslan Iqbal, Borhan Shokrollahi, Muhammad Khalid Mansoor, Jinping Chen
Summary: The regulated production of filamentous protein complexes is essential in many biological processes and provides a new paradigm in signal transmission. The role of selection and diversification on mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) in mammalian species has been explored and confirmed. Positive selection has been observed in these proteins, particularly in recognition proteins involved in microorganism recognition. This suggests that molecular interactions between hosts and pathogens may promote adaptive evolution in the mammalian immune systems.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
George W. Burke III, Alla Mitrofanova, Antonio Fontanella, Gaetano Ciancio, David Roth, Phil Ruiz, Carolyn Abitbol, Jayanthi Chandar, Sandra Merscher, Alessia Fornoni
Summary: This article focuses on the podocyte as the target of circulating factors causing recurrent proteinuria in patients with FSGS after kidney transplantation. Studies involving pre- and post-reperfusion biopsies, as well as in vitro podocyte liquid biopsies/assays, have provided insights into new pathways and potential therapeutic targets. The successful use of immunomodulating agents, such as rituximab and abatacept, suggests direct effects on the podocyte beyond immunosuppression.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Bo Zheng, Yan Wang, Jingjie Hu, Zhenmin Bao, Mengqiang Wang
Summary: Two cathepsin L genes, MmCTSL1 and MmCTSL2, were cloned from Asiatic hard clam. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that both MmCTSL1 and MmCTSL2 were widely expressed in various tissues and significantly up-regulated after bacterial challenge, with different expression profiles and potential roles.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hongliang Zhang, Jie Gao, Yujie Tang, Tengchuan Jin, Jinhui Tao
Summary: Inflammasomes play a crucial role in both the innate and adaptive immune systems, acting as a bridge between these two components to maintain a fine balance in immune responses. Understanding the function of inflammasomes in lymphocytes can provide new insights into the mechanisms and treatment of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases and tumors.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Michelle Felicia Lee, Guan Zhong Voon, Hui Xuan Lim, Mun Lok Chua, Chit Laa Poh
Summary: Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that poses significant public health concerns in tropical and subtropical countries. The dengue virus has evolved various strategies to manipulate the host's immune responses, and miRNAs and DENV non-structural proteins (NS) are promising targets for anti-dengue therapeutics.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anuradha Ray, Sagar L. Kale, Richard P. Ramonell
Summary: Despite advancements in pulmonary immunology, there is still much work to be done in understanding coordinated immune responses in the lung. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown the inadequacy of current models of host-pathogen interactions and emphasized the importance of unraveling complex biological questions for immunologists. The 64th Annual Thomas L. Petty Aspen Lung Conference focused on bridging the gap between innate and adaptive immunity in the lung, discussing disease pathogenesis, immune responses, autoimmune lung diseases, immunologic cancer treatments, and new paradigms for lung disease prevention and treatment.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Diana Boraschi
Summary: Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a cytokine that plays a significant role in inflammation and immune response, primarily produced by macrophages during defensive reactions. It belongs to a superfamily of structurally similar proteins and acts through binding to specific receptors on the plasma membrane of target cells. IL-1 family cytokines not only have innate immune and inflammatory effects but also appear to be involved in the development of adaptive immunity in vertebrates.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Li Wang, Li Sun, Qiu-Hong Wan, Sheng-Guo Fang
Summary: Tactile-foraging birds have adaptations in their sensory systems, with an enlarged principal sensory nucleus (PrV) and smaller brain regions related to the visual system. There may be a trade-off between different senses in these birds, as well as between corresponding sensory-processing areas in the brain. Olfaction-related genes are expanded in kiwi and mallard, indicating sensitivity to smell, while hearing-related genes are expanded in crested ibis, indicating sensitivity to hearing. However, genes related to visual development show signs of positive selection or convergent amino acid substitutions in all three tactile foragers, suggesting the possibility of visual degradation. Additionally, two genes responsible for regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells may play a role in determining the relative sizes of sensory areas in the brain.
Review
Biology
Xinxin Chi, Miaozhen Huang, Hailin Tu, Bin Zhang, Xin Lin, Huji Xu, Chen Dong, Xiaoyu Hu
Summary: Except for a few cases caused by single gene mutations, the majority of autoimmune diseases are influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Despite progress in understanding certain effector cells and molecules associated with inflammation and tissue damage, the exact cause of common autoimmune disorders remains unknown. Population genetics approaches have contributed greatly to our knowledge of genetic susceptibility to autoimmunity, allowing for a comprehensive re-examination of genes and pathways. This review aims to discuss the etiology and pathogenesis of common autoimmune disorders from a human genetics perspective, covering innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and inflammatory cell death processes. By exploring new molecules and pathways, we hope to broaden our understanding of autoimmunity beyond the current limited therapeutic targets.
SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ines A. Ferreira, Diogo Peixoto, Ana Paula Losada, Maria Isabel Quiroga, Ana do Vale, Benjamin Costas
Summary: This study aimed to understand the early innate immune response of European sea bass to T. maritimum infection. The results showed that T. maritimum induced a local immune response in the skin, gills, and posterior-intestine of the fish. This may be due to the bacteria's ability to adhere, colonize, and damage these organs. The infected fish also exhibited systemic responses, including increased neutrophils, signs of anemia, and decreased bactericidal and lysozyme activities in the plasma.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Anke Zhang, Yibo Liu, Xiaoyu Wang, Houshi Xu, Chaoyou Fang, Ling Yuan, KaiKai Wang, Jingwei Zheng, Yangjian Qi, Sheng Chen, Jianmin Zhang, Anwen Shao
Summary: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe subtype of stroke that induces an immune response and triggers brain injury, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Current research mainly focuses on the production of specific subtypes of immune cells, especially innate immune cells, after SAH onset. There is increasing evidence of the critical role of immune responses in SAH pathophysiology, but studies on the role and clinical significance of adaptive immunity post-SAH are limited. In this study, we provide a brief review of the mechanistic dissection of innate and adaptive immune responses post-SAH, as well as summarize experimental studies and clinical trials of immunotherapies for SAH treatment, which may contribute to the development of improved therapeutic approaches for SAH management in the future.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael G. Tassia, Kyle T. David, James P. Townsend, Kenneth M. Halanych
Summary: The TIAMMAt tool revises domain profile HMMs to enhance evolutionary interpretations of protein families, providing valuable insights into the evolution of protein families from nonmodel species.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Carl D. Soulsbury, Jessica Dobson, D. Charles Deeming, Piotr Minias
Summary: The size and shape of bird erythrocytes are determined by life history strategies. Birds engaging in energetically demanding activities have smaller and more elongated cells, while those with greater male-male competition have smaller and rounder cells. Smaller, more elongated cells allow for faster oxygenation and support greater aerobic activity. Additionally, diving birds have larger erythrocytes, indicating their role as an important oxygen store.
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicholas D. Sly, Corey R. Freeman-Gallant, Amberleigh E. Henschen, Piotr Minias, Linda A. Whittingham, Peter O. Dunn
Summary: This study uses whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomics to determine the genetic basis of ornament size preference in different populations of common yellowthroat. The research shows that females in each population prefer different ornaments but the size preference is linked to genes related to male quality.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ke He, Chun-hong Liang, Ying Zhu, Peter Dunn, Ayong Zhao, Piotr Minias
Summary: This study explores the macroevolutionary patterns in the avian Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) architecture and provides evidence for important transitions in the genomic arrangement of the MHC region during bird evolution.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Amelia Chyb, Piotr Minias
Summary: Weather conditions have significant impacts on reproductive output of Eurasian coots, with temperature showing contrasting effects at different chick-rearing stages. Contrary to expectations, there is a positive relationship between early chick-rearing precipitation and reproductive output in urban coots. This study highlights the complexity of associations between weather conditions and animal reproductive performance in urban wildlife.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ewa Pikus, Peter O. Dunn, Piotr Minias
Summary: This study examined the relationship between MHC gene diversity and fitness-related traits in a population of Eurasian coot. The results showed that high MHC gene diversity was associated with poorer condition, weaker ornament expression, later onset of breeding, and smaller clutches. The study suggests that the costs of high MHC diversity outweighed the benefits in an urban landscape.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piotr Minias, Michal Vinkler
Summary: This review examines the role of balancing selection in Toll-like receptors (TLRs), innate immune genes involved in pathogen recognition and immune response activation. The analysis of infection and fitness-based evidence, as well as population allelic frequencies and heterozygosity levels, reveals that balancing selection maintains variation in TLRs under specific conditions and in certain evolutionary lineages. However, the understanding of balancing selection in non-MHC immune genes remains incomplete.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maciej Kaminski, Amelia Chyb, Piotr Minias
Summary: High population density is a major feature of urban exploiter species. However, it has been overlooked in urban ecology studies. In this study, we investigated the effects of population density on immune response and body condition in feral pigeons. We found that higher population density was associated with stronger immune response, but not with physiological condition. Our results suggest that the urban environment, through population density, may exert different selective pressures on immunocompetence and body condition in urban exploiter species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ewa Pikus, Piotr Minias
Summary: Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) play a vital role in vertebrate adaptive immunity and exhibit high levels of polymorphism. Different mechanisms of gene duplication may contribute to the polymorphism of MHC-I and MHC-II genes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Radoslaw Wlodarczyk, Sandra Bouwhuis, Coraline Bichet, Patrycja Podlaszczuk, Amelia Chyb, Piotr Indykiewicz, Beata Dulisz, Jacek Betleja, Tomasz Janiszewski, Piotr Minias
Summary: Haemoparasite infection rates in bird species can be influenced by ecological factors such as habitat preference and colony size. This study found that black-headed gulls had a higher prevalence and diversity of Plasmodium or Haemoproteus compared to common terns. The differences in haemoparasite prevalences may be primarily driven by varying vector encounter rate resulting from different habitat preferences.
Article
Ecology
Piotr Minias, Gemma Palomar, Katarzyna Dudek, Wieslaw Babik
Summary: This study provides extensive analysis on MHC class I in salamanders, revealing extreme diversity in both sequence and architecture. The study also identifies differences in positive selection signals and highlights the similarities between salamanders and distant vertebrate lineages in terms of MHC-I structure. Additionally, evidence of intraexonic recombination and the influence of life history traits on MHC-I expansion/contraction is presented.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ke He, Wieslaw Babik, Mateusz Majda, Piotr Minias
Summary: We used genomic data to reconstruct the macroevolution of the MHC region in amphibians and found that the ancestral MHC region was relatively simple and compact, with a close physical linkage between MHC-I and MHC-II regions. This structure was conserved in anurans, but there was evidence for dynamic evolutionary trajectories in the duplication and expansion of gene copy number in the class I subregion. We also found that intronic regions of amphibian classical MHC genes were longer compared to other tetrapod lineages, possibly due to genome size expansion.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Piotr Minias, Tomasz Janiszewski
Summary: Nest location is crucial for bird reproduction. This study used a comparative framework to analyze the evolutionary history, biogeographical and habitat variation, and associations with life history traits of ground nesting behavior in passerine birds. The results showed scattered phylogenetic distribution of ground nesting and strong evolutionary lability between ground and non-ground nesting. Ground nesting was associated with open habitats and higher latitudes, as well as fast life histories. This study provides a foundation for understanding the macroevolution of ground nesting behavior in passerine birds.
Article
Fisheries
Radoslaw Wlodarczyk, Martin Tesicky, Michal Vinkler, Marian Novotny, Magdalena Remisiewicz, Tomasz Janiszewski, Piotr Minias
Summary: The study found high genetic diversity in TLR genes in bird species, with no shared nucleotide allelic variants between different species, indicating rapid evolution of TLR genes.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Piotr Minias, Patrycja Podlaszczuk, Piotr Indykiewicz, Mateusz Ledwon, Jacek Nowakowski, Amelia Chyb, Tomasz Janiszewski
Summary: This study investigated genetic variation in pathogen recognition genes in black-headed gulls from different regions in Poland. The major histocompatibility complex class I and II genes showed significant population differentiation, indicating local adaptations, while the toll-like receptor genes also showed some differentiation, suggesting a response to fine-scale spatial variation in pathogen pressure. These results highlight the complexity of immunogenetic responses to heterogeneous environments.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Piotr Minias
Summary: Land transformation, especially urbanization, has a significant impact on the global environment. More species are facing direct contact with humans and have to adapt to urban environments or leave urbanized areas. Urban animals experience diverse immune responses to the complex pathogen pressure and environmental constraints.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)