Article
Immunology
Divanshu Shukla, Ashok Patidar, Uddipan Sarma, Prashant Chauhan, Surya Prakash Pandey, Himanshu Singh Chandel, Neelam Bodhale, Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Carlos Alberto Guzman, Thomas Ebensen, Ricardo Silvestre, Arup Sarkar, Bhaskar Saha, Surajit Bhattacharjee
Summary: TLRs on host cells recognize PAMPs on pathogens and trigger immune responses. Leishmania infection alters TLR interdependency, revealing a unique immune evasive mechanism. Targeting TLR interdependency can induce a host-protective immune response against intracellular pathogens.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonios Lazaridis, Eleni Gavriilaki, Stella Douma, Eugenia Gkaliagkousi
Summary: Essential hypertension is a highly heterogeneous disease with a complex etiology, where subclinical inflammation and abnormal activation of TLR signaling play crucial roles in its pathogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Virology
Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi, Nima Rezaei
Summary: COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to a pandemic. TLRs play a crucial role in activating the immune system in response to the virus, and could potentially be a target for controlling the infection. Understanding the mechanisms of TLR in COVID-19 may help in developing vaccines and treatments.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Rheumatology
Steven O'Reilly
Summary: SSc is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular abnormalities, inflammation, and fibrosis of the skin and lungs. Inflammation and fibrosis are closely connected in this disease, and Toll-like receptors play a significant role in its pathogenesis and may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
C. Fernandez-Lainez, R. Akkerman, M. M. P. Oerlemans, M. J. Logtenberg, H. A. Schols, L. A. Silva-Lagos, G. Lopez-Velazquez, P. de Vos
Summary: The study reveals that GTFs have immunomodulatory effects through their interaction with Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and can attenuate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in dendritic cells (DCs).
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Karsten Grote, Marina Nicolai, Uwe Schubert, Bernhard Schieffer, Christian Troidl, Klaus T. Preissner, Stefan Bauer, Silvia Fischer
Summary: The study demonstrated that self-extracellular RNA can interact with TLR2 ligands and enhance innate immune responses under pathological conditions, suggesting it as a new target for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections.
Review
Virology
Mohammad Kazem Vakil, Yaser Mansoori, Ghaidaa Raheem Lateef Al-Awsi, Ali Hosseinipour, Samaneh Ahsant, Sedigheh Ahmadi, Mohammad Ekrahi, Zahra Montaseri, Babak Pezeshki, Poopak Mohaghegh, Mojtaba Sohrabpour, Maryam Bahmanyar, Abdolreza Daraei, Tahereh Dadkhah Jouybari, Alireza Tavassoli, Abdolmajid Ghasemian
Summary: Innate and acquired immunity responses are crucial for eliminating viral infections. However, genetic variations in coding genes may exacerbate inflammation or initiate devastating cytokine storms, leading to severe respiratory conditions in COVID-19. Host genetic variations, particularly those related to immune responses, determine patients' susceptibility and the severity and pathophysiology of COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Zhang, Guangshuai Liu, Tian Xia, Xiufeng Yang, Guolei Sun, Chao Zhao, Chunzhu Xu, Honghai Zhang
Summary: The study analyzed TLR genes from the genomes and transcriptomes of 102 amphibian species to understand their evolutionary patterns. Results showed that TLR genes can be divided into seven subfamilies, with TLR4 subfamily found only in Anura. Purification selection played a leading role in amphibian TLR evolution, and different domains had different evolution rates. Positive selection patterns and single-nucleotide polymorphisms were observed in TLR genes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Virology
Caroline Fernandes-Santos, Elzinandes Leal de Azeredo
Summary: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus, with a wide range of clinical manifestations. In the innate antiviral response, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in pathogen recognition and the production of inflammatory cytokines and interferons essential for preventing viral replication.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sheeba Thomas, David F. Lappin, Julie Spears, David Bennett, Christopher Nile, Marcello P. Riggio
Summary: This study evaluated the transcript levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytokines in gingival tissues of cats with feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL). The results showed that TLRs and both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were significantly upregulated in cats with FORL, confirming a chronic inflammatory response to the oral microbiome.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xin Zhi, Peipei Yang, Yunxue Xu, Zhifei Dai, Xiuli Yue, Linxue Qian
Summary: This review discusses the functions of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the tumor microenvironment and the pathways that activate immune responses. It also summarizes recent developments in nanotechnology for immunomodulation with TLR agonists. Nanotechnology can improve the efficacy of TLR agonist-based immunotherapy and address its limitations.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ana Dolsak, Dora Sribar, Alexander Scheffler, Maria Grabowski, Urban Svajger, Stanislav Gobec, Janine Holze, Guenther Weindl, Gerhard Wolber, Matej Sova
Summary: TLR8, an endosomal Toll-like receptor in human innate immune system, plays a crucial role in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Novel negative modulators based on pyrimidine structure show potential as immunomodulatory agents for further development towards lead compounds with potent immunomodulatory properties.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan-Tung Chu, Min-Tser Liao, Kuo-Wang Tsai, Kuo-Cheng Lu, Wan-Chung Hu
Summary: A comprehensive framework has been established to understand immunological pathways, and specific associations between immune responses and immune receptors have been identified. These findings contribute to the identification of biomarkers for immune cells and provide insights into host immunological pathways.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Olesia Schapovalova, Anna Gorlova, Johannes de Munter, Elisaveta Sheveleva, Mikhail Eropkin, Nikita Gorbunov, Michail Sicker, Aleksei Umriukhin, Sergiy Lyubchyk, Klaus-Peter Lesch, Tatyana Strekalova, Careen A. Schroeter
Summary: A new immunomodulatory phytotherapy (IP) comprised of blackberry, chamomile, garlic, cloves, and elderberry extracts was studied as a potential low-cost solution against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The IP therapy was found to decrease inflammation and alleviate sickness behavior, suggesting its potency in combating the infection primarily through preventive effects.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Mengyuan Kou, Liying Wang
Summary: This review focuses on Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), an important intracellular pattern recognition receptor in the immune system. TLR9 can recognize CpG DNA in endosomes, but it can also be expressed on the membrane surface of certain immune and non-immune cells, where it plays an immunomodulatory role. This review provides a theoretical reference for the application of TLR9 modulators.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Despoina Eugenia Kiousi, Nikos Chorianopoulos, Chrysoula C. Tassou, Alex Galanis
Summary: Food fermentation has improved the safety and organoleptic characteristics of raw materials, and the potential health benefits of these products have attracted scientific attention. However, only a few products have been authorized as 'functional foods' due to data inconsistency and lack of in-depth preclinical characterization. Omics platforms and bioinformatic algorithms offer comprehensive data analysis of microbe-microbe, microbe-matrix, and microbe-host interactions, providing insights for maximizing their beneficial effects. Integrating these platforms into food science remains a challenge, but coordinated efforts and interdisciplinary collaboration can drive the field towards a new era.
Article
Microbiology
Christina S. Kamarinou, Olga S. Papadopoulou, Agapi Doulgeraki, Chrysoula C. Tassou, Alex Galanis, Nikos G. Chorianopoulos, Anthoula A. Argyri
Summary: The aim of this study was to isolate indigenous lactic acid bacteria from traditional Greek cheeses and evaluate their characteristics. Promising results were obtained, with some strains showing favorable technological and functional properties, contributing to the sensory characteristics and safety of yogurt.
Article
Microbiology
Despoina Eugenia Kiousi, Joanna Bucka-Kolendo, Adrian Wojtczak, Barbara Sokolowska, Agapi I. I. Doulgeraki, Alex Galanis
Summary: This study presents the annotated whole genome sequence of two strains of Loigolactobacillus backii, a beer-spoiling bacteria with high hop tolerance. The genetic basis and adaptation of the strains in the brewery environment were studied, revealing their ability to survive and grow in the presence of hop compounds. The findings provide insights into the mechanisms behind the tolerance of Lg. backii to extreme conditions in the brewery.
Article
Immunology
Despoina Eugenia Kiousi, Christos Efstathiou, Vasilis Tzampazlis, Stavros Plessas, Maria Panopoulou, Maria Koffa, Alex Galanis
Summary: This study examined the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus L33, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L125, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei SP5 against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli. The results showed that these three lactobacilli were able to inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of the pathogens. Gene expression analysis and sequence prediction also revealed their ability to produce functional bacteriocins.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Despoina E. Kiousi, Antonia Z. Kouroutzidou, Konstantinos Neanidis, Emmanuel Karavanis, Dimitrios Matthaios, Aglaia Pappa, Alex Galanis
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy aims to stimulate the immune response against tumors, and the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in immunity and cancer immunotherapy. Manipulating the gut microbiota through dietary interventions or fecal microbiota transplantation can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy and lead to personalized treatments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stavros Plessas, Ioanna Mantzourani, Athanasios Alexopoulos, Maria Alexandri, Nikolaos Kopsahelis, Vasiliki Adamopoulou, Argyro Bekatorou
Summary: This study proposes the use of freeze-dried sourdough adjuncts based on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum for making new types of sourdough breads. Three different adjuncts were used: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum alone, unfermented pomegranate juice, and pomegranate juice fermented by the same strain. The breads made with these adjuncts showed improved physicochemical, microbiological, and nutritional characteristics compared to commercial sourdough bread. The best results were obtained with the fermented pomegranate juice adjunct.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Harris Papapostolou, Vasiliki Kachrimanidou, Maria Alexandri, Stavros Plessas, Aikaterini Papadaki, Nikolaos Kopsahelis
Summary: Biotechnologically produced carotenoids play a significant role in scientific research. Efforts are being made to efficiently and sustainably produce carotenoids from renewable sources, as well as develop greener techniques for their extraction and purification. This review focuses on the progress in biotechnological production of carotenoids, methods for their extraction, and their identification and quantification.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ioanna Mantzourani, Anastasios Nikolaou, Yiannis Kourkoutas, Athanasios Alexopoulos, Stavros Plessas
Summary: In this study, a wild-type Lacticaseibacillus paracasei SP5 (L. paracasei SP5) potential probiotic strain was used to ferment an apple-orange-carrot mixed juice for 1 day. After fermentation, the juice was refrigerated at 4 degrees C and analyzed for microbiological stability, volatile characterization, physicochemical properties, sensorial validation, and viability of the probiotic strain. The stored juice showed no yeast/fungi growth and retained a viability of 8.28 Log CFU/mL of L. paracasei SP5 even after 4 weeks of cold storage. The fermented juice exhibited changes in pH, TTA, organic acids content, residual sugar content, and volatile profile. The sensorial properties of the fermented juice were positively influenced.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iris Plioni, Eleni Michalopoulou, Athanasios Mallouchos, Stavros Plessas, Gerasimos Gotis, Argyro Bekatorou
Summary: This research proposes a method to produce sweet wine from the by-product of high-quality Corinthian currants, involving complete fermentation and the use of alcohol-tolerant yeast. Sugar extraction from the by-product or the addition of syrup made from the by-product can adjust sweetness, and fermentation can be stopped by adding ethanol at the desired sugar level. The non-fortified wines have better characteristics (mainly in terms of acidity, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic content) than fortified wine, and adjusting sweetness using the by-product is the simplest and least costly method. This method can produce high-quality sweet wines with a characteristic fruity flavor, which can be commercialized as specialty currant beverages or liqueurs.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Joanna Bucka-Kolendo, Despoina Eugenia Kiousi, Adrian Wojtczak, Agapi I. Doulgeraki, Alex Galanis, Barbara Sokolowska
Summary: Among beer-spoiling microorganisms, dominant species include Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus, and Pediococcus. High hydrostatic pressure can eliminate these microorganisms while preserving desired beer properties. This study analyzed the resistance of a beer-spoiling Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain to hop and high hydrostatic pressure, and confirmed its genome characteristics through sequencing. The findings suggest the strain's growth is affected by beer concentration and it possesses genes for stress resistance and adaptation to the brewing environment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chrysoula Pavlatou, Anastasios Nikolaou, Ioanna Prapa, Konstantinos Tegopoulos, Stavros Plesssas, Maria E. Grigoriou, Eugenia Bezirtzoglou, Yiannis Kourkoutas
Summary: A new type of cheese called Katiki Domokou was developed using a novel Pediococcus acidilactici strain isolated from kefir grains, which was immobilized on pistachio nuts to improve the viability of the cells. The addition of the immobilized cells to the cheese resulted in improved microbial composition, increased cell loads, and suppression of spoilage bacteria.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Despoina E. Kiousi, Dimitrios M. Karadedos, Anastasia Sykoudi, Panagiotis Repanas, Christina S. Kamarinou, Anthoula A. Argyri, Alex Galanis
Summary: A multiplex PCR assay was developed for the detection of potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria strains in yogurt samples, showing its biotechnological applicability and potential for wider use.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ioanna Mantzourani, Antonia Terpou, Argyro Bekatorou, Stavros Plessas
Summary: In this study, an acid tolerant and potentially probiotic L. paracasei SP3 strain was used to ferment pomegranate juice and produce a novel functional beverage. The results showed that the novel strain effectively fermented the juice, increasing lactic acid concentration, reducing sugar and alcohol levels, and improving total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Additionally, the strain reduced the levels of hydrolysable tannins in the juice, improving the sensory features of the final product.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)