Article
Immunology
Areej Alfaifi, Ahmed S. Sultan, Daniel Montelongo-Jauregui, Timothy F. Meiller, Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk
Summary: Despite various oral conditions observed in COVID-19 patients, the importance of the oral cavity as a site of SARS-CoV-2 infection is often overlooked. This study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 can replicate in salivary epithelial cells, leading to inflammation and atrophy of salivary glands. Histatin-5, an important component of saliva, is significantly reduced in COVID-19 patients, compromising its antimicrobial activity and potentially leading to oral symptoms such as dysesthesia and dysgeusia. These findings suggest a need for reassessment of the implications of COVID-19 on oral health.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Virology
Parisa S. Aghbash, Narges Eslami, Milad Shirvaliloo, Hossein B. Baghi
Summary: Coinfection can lead to the generation of recombinant viruses, causing interference and competition between viruses. Developing a comprehensive diagnostic panel for virus detection and utilizing changes in blood markers can help identify mixed infections.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Qigao Chen, Baodan Yu, Yihao Yang, Jiewen Huang, Ying Liang, Jing Zhou, Lianzhong Li, Xuechun Peng, Bolin Cheng, Yongping Lin
Summary: The study found that levels of IP-10, MCP-1, MIG, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly higher in critically ill/severe COVID-19 patients, while CD8 T cells in these patients showed high levels of cytotoxic granules and hyperactivation. Additionally, there were reductions in the cytotoxic potential of NK cells, as well as in the frequencies of myeloid dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in severe and critical COVID-19 patients.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Pietro Enea Lazzerini, Franco Laghi-Pasini, Mohamed Boutjdir, Pier Leopoldo Capecchi
Summary: This article discusses the association between COVID-19 and arrhythmic events, highlighting the overlooked role of systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of cardiac arrhythmias. The unexpectedly high prevalence of arrhythmic events in COVID-19 patients emphasizes the relevance of inflammation in the development of cardiac arrhythmias.
NATURE REVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Negin Kazemian, Dina Kao, Sepideh Pakpour
Summary: The relationship between gut microbiota and COVID-19 must be studied to improve the safety and efficacy of FMT treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Barnaby E. Young, Sean W. X. Ong, Lisa F. P. Ng, Danielle E. Anderson, Wan Ni Chia, Po Ying Chia, Li Wei Ang, Tze-Minn Mak, Shirin Kalimuddin, Louis Yi Ann Chai, Surinder Pada, Seow Yen Tan, Louisa Sun, Purnima Parthasarathy, Siew-Wai Fong, Yi-Hao Chan, Chee Wah Tan, Bernett Lee, Olaf Rotzschke, Ying Ding, Paul Tambyah, Jenny G. H. Low, Lin Cui, Timothy Barkham, Raymond Tzer Pin Lin, Yee-Sin Leo, Laurent Renia, Lin-Fa Wang, David Chien Lye
Summary: The study found that virus viability correlated with lower PCR Ct values in early illness, and a stronger antibody response was associated with disease severity. Overactive proinflammatory immune signatures provide potential targets for host-directed immunotherapy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Graham J. Britton, Alice Chen-Liaw, Francesca Cossarini, Alexandra E. Livanos, Matthew P. Spindler, Tamar Plitt, Joseph Eggers, Ilaria Mogno, Ana S. Gonzalez-Reiche, Sophia Siu, Michael Tankelevich, Lauren Tal Grinspan, Rebekah E. Dixon, Divya Jha, Adriana van de Guchte, Zenab Khan, Gustavo Martinez-Delgado, Fatima Amanat, Daisy A. Hoagland, Benjamin R. TenOever, Marla C. Dubinsky, Miriam Merad, Harm van Bakel, Florian Krammer, Gerold Bongers, Saurabh Mehandru, Jeremiah J. Faith
Summary: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in COVID-19 patients, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in stool samples, especially in patients with diarrhea. Surviving patients had lower fecal viral RNA levels compared to those who died.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
A. Jayk Bernal, M. M. Gomes da Silva, D. B. Musungaie, E. Kovalchuk, A. Gonzalez, V Delos Reyes, A. Martin-Quiros, Y. Caraco, A. Williams-Diaz, M. L. Brown, J. Du, A. Pedley, C. Assaid, J. Strizki, J. A. Grobler, H. H. Shamsuddin, R. Tipping, H. Wan, A. Paschke, J. R. Butterton, M. G. Johnson, C. De Anda
Summary: This study found that early treatment with molnupiravir reduced the risk of hospitalization or death in at-risk, unvaccinated adults with Covid-19.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Rivera-Cavazos, Jose Antonio Luviano-Garcia, Arnulfo Garza-Silva, Devany Paola Morales-Rodriguez, Mauricio Kuri-Ayache, Miguel angel Sanz-Sanchez, Juan Enrique Santos-Macias, Maria Elena Romero-Ibarguengoitia, Arnulfo Gonzalez-Cantu
Summary: The global impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection has been substantial, with over 40% of patients experiencing long COVID symptoms. This study found that age, female gender, lymphocyte levels, NK cell subpopulation levels during acute infection, and ICU admission during hospitalization were all associated with the development of long COVID symptoms.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pawel Franczuk, Michal Tkaczyszyn, Maria Kulak, Esabel Domenico, Piotr Ponikowski, Ewa Anita Jankowska
Summary: Viral respiratory infections (VRI) are common and can worsen existing cardiovascular diseases and lead to new complications, especially in COVID-19.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Akram Yarmohammadi, Mostafa Yarmohammadi, Sajad Fakhri, Haroon Khan
Summary: This study discusses the precise inflammatory pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and potential therapeutic candidates, emphasizing the close correlation of inflammation with COVID-19 complications. Several therapeutic targets and strategies to tackle COVID-19 complications have been proposed.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Panagiotis Theofilis, Marios Sagris, Alexios S. Antonopoulos, Evangelos Oikonomou, Costas Tsioufis, Dimitris Tousoulis
Summary: In the context of dysfunctional vascular endothelium, platelet activation occurs due to structural alterations like endothelial glycocalyx thinning or functional modifications through impaired NO bioavailability. Additionally, neutrophil-derived mediators and neutrophil extracellular traps formation contribute to platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and their receptors in platelets, along with factors like TNF-alpha, play critical roles in inducing inflammatory responses and affecting platelet activation. Furthermore, new concepts linking inflammation and platelet activation, such as toll-like receptors, myeloperoxidase, and platelet factor-4, have been explored. The evidence is particularly relevant in the context of COVID-19, where excessive inflammation leads to thrombotic complications partially mediated by platelet activation. Advances in anti-inflammatory therapies have shown promise in reducing platelet activation and its thrombotic effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Davide Magri, Anna Navarro, Federica Bergami, Elena Percivalle, Alessandro Ferrari, Teresa Lettieri, Luigi Calzolai, Antonio Piralla, Fausto Baldanti, Sabrina Gioria
Summary: This study assessed two methods for removing or inactivating SARS-CoV2 viral load and preserving cytokine profiles from patient bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Results showed that while ultraviolet-C treatment had little to no quantitative effect on total cytokines/chemokines measurements, cytokines profile and relative ratios remained largely unchanged or minimally altered when compared to the ultrafiltration method.
Article
Immunology
Mauricio Kuri-Ayache, Andrea Rivera-Cavazos, Maria Fatima Perez-Castillo, Juan Enrique Santos-Macias, Arnulfo Gonzalez-Cantu, Jose Antonio Luviano-Garcia, Diego Jaime-Villalon, Dalia Gutierrez-Gonzalez, Maria Elena Romero-Ibarguengoitia
Summary: This study analyzed the association between serum viral load in COVID-19 patients and clinical outcomes as well as inflammatory markers. The results showed that viral load at admission was associated with vaccination status, age, mechanical ventilation, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer values, and subpopulation of B lymphocytes. Peak viral load was correlated with peak IL-6 levels. The study concluded that SARS-COV-2 admission viral load is associated with vaccination status, mechanical ventilation, and various inflammatory markers.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Giulia Besutti, Paolo Giorgi Rossi, Marta Ottone, Lucia Spaggiari, Simone Canovi, Filippo Monelli, Efrem Bonelli, Tommaso Fasano, Nicola Sverzellati, Andrea Caruso, Nicola Facciolongo, Giulia Ghidoni, Anna Simonazzi, Mauro Iori, Andrea Nitrosi, Stefania Fugazzaro, Stefania Costi, Stefania Croci, Elisabetta Teopompi, Annalisa Gallina, Marco Massari, Giovanni Dolci, Fabio Sampaolesi, Pierpaolo Pattacini, Carlo Salvarani
Summary: Inflammatory burden during COVID-19 is associated with residual lung CT abnormalities in severe COVID-19 pneumonia survivors, suggesting that inflammation is linked to short- and medium-term lung damage in COVID-19 patients.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liang Qu, Zongyi Yi, Yong Shen, Liangru Lin, Feng Chen, Yiyuan Xu, Zeguang Wu, Huixian Tang, Xiaoxue Zhang, Feng Tian, Chunhui Wang, Xia Xiao, Xiaojing Dong, Li Guo, Shuaiyao Lu, Chengyun Yang, Cong Tang, Yun Yang, Wenhai Yu, Junbin Wang, Yanan Zhou, Qing Huang, Ayijiang Yisimayi, Shuo Liu, Weijin Huang, Yunlong Cao, Youchun Wang, Zhuo Zhou, Xiaozhong Peng, Jianwei Wang, Xiaoliang Sunney Xie, Wensheng Wei
Summary: This study reports a circular RNA vaccine that provides potent protection against SARS-CoV-2 by eliciting neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses. The circRNA vaccine exhibits higher and more durable antigen production compared to mRNA vaccines and shows efficacy against the current variants of concern.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kun Xu, Ping Gao, Sheng Liu, Shuaiyao Lu, Wenwen Lei, Tianyi Zheng, Xueyuan Liu, Yufeng Xie, Zhennan Zhao, Shuxin Guo, Cong Tang, Yun Yang, Wenhai Yu, Junbin Wang, Yanan Zhou, Qing Huang, Chuanyu Liu, Yaling An, Rong Zhang, Yuxuan Han, Minrun Duan, Shaofeng Wang, Chenxi Yang, Changwei Wu, Xiaoya Liu, Guangbiao She, Yan Liu, Xin Zhao, Ke Xu, Jianxun Qi, Guizhen Wu, Xiaozhong Peng, Lianpan Dai, Peiyi Wang, George F. Gao
Summary: A chimeric RBD-dimer vaccine approach was developed to adapt to SARS-CoV-2 variants, providing broader neutralization and better protection against different strains in animal models. This approach is applicable for rapid immunogen updating and could be used to combat circulating and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yiming Qin, Yingjiao Qi, Xin Zhang, Zhiang Guan, Wei Han, Xiaozhong Peng
Summary: The differential expression of long noncoding RNA HOXD-AS2 in gliomas is regulated by transcription factor TFE3 and microRNA miR-661. TFE3 binds to the promoter region of HOXD-AS2 and increases the level of H3K27ac, thus activating HOXD-AS2 expression. On the other hand, HOXD-AS2 can be degraded by miR-661, which is expressed at low levels in gliomas.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Yong Tan, Shuaiyao Lu, Bo Wang, Xuewen Duan, Yunkai Zhang, Xiaozhong Peng, Hangwen Li, Ang Lin, Zhenzhen Zhan, Xingguang Liu
Summary: The SW0123 mRNA vaccine protects against lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection by suppressing inflammatory responses, increasing the frequency of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and inhibiting apoptosis in lung epithelial and endothelial cells.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bo-Kun Yin, David Lazaro, Zhao-Qi Wang
Summary: Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is essential for central nervous system function, including memory, cognition, and emotions. The deficiency of adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) negatively affects the integrity and function of neurons in the adult brain. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) play important roles in neurogenesis and gene regulation. Trrap, an adapter for HAT complexes, is required for Sp1 transcriptional control and microtubule dynamics in neurons. Trrap deletion impairs aNSC self-renewal and differentiation, and the acetylation pattern at K639 determines Sp1's role in adult neurogenesis regulation.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jun Fu, Xiao Liu, Bin Yin, Pengcheng Shu, Xiaozhong Peng
Summary: The adhesion protein NECL2 is important for spermatogenesis and the connection between Sertoli cells and germ cells. NECL2 is highly expressed on the cell membranes of preleptotene spermatocytes. It interacts and colocalizes with adhesion proteins forming the blood-testis barrier (BTB). NECL2 regulates BTB dynamics during the passage of preleptotene spermatocytes, and its deficiency can cause BTB damage and affect spermatogenesis-related genes.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao Liu, Kunnian Ran, Geng Hu, Bin Yin, Boqin Qiang, Wei Han, Pengcheng Shu, Xiaozhong Peng
Summary: This study found that Necl-4 plays an important role in synapses, and the knockout of Necl-4 leads to aberrant expression of synaptic function-related proteins and enhanced accumulation of ionotropic glutamate receptor in postsynaptic density fractions. It also causes increased synaptic clefts and simplified dendritic morphology in primary cultured cortical neurons. Moreover, Necl-4-KO mice showed impaired spatial memory acquisition, working memory, and enhanced behavioral despair and anxiety-like behavior. These findings suggest that Necl-4 mediates synaptic function and related behaviors through an indispensable role and provide a new perspective on collaboration and specialization among Necls.
Article
Virology
Wenhai Yu, Junbin Wang, Yun Yang, Cong Tang, Chengyun Yang, Bai Li, Haixuan Wang, Yanan Zhou, Qing Huang, Hao Yang, Daoju Wu, Zhiwu Luo, Jiahong Gao, Dexuan Kuang, Haiting Long, Xiaozhong Peng, Zhongping Xie, Shuaiyao Lu
Summary: Since the first SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in late 2019, the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has been recognized as a serious global public health problem. This study utilized rhesus macaques, hamsters, and BALB/C mice as animal models to investigate the pathogenesis of Omicron. The results showed that Omicron infected the respiratory system and lungs of hamsters and BALB/C mice with higher viral loads compared to rhesus macaques, causing severe histopathological damage and inflammatory responses. The findings suggest that hamsters and BALB/C mice are potential animal models for further studies on drugs/vaccines and therapies development for Omicron (B.1.1.529).
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Dandan Zhao, Yuhao Qin, Jiaqi Liu, Kegong Tang, Shuaiyao Lu, Zirui Liu, Yexuan Lin, Cong Zhang, Fengming Huang, Jiahui Chang, Chang Li, Mingyao Tian, Yiming Ma, Xiaoyun Li, Congzhao Zhou, Xiao Li, Xiaozhong Peng, Ningyi Jin, Chengyu Jiang
Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic emerged in December 2019 and ARDS and ALI are lethal outcomes of bacterial infections and viral diseases including SARS-CoV-2. TLR4 plays a crucial role in the pathological pathway of ARDS and ALI. BZL-sRNA-20 has shown potential as an inhibitor of TLR4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it can rescue cell viability and ameliorate lung injury caused by avian influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wanbo Tai, Shengyong Feng, Benjie Chai, Shuaiyao Lu, Guangyu Zhao, Dong Chen, Wenhai Yu, Liting Ren, Huicheng Shi, Jing Lu, Zhuming Cai, Mujia Pang, Xu Tan, Penghua Wang, Jinzhong Lin, Qiangming Sun, Xiaozhong Peng, Gong Cheng
Summary: The authors demonstrate that combining an mRNA-based T-cell-inducing antigen with the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can enhance the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Mass vaccination to achieve herd immunity is an effective strategy against contagious diseases. However, the frequent mutations in emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants can evade the humoral immunity induced by Spike-based COVID-19 vaccines. In this study, the authors develop an mRNA-based T-cell-inducing antigen that targets three regions of the SARS-CoV-2 proteome and induces potent cellular responses. Dual immunization with this antigen and the receptor-binding domain of the B.1.351 variant is more effective in preventing infection by SARS-CoV-2 Beta and Omicron BA.1 variants compared to single immunization. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive stimulation of both humoral and cellular responses in vaccine design.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Qing Huang, Ran An, Haixuan Wang, Yun Yang, Cong Tang, Junbin Wang, Wenhai Yu, Yanan Zhou, Yongmei Zhang, Daoju Wu, Bai Li, Hao Yang, Shuaiyao Lu, Xiaozhong Peng
Summary: Multiple studies have shown a connection between COVID-19 and diabetes, but experimental evidence is lacking. In this study, diabetic mice were found to have a higher viral load and slower virus clearance after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to non-diabetic mice. Histological analysis revealed more severe lung damage and inflammation in diabetic mice. RNA sequencing analysis suggested that diabetes may suppress immune response and aggravate inflammation in the lung after infection. This study established a model to demonstrate that diabetes and COVID-19 are risk factors for each other.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiandong Shi, Tingfu Du, Junbin Wang, Cong Tang, Mengyue Lei, Wenhai Yu, Yun Yang, Ying Ma, Pu Huang, Hongli Chen, Xu Wang, Jing Sun, Haixuan Wang, Yong Zhang, Fangyu Luo, Qing Huang, Bai Li, Shuaiyao Lu, Yunzhang Hu, Xiaozhong Peng
Summary: The activation of the AhR signaling pathway during SARS-CoV-2 infection interferes with antiviral immune responses and enhances viral replication by upregulating ACE2 receptor expression. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic knockout of AhR reduces the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in vitro and in vivo, and alleviates lung inflammation. AhR is therefore a pro-viral host factor and a potential broad-spectrum target for antiviral therapy against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xin Zhang, Zhixing Wang, Rui Zhuo, Liping Wang, Yiming Qin, Wei Han, Xiaozhong Peng
Summary: This study identified a previously unknown role of G6PD in glioma, showing its association with migration and invasion. Functional experiments demonstrated that G6PD knockdown inhibited migration in LN229 cells, while G6PD overexpression enhanced migration and invasion. Additionally, the study found that G6PD knockdown decreased sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) protein stability under cycloheximide (CHX) treatment. Clinically, the role of the G6PD-SQSTM1 axis in glioma prognosis was validated through a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model.
Article
Virology
Tanxiu Chen, Hao Yang, Penghui Liu, Moliduer Hamiti, Xintian Zhang, Yi Xu, Wenqi Quan, Yong Zhang, Wenhai Yu, Li Jiao, Tingfu Du, Juemin Xi, Bin Yin, Wei Zhou, Shuaiyao Lu, Xiaozhong Peng
Summary: In this study, researchers discovered that splicing factor 3b subunit 3 (SF3B3) is associated with the NS5-Flag pull-down complex through interaction with NS5. SF3B3 overexpression inhibits ZIKV replication by promoting IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, while silencing of SF3B3 promotes ZIKV replication by inhibiting ISG expression. Additionally, NS5 upregulates the expression of GCH1, which marginally promotes ZIKV replication via the IFN pathway. These findings suggest that SF3B3 and GCH1 play a role in the host immune response against ZIKV replication.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zhen Liang, Dong Sun, Shuaiyao Lu, Zhengjun Lei, Shusen Wang, Zhifeng Luo, Jinqin Zhan, Shuangshuang Wu, Yong Jiang, Zhi Lu, Shicheng Sun, Yingying Shi, Haiting Long, Yanling Wei, Wenhai Yu, Zhihui Wang, Liew Soon Yi, Yun Zhang, Wenyong Sun, Xiaofeng Fang, Yanyan Li, Sufang Lu, Jiayun Lv, Weiguo Sui, Zhongyang Shen, Xiaozhong Peng, Yuanyuan Du, Hongkui Deng
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful implantation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived islets in a new transplantation site in the abdomen, leading to improved glycemic control in diabetic primates. The results suggest the potential of using this transplantation site for human pluripotent stem cell-based therapies for diabetes.
