Review
Cell Biology
Jin Kyung Kim, Prashanta Silwal, Eun-Kyeong Jo
Summary: In this review, the roles of SIRT1 and its regulatory mechanisms during bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections are summarized. Potential antimicrobial treatments using SIRT1 modulators are also discussed. Understanding the function of SIRT1 in balancing immune homeostasis is of great importance for the development of new therapeutics for the treatment of infection and inflammatory disease.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thiago Luiz Alves e Silva, Andrea Radtke, Amanda Balaban, Tales Vicari Pascini, Zarna Rajeshkumar Pala, Alison Roth, Patricia H. Alvarenga, Yeong Je Jeong, Janet Olivas, Anil K. Ghosh, Hanhvy Bui, Brandon S. Pybus, Photini Sinnis, Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena, Joel Vega-Rodriguez
Summary: The study demonstrates that Plasmodium gametes recruit human plasminogen to their surface and process it into plasmin, facilitating parasite migration in the host. Inhibition of plasminogen activation affects parasite development and is inversely correlated with mosquito infectivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bassil Dekky, Fida Azar, Dominique Bonnier, Christine Monseur, Chiara Kalebic, Esther Arpigny, Alain Colige, Vincent Legagneux, Nathalie Theret
Summary: In this study, ADAMTS12 was found to be highly expressed in liver cancer patients and was closely associated with recurrence risk and poorly differentiated cancers. Experimental evidence using animal models and cell lines demonstrated that ADAMTS12 plays a role in regulating hepatic stellate cell differentiation and contributes to chronic liver disease.
Article
Immunology
Hong Zheng, Xiao Lu, Kai Li, Feng Zhu, Chenhao Zhao, Taiping Liu, Yan Ding, Yong Fu, Kun Zhang, Taoli Zhou, Jigang Dai, Yuzhang Wu, Wenyue Xu
Summary: This study revealed an unrecognized role of the sporozoite circumsporozoite protein (CSP) in subverting host innate immunity against liver stage malaria parasite. CSP reduced the levels of autophagy-related genes (ATGs) in hepatocytes, attenuating the killing effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on exo-erythrocytic forms (EEFs).
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Phulwanti Kumari Sharma, Inderjeet Kalia, Vibha Kaushik, Daniela Bruennert, Afshana Quadiri, Mohammad Kashif, Kirti Raj Chahar, Akhil Agrawal, Agam Prasad Singh, Pankaj Goyal
Summary: The study identified STK35L1 as a host kinase that plays a crucial role in malaria's liver stage by being highly upregulated during Plasmodium berghei infection in hepatocytes and suppressing sporozoite infection.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sourbh Rankawat, Kavita Kundal, Shreyayukta Chakraborty, Rahul Kumar, Sandipan Ray
Summary: Research has shown that the transcript level of blood proteins associated with immune responses and susceptibility to malaria exhibit rhythmic patterns. These rhythmic proteins are involved in multiple physiological pathways related to host immune and defense responses. The findings demonstrate the circadian regulation of host immune pathways and immunological networks in malaria.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Satoru Ikenoue, Feizal Waffarn, Masanao Ohashi, Mamoru Tanaka, Daniel L. Gillen, Claudia Buss, Sonja Entringer, Pathik D. Wadhwa
Summary: The study found that placental corticotrophin-releasing hormone in late gestation may influence fetal liver blood flow, which could be significant in clinical investigations of fetal growth and body composition.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Elizabeth K. K. Glennon, Tinotenda Tongogara, Veronica I. Primavera, Sophia M. Reeder, Ling Wei, Alexis Kaushansky
Summary: Using digital spatial profiling, changes in host signaling during Plasmodium yoelii infection were characterized without disrupting the liver tissue. Insights into the heterogeneous microenvironment surrounding the infected hepatocyte were obtained, and a subset of CD163(+) Kupffer cells migrating towards infected cells during infection was identified.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Annemarie Voorberg-van der Wel, Clemens H. M. Kocken, Anne-Marie Zeeman
Summary: Recent studies on liver stage malaria parasite-host interactions have shed light on the intricate cross-talk between the parasite and its mammalian host, particularly focusing on the interactions between hypnozoites and hepatocytes. Understanding these interactions may help identify factors that could awaken dormant parasite reservoirs, potentially leading to the total eradication of malaria.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Xueyan Hu, Jie Zhao, Junhui Zhao, Ence Yang, Mozhi Jia
Summary: The study found that during the blood stage of the parasite, patients with malaria exhibit activated immune responses, aberrant metabolic processes, and tissue remodeling changes in the liver, providing a systematic outline of liver responses during Plasmodium infection.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hongxing Wang, Yinzhou Fan, Li Qin, Zhipeng Cheng, Xueqing Chen, Sumei Zeng, Shuanghong Liang, Ying Tong, Zhu Tao, Yucheng Liu, Xiaorong Liu, Xiaohui Ning, Peiquan Chen, Siting Zhao, Xiaoping Chen
Summary: In this study, solid dispersions of decoquinate (DQ) were prepared using the hot-melt extrusion (HME) approach to improve its oral bioavailability. The study demonstrated the homogeneity of DQ dispersions in an aqueous suspension and identified suitable solubilizers and excipients for the nanoparticle formulations. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that HME DQ had potent antimalarial activity and low toxicity when administered orally. The blood distribution study revealed the permeability of HME DQ into cells in relation to its antimalarial activity.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuanqiang Ma, Gyurim Lee, Su-Young Heo, Yoon-Seok Roh
Summary: This review summarizes the relationship between oxidative stress and the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and discusses the potential role of antioxidants as therapeutic agents for NAFLD.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yisha Liang, Guigen Zhang, Qiheng Li, Lin Han, Xiaoyou Hu, Yu Guo, Wanyin Tao, Xiaomin Zhao, Mingzhe Guo, Tianyu Gan, Yimin Tong, Yongfen Xu, Zhuo Zhou, Qiang Ding, Wensheng Wei, Jin Zhong
Summary: Through a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening, the study identified E3 ligase TRIM26 as a critical host factor for HCV replication, with its deficiency impairing HCV genome replication. Mechanistic studies revealed that TRIM26 mediates the ubiquitination of HCV-encoded NS5B protein and promotes HCV genome replication, while the unique structure of mouse TRIM26 prevents its support for HCV replication, unlike human TRIM26 which can promote HCV infection.
Article
Immunology
Luoluo Wang, Jian Wu, Runzhou Liu, Wenjun Chen, Zhichang Pang, Fan Zhou, Lu Xia, Jia Huang, Tao Pan, Xin-zhuan Su, Xiaoyun Wang
Summary: Malaria parasite infection significantly alters m(6)A mRNA modification and gene expression in the host spleen, and reprograms host immune response pathways by regulating m(6)A modification enzymes. This study represents the first characterization of host spleen m(6)A methylome triggered by malaria parasite infections, highlighting the importance of m(6)A modifications in host-parasite interactions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Clare K. Cimperman, Mirna Pena, Sohret M. Gokcek, Brandon P. Theall, Meha V. Patel, Anisha Sharma, ChenFeng Qi, Daniel Sturdevant, Louis H. Miller, Patrick L. Collins, Susan K. Pierce, Munir Akkaya
Summary: Hundreds of thousands of lives are lost each year due to brain damage caused by malaria. The majority of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan African children. Host genetic background plays a crucial role in determining the course and outcome of the disease.
Article
Biology
Sonali Setua, Francisco J. Enguita, Angelo Ferreira Chora, Harish Ranga-prasad, Aparajita Lahree, Sofia Marques, Varadharajan Sundaramurthy, Maria M. Mota
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Luisa Canto e Castro, Andreia Gomes, Marta Serrano, Ana Helena Guia Pereira, Rita Ribeiro, Patricia Napoleao, Ines Domingues, Claudia Silva, Julia Fanczal, Angela Afonso, Andreia Lopes, Ionela Toader, Maria Jose Rego de Sousa, Jose Germano Rego de Sousa, Germano de Sousa, Maria M. Mota, Bruno Silva-Santos, Marc Veldhoen, Ruy M. Ribeiro
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal, there were three waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a significant increase in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the Portuguese population from September 2020 to March 2021, indicating long-lasting infection immunity. Additionally, vaccinated individuals had higher levels of antibodies compared to those previously infected after 3 weeks post-vaccination.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Ottavia Romoli, Liliana Mancio-Silva, Mathilde Gendrin
Summary: Research has shown that the microbiota composition can modulate parasitemia in mice and is correlated with malaria severity in Ugandan children.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Liliana Mancio-Silva, Nil Gural, Eliana Real, Marc H. I. I. I. I. Wadsworth, Vincent L. Butty, Sandra March, Niketa Nerurkar, Travis K. Hughes, Wanlapa Roobsoong, Heather E. Fleming, Charlie A. Whittaker, Stuart S. Levine, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Alex K. Shalek, Sangeeta N. Bhatia
Summary: This study used a bioengineered human microliver platform to culture patient-derived P. vivax parasites and analyzed their transcriptional features in host liver cells. The study found that parasite infection suppresses the transcription of host hepatocyte genes and triggers an anti-parasite immune response. These findings contribute to a better understanding of host-parasite interactions and the biology of P. vivax dormancy and transmission.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Viriato M'Bana, Aparajita Lahree, Sofia Marques, Ksenija Slavic, Maria M. Mota
Summary: The UIS4 protein interacts with host cell actin, suppressing filamentous actin formation to avoid parasite elimination. Host cell actin dynamics increase around UIS4-deficient parasites, leading to parasite elimination.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camilla Luiza-Batista, Sabine Thiberge, Malika Serra-Hassoun, Flore Nardella, Aurelie Claes, Vanessa C. Nicolete, Pierre-Henri Commere, Liliana Mancio-Silva, Marcelo U. Ferreira, Artur Scherf, Sylvie Garcia
Summary: This study presents a new humanized mice model that supports human erythropoiesis and allows the multiplication and transmission of P. vivax parasites. It provides a unique tool for investigating the biology of intraerythrocytic P. vivax.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Eliana Real, Liliana Mancio-Silva
Summary: The application of single-cell technologies has enabled the systematic investigation of the distinct stages of Plasmodium parasites throughout their life cycle. Analyzing both host and parasite cells can reveal the heterogeneity of cell states underlying host-parasite interactions. Atlasing initiatives can be a powerful tool in inferring functional interactions between host and parasite.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Whitney A. Scoon, Liliana Mancio-Silva, Ellen L. Suder, Carlos Villacorta-Martin, Jonathan Lindstrom-Vautrin, John G. Bernbaum, Steve Mazur, Reed F. Johnson, Judith Olejnik, Elizabeth Y. Flores, Aditya Mithal, Feiya Wang, Adam J. Hume, Joseph E. Kaserman, Sandra March-Riera, Andrew A. Wilson, Sangeeta N. Bhatia, Elke Muehlberger, Gustavo Mostoslavsky
Summary: This study used an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cell platform to investigate the hepato-intrinsic response to Ebola virus (EBOV) infection. Through transcriptomics analysis and RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization, the study revealed a delayed response in hepatocytes with downregulation of hepatic function and upregulation of interferon signaling. Additionally, the study found that the inflammatory response mainly occurred in non-infected bystander cells.
Review
Microbiology
Eliana Real, Flore Nardella, Artur Scherf, Liliana Mancio-Silva
Summary: A survival strategy commonly observed in protozoan parasites is the sequential expression of clonally variant-surface antigens to avoid elimination by the host's immune response. In malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum, the expression of these variant genes is not limited to intraerythrocytic developmental stages, but also plays a crucial role in transmission and preerythrocytic stages.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amichay Afriat, Vanessa Zuzarte-Luis, Keren Bahar Halpern, Lisa Buchauer, Sofia Marques, Angelo Ferreira Chora, Aparajita Lahree, Ido Amit, Maria M. Mota, Shalev Itzkovitz
Summary: This study characterized the temporal expression programs of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei ANKA and the host hepatocyte in a zonally controlled manner using single-cell RNA sequencing and single-molecule transcript imaging. The study identified differences in parasite gene expression in distinct zones and identified a subpopulation of hepatocytes with reduced levels of Plasmodium transcripts and parasitophorous vacuole breakdown. These findings provide insights into the liver stage of Plasmodium infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Flore Nardella, Irina Dobrescu, Haitham Hassan, Fabien Rodrigues, Sabine Thiberge, Liliana Mancio-Silva, Ambre Tafit, Corinne Jallet, Veronique Cadet-Daniel, Stephane Goussin, Audrey Lorthiois, Yoann Menon, Nicolas Molinier, Dany Pechalrieu, Christophe Long, Francois Sautel, Mariette Matondo, Magalie Duchateau, Guillaume Medard, Benoit Witkowski, Artur Scherf, Ludovic Halby, Paola B. Arimondo
Summary: Malaria eradication requires the development of new drugs to combat drug-resistant parasites. Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids isolated from Cocculus hirsutus were found to be active against Plasmodium falciparum blood stages. Compound 125, a derivative of these alkaloids, showed significantly improved preclinical properties and demonstrated effectiveness against drug-resistant clinical isolates and malaria transmission stages.
Review
Parasitology
Aparajita Lahree, Joao Mello-Vieira, Maria M. Mota
Summary: Malaria is a febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which infect erythrocytes and lead to clinical symptoms and pathology. Understanding the metabolism of liver-stage parasites is crucial for identifying cellular pathways essential for infection and developing treatments. This review provides a summary of current knowledge on nutrient acquisition and biosynthesis by liver-stage parasites, highlighting gaps in knowledge and challenges in this field.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ines M. Marreiros, Sofia Marques, Ana Parreira, Vincent Mastrodomenico, Bryan C. Mounce, Chantal T. Harris, Bjoern F. Kafsack, Oliver Billker, Vanessa Zuzarte-Luis, Maria M. Mota
Summary: Plasmodium parasites rely on an efficient sensing pathway to respond to amino acid fluctuations. The nek4, eIK1, and eIK2 sensor kinases play a key role in Plasmodium amino acid sensing, enabling these parasites to fine-tune replication and development in response to amino acid availability. This complex mechanism is critical for modulating parasite growth and survival.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Luisa Canto e Castro, Ana Helena Guia Pereira, Rita Ribeiro, Catarina Alves, Luis Veloso, Vera Vicente, Dalila Alves, Ines Domingues, Claudia Silva, Andreia Gomes, Marta Serrano, Angela Afonso, Marc Veldhoen, Maria Jose Rego de Sousa, Jose Germano Rego de Sousa, Germano de Sousa, Maria M. Mota, Bruno Silva-Santos, Ruy M. Ribeiro
Summary: A study conducted in Portugal in September 2020 found a seroprevalence of 2.2% for antibodies against the coronavirus, which was 3-4 times larger than the official number of cases at the end of the first wave of the pandemic, indicating a higher number of infections than previously reported.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joao Mello-Vieira, Francisco J. Enguita, Tania F. de Koning-Ward, Vanessa Zuzarte-Luis, Maria M. Mota
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
