Article
Immunology
Rajani Kandhi, Mehdi Yeganeh, Akihiko Yoshimura, Alfredo Menendez, Sheela Ramanathan, Subburaj Ilangumaran
Summary: The study found that SOCS1 plays a critical role in controlling liver fibrosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, and regulates the recruitment and differentiation of pro-inflammatory macrophages by attenuating HSC activation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong-Yi Zheng, Xiao-Yan He, Wei Li, Tian-Zhang Song, Jian-Bao Han, Xiang Yang, Feng-Liang Liu, Rong-Hua Luo, Ren-Rong Tian, Xiao-Li Feng, Yu-Hua Ma, Chao Liu, Ming-Hua Li, Yong-Tang Zheng
Summary: The study revealed that in old rhesus macaques, SARS-CoV-2 infection induced elevated levels of apoptosis, autophagy, NF-kappa B activation, and increased IFN-α and IL-6-secreting cells in lung tissue. This pathological pattern, possibly related to an age-related pro-inflammatory microenvironment in lungs and spleens, was significantly correlated with the systemic accumulation of CXCR3+ cells in lungs, spleens, and peripheral blood.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Heike C. Hawerkamp, Adam H. Dyer, Neha D. Patil, Matt McElheron, Niamh O'Dowd, Laura O'Doherty, Aisling Ui Mhaonaigh, Angel M. George, Aisling M. O'Halloran, Conor Reddy, Rose Anne Kenny, Mark A. Little, Ignacio Martin-Loeches, Colm Bergin, Sean P. Kennelly, Seamas C. Donnelly, Nollaig M. Bourke, Aideen Long, Jacklyn Sui, Derek G. Doherty, Niall Conlon, Cliona Ni Cheallaigh, Padraic G. Fallon
Summary: Clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection show a wide range, from asymptomatic cases to severe pneumonia and death. This variability is influenced by differences in the immune response to the virus. A study measured inflammatory markers in patients with acute COVID-19 and found that most pro-inflammatory markers were significantly elevated, and specific markers were associated with disease severity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Isadora de Fatima Braga Magalhaes, Ana Leticia Marinho Figueiredo, Elizeu Mendes da Silva, Adryan Adam Batalha de Miranda, Claudia Quintino da Rocha, Katia da Silva Calabrese, Fernando Almeida-Souza, Ana Lucia Abreu-Silva
Summary: A study focuses on the anti-inflammatory potential of Passovia ovata extract, which contains high levels of flavonoids. The results demonstrate significant reduction in inflammatory markers both in cell experiments and animal models. This study indicates the potential of Passovia ovata extract as a new agent for suppressing inflammatory responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aakanksha Jha, Joseph Larkin III, Erika Moore
Summary: This study introduces a PEGDA hydrogel platform to investigate the utilization of SOCS1-KIR as a macrophage phenotype manipulating peptide. Results from immunocytochemistry, cytokine secretion assays, and gene expression analysis demonstrate a reduction in M1 activation due to SOCS1-KIR treatment. The retention of SOCS1-KIR in the hydrogel and the unaffected swelling ratio of the hydrogel are also demonstrated.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rui Li, Li Xie, Lei Li, Xiaojiao Chen, Tong Yao, Yuanxin Tian, Qingping Li, Kai Wang, Chenyang Huang, Cui Li, Yifan Li, Hongwei Zhou, Neil Kaplowitz, Yong Jiang, Peng Chen
Summary: Gut microbiota and their metabolites play a crucial role in the development of liver injury. This study investigates the impact of gut microbes on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI). The results demonstrate that specific microbial metabolites can protect mice against HIRI by suppressing macrophage pro-inflammatory response and reducing the diurnal variation of liver injury.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Johannes Zeller, Karen S. Cheung Tung Shing, Tracy L. Nero, James D. McFadyen, Guy Krippner, Balazs Bogner, Sheena Kreuzaler, Jurij Kiefer, Verena K. Horner, David Braig, Habiba Danish, Sara Baratchi, Mark Fricke, Xiaowei Wang, Michel G. Kather, Bernd Kammerer, Kevin J. Woollard, Prerna Sharma, Craig J. Morton, Geoffrey Pietersz, Michael W. Parker, Karlheinz Peter, Steffen U. Eisenhardt
Summary: C-reactive protein (CRP) is highly upregulated during inflammatory reactions and exhibits pro-inflammatory effects. We discovered a mechanism in which CRP undergoes conformational changes, resulting in highly inflammatory forms. By designing a low molecular weight CRP inhibitor that mimics phosphocholine, we demonstrated its ability to inhibit CRP-driven inflammation while preserving its pathogen-defense functions. This represents a promising and potentially broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory therapy.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto Gramignoli, Aarati R. Ranade, Raman Venkataramanan, Stephen C. Strom
Summary: Pro-inflammatory cytokines can affect liver cell functions, particularly ammonia and drug metabolism, but do not necessarily indicate rejection or loss of cell graft.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiuhua Yang, Yingying Tian, Linlin Zheng, Thanh Luu, Joanne Kwak-Kim
Summary: Recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL) is a common reproductive disorder with various underlying etiologies. Recent research has shown that the immune response, particularly the imbalance of cytokines in the maternal-fetal interface, plays a crucial role in RPL. The increased NK1/NK2 ratio in decidual NK (dNK) cells of RPL patients contributes to a pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu and increased NK cell cytotoxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Clementine E. M. Verhulst, Julia I. P. W. van Heck, Therese Fabricius, Rinke Stienstra, Steven J. Teerenstra, Rory J. McCrimmon, Cees Tack, Ulrik E. Pedersen-Bjergaard, Bastiaan de Galan, Hypo RESOLVE Consortium
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the duration and extent of the inflammatory response to hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. The results showed that hypoglycemia increased the counts of lymphocytes and monocytes, which remained elevated for one week. In addition, hypoglycemia also led to an increase in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an elevation of circulating inflammatory proteins, both of which lasted for at least one week.
DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ke-Bing Chen, Min-Min Chang, Sheng-Li Wang, Yong-Xin Li, Yi-Xi Wang, Zhi-Guang Xu, Hong Wang, Bing-Cheng Zhao, Wei-Ying Ma
Summary: The study demonstrated the important role of HMGB1 in inflammation after spinal cord injury, with neutralizing HMGB1 significantly reducing SCI pathogenesis and hind limb paralysis. Additionally, blocking HMGB1 also led to a decrease in various pro-inflammatory cytokines levels at the SCI lesion site.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christophe Magaud, Thomas Harnois, Stephane Sebille, Aurelien Chatelier, Jean-Francois Faivre, Patrick Bois, Guylene Page, Barnabas Gellen
Summary: This study investigates the internalization of TTR aggregates in cardiac fibroblasts and their effects on the secretion of inflammatory factors. The results show that TTR aggregates can induce the secretion of Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) by cardiac fibroblasts. However, the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) remain unchanged. These findings suggest that IL-6 and IL-8 play important roles in the development of ATTR-wt and could be potential therapeutic targets.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Debmalya Barh, Sandeep Tiwari, Lucas Gabriel Rodrigues Gomes, Cecilia Horta Ramalho Pinto, Bruno Silva Andrade, Shaban Ahmad, Alaa A. A. Aljabali, Khalid J. Alzahrani, Hamsa Jameel Banjer, Sk Sarif Hassan, Elrashdy M. Redwan, Khalid Raza, Aristoteles Goes-Neto, Robinson Sabino-Silva, Kenneth Lundstrom, Vladimir N. Uversky, Vasco Azevedo, Murtaza M. Tambuwala
Summary: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible with decreased disease severity. It has lower pathogenicity but higher antigenicity compared to other variants. These findings contribute to our understanding of variant dynamics and can help in managing emerging variants.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
J. Zeller, B. Bogner, J. D. McFadyen, J. Kiefer, D. Braig, G. Pietersz, G. Krippner, T. L. Nero, C. J. Morton, K. S. Cheung Tung Shing, M. W. Parker, K. Peter, S. U. Eisenhardt
Summary: C-reactive protein (CRP) is not only a marker of inflammation and predictor of cardiovascular risk, but also a direct pathogenic pro-inflammatory mediator in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The different conformations of the CRP system can aggravate tissue injury in pathological conditions, and studying the structural changes of CRP could be a novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases and excessive inflammation.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Natalia Sanchez-Arribas, Maria Martinez-Negro, Clara Aicart-Ramos, Conchita Tros de Ilarduya, Emilio Aicart, Andres Guerrero-Martinez, Elena Junquera
Summary: The study demonstrates the efficient transfection of plasmid DNA encoding IL-12 into cells using a combination of gemini cationic lipids and zwitterionic helper lipids as nanovectors. The nanovectors show high cell viability and adsorb beneficial proteins on their surface, making them promising candidates for future in vivo applications of pCMV-IL12 transfection.
Article
Immunology
Jayne S. Sutherland, Gian van der Spuy, Awa Gindeh, Nguyen Thuy Thuong, Ann Ritah Namuganga, Olumuyiwa Owolabi, Harriet Mayanja-Kizza, Mary Nsereko, Guy Thwaites, Jill Winter, Hazel M. Dockrell, Thomas J. Scriba, Annemieke Geluk, Paul Corstjens, Kim Stanley, Tracy Richardson, Jane A. Shaw, Bronwyn Smith, Stephanus T. Malherbe, Gerhard Walzl
Summary: This study provides the first prospective evaluation of the Cepheid MTB-HR test using fingerstick blood, showing that it meets the WHO target product profile for a TB triage test regardless of geographical location and HIV status.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Osagie A. Eribo, Nelita du Plessis, Novel N. Chegou
Summary: Gut microbiota, especially Bacteroides fragilis, plays a critical role in host health by regulating immune responses. The unique capsular polysaccharides produced by B. fragilis can activate T cells and protect against various diseases, including colitis, cancer, and pulmonary inflammation. Recent studies have explored the immunomodulatory effects of B. fragilis and its polysaccharide-A (PSA) in viral infections and tuberculosis, suggesting their potential application in probiotics and vaccine development.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Omolola R. Oyenihi, Ayodeji B. Oyenihi, Toyin D. Alabi, Oluwatosin G. Tade, Anne A. Adeyanju, Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju
Summary: The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer and its modulation through apigenin is examined in this study. The pro-oxidant and antioxidant effects of apigenin in cancer are discussed, as well as the factors that influence the switch between these effects. The potential translation of these studies into clinical applications is also raised.
JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bih Hycenta Chendi, Tracey Jooste, Thomas Jens Scriba, Martin Kidd, Simon Mendelsohn, Kristian Tonby, Gerhard Walzl, Anne M. Dyrhol-Riise, Novel Njweipi Chegou
Summary: A three-gene signature (BAFT2, ETV7, and CD1C) was found to be able to assist in the diagnosis of TB in hospitalized patients with low TB burden. However, the influence of confounding variables such as age needs to be further evaluated in larger studies.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Anna Ritah Namuganga, Mary Nsereko, Bernard Sentalo Bagaya, Harriet Mayanja-Kizza, Novel N. Chegou
Summary: This study assessed the abilities of selected blood-based host biomarkers to distinguish between patients with tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. The study identified biomarkers that can potentially be used for rapid screening of pulmonary tuberculosis in the future.
IMMUNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Munyaradzi Musvosvi, Huang Huang, Chunlin Wang, Qiong Xia, Virginie Rozot, Akshaya Krishnan, Peter Acs, Abhilasha Cheruku, Gerlinde Obermoser, Alasdair Leslie, Samuel M. Behar, Willem A. Hanekom, Nicole Bilek, Michelle Fisher, Stefan H. E. Kaufmann, Gerhard Walzl, Mark Hatherill, Mark M. Davis, Thomas J. Scriba
Summary: In this study, single-cell and bulk T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and the GLIPH2 algorithm were used to analyze M. tuberculosis-specific sequences in two longitudinal cohorts. The findings identified T-cell similarity groups associated with control of infection or progression to disease, and proposed antigens recognized by T-cell similarity groups associated with infection control as high-priority targets for future vaccine development.
Article
Immunology
Fredrich J. van der Colff, Candice Snyders, Gerhard Walzl, Novel Chegou, Derrick Smit
Summary: The purpose of this study was to describe the concentrations of biomarkers in serum and urine of South African patients with ocular tuberculosis (OTB). In a prospective study, 29 urine and serum biomarkers were compared in 14 OTB patients at a tertiary eye clinic. Most biomarkers showed significantly higher concentrations in serum than in urine, except for IL-1RA and IL-2 which showed higher concentrations in urine. Three biomarkers (sIL-2Ra, sTNFRI, and IFN gamma) showed no difference in concentration between urine and serum.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jumoke A. Aboyewa, Nicole R. S. Sibuyi, Mediline Goboza, Lee-Ann Murtz, Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju, Mervin Meyer
Summary: This study found that biogenic AuNPs synthesized using MGF and a water extract of C. intermedia were effectively taken up by cancer cells, enhancing the sensitivity of Caco-2 cells to DOX. The combination of biogenic AuNPs and DOX depleted ATP levels, increased mitochondrial depolarization, induced apoptosis, reduced ROS production, and inhibited the long-term survival of Caco-2 cells. Further mechanistic and molecular studies are needed to fully elucidate the enhanced anticancer effect of this co-treatment.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anna Ritah Namuganga, Bernard Ssentalo Bagaya, Novel N. Chegou, Harriet Mayanja-Kizza
Summary: This study evaluated the ability of serum host biomarkers to predict treatment response in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Results showed significant differences in the concentrations of certain biomarkers during treatment, and a set of biomarkers best predicted sputum culture conversion at 2 months. Patients with slow treatment response had higher levels of pro-inflammatory markers during treatment. Strong correlations were also observed between certain biomarkers.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Harriet Mayanja-Kizza, Pere-Joan Cardona, Novel N. Chegou
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Osagie A. Eribo, Charissa C. Naidoo, Grant Theron, Gerhard Walzl, Nelita du Plessis, Novel N. Chegou
Summary: This study aimed to develop a reproducible antibiotic-based model for manipulating the gut microbiota and engrafting B. fragilis into mice. Different combinations of antibiotics were evaluated for their efficacy in depleting the Bacteroides population, and a model involving metronidazole/clindamycin treatment followed by B. fragilis transplantation was found to consistently eliminate Bacteroides and facilitate B. fragilis engraftment. This model has potential use in investigating the role of Bacteroides in specific diseases.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tracy R. Richardson, Bronwyn Smith, Stephanus T. N. Malherbe, Jane Alexandra Shaw, Firdows Noor, Candice MacDonald, Gian D. van der Spuy, Kim Stanley, Alida Carstens, Tarryn-Lee Fisher, Ilana van Rensburg, Marika Flinn, Candice Snyders, Isaac Johnson, Bernadine Fransman, Hazel Dockrell, Guy Thwaites, Nguyen Thuy Thuong Thuong, Claudia Schacht, Harriet Mayanja-Kizza, Mary Nsereko, Elisa M. Tjon Kon Fat, Paul L. A. M. Corstjens, Annemieke Geluk, Morton Ruhwald, Adam Penn-Nicholson, Novel Chegou, Jayne Sutherland, Gerhard Walzl
Summary: To improve TB diagnosis, WHO is calling for a non-sputum based triage test to focus testing on high-risk individuals. The TriageTB study aims to assess the accuracy of diagnostic test candidates and validate a multi-biomarker point-of-care test. By targeting confirmatory testing to those with a positive triage test, diagnostic costs can be reduced and TB care improved.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jane Alexandra Shaw, Maynard Meiring, Candice Snyders, Frans Everson, Lovemore Nyasha Sigwadhi, Veranyay Ngah, Gerard Tromp, Brian Allwood, Coenraad F. N. Koegelenberg, Elvis M. Irusen, Usha Lalla, Nicola Baines, Annalise E. Zemlin, Rajiv T. Erasmus, Zivanai C. Chapanduka, Tandi E. Matsha, Gerhard Walzl, Hans Strijdom, Nelita du Plessis, Alimuddin Zumla, Novel Chegou, Stephanus T. Malherbe, Peter S. Nyasulu
Summary: This study collected samples and clinical data from COVID-19 patients in Sub-Saharan African populations and found dysregulation in biomarkers among critical patients. These dysregulations were associated with abnormal cytokine responses, bacterial infections, and endothelial dysfunction, which may contribute to mortality.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Florence Ifechukwude Aboderin, Taofeeq Oduola, Glenda Mary Davison, Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju
Summary: Sickle cell anemia is a life-threatening blood disorder prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa that is influenced by the immune system, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This review examines the impact of these factors on the pathogenesis of the disease.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Melissa Murphy, Sara Suliman, Libby Briel, Helen Veldtsman, Nondumiso Khomba, Hadn Africa, Marcia Steyn, CandiceI. Snyders, IlanaC. Van Rensburg, Gerhard Walzl, Novel N. Chegou, Mark Hatherill, Willem A. Hanekom, Thomas J. Scriba, Elisa Nemes
Summary: This study investigated the effects of newborn BCG vaccination on myeloid and NK cell responses to mycobacteria. The results showed that newborn BCG vaccination was associated with higher frequencies of BCG-reactive, cytokine-expressing CD4(+) T cells and IFN-gamma-expressing NK cells compared to unvaccinated infants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
