Review
Microbiology
Fanhua Wei, Chengjiang Gao, Yujiong Wang
Summary: Influenza virus infection can lead to cytokine storms, contributing to severe outcomes. Immunomodulatory drugs offer a promising approach for treating hypercytokinemia induced by acute viral infections.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yuchong Wang, Xujun Zhang, Kefan Bi, Hongyan Diao
Summary: MicroRNAs play important roles in regulating virus replication and host antiviral response during H1N1 infection, with some defending against the virus and others promoting viral replication. They are involved in host-viral interactions and have versatile functions in this process.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tingting Li, Junyu Chen, Qingbing Zheng, Wenhui Xue, Limin Zhang, Rui Rong, Sibo Zhang, Qian Wang, Minqing Hong, Yuyun Zhang, Lingyan Cui, Maozhou He, Zhen Lu, Zhenyong Zhang, Xin Chi, Jinjin Li, Yang Huang, Hong Wang, Jixian Tang, Dong Ying, Lizhi Zhou, Yingbin Wang, Hai Yu, Jun Zhang, Ying Gu, Yixin Chen, Shaowei Li, Ningshao Xia
Summary: Influenza A viruses are a significant global threat, and this study has identified a chimeric monoclonal antibody, C12H5, that offers broad neutralization against H1N1 and H5N1 viruses. The antibody targets a specific epitope on the surface glycoprotein of the virus, leading to control of virus entry and egress. This discovery could have implications for the development of antiviral drugs and broad-protection vaccines against influenza.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Nutan Mytle, Sonja Leyrer, Jon R. Inglefield, Andrea M. Harris, Thomas E. Hickey, Jacob Minang, Hang Lu, Zhidong Ma, Hanne Andersen, Nathan D. Grubaugh, Tina Guina, Mario H. Skiadopoulos, Michael J. Lacy
Summary: Research demonstrates that utilizing combinations of conserved antigens of influenza A virus, such as NP and various forms of M2e, can generate broad immune protection in mice, reducing lung viral burden and weight loss.
Article
Virology
Denisa Bojkova, Marco Bechtel, Tamara Rothenburger, Joshua D. D. Kandler, Lauren Hayes, Ruth Olmer, Ulrich Martin, Danny Jonigk, Sandra Ciesek, Mark N. N. Wass, Martin Michaelis, Jindrich Cinatl Jr
Summary: Recent findings show that SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 induces a stronger interferon response compared to Delta. In this study, it was demonstrated that BA.1 and BA.5, but not Delta, induce an antiviral state in air-liquid interface cultures of primary human bronchial epithelial cells and primary human monocytes. Both Omicron subvariants trigger the production of biologically active interferons and protect cells from super-infection with influenza A viruses. These findings highlight the significance of Omicron in the immune response against viral infections.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vaclav Brazda, Otilia Porubiakova, Alessio Cantara, Natalia Bohalova, Jan Coufal, Martin Bartas, Miroslav Fojta, Jean-Louis Mergny
Summary: The study identified multiple potential G-quadruplex forming sequences in the G4-EA-H1N1 genomes, which could serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dahae Lee, Hyejung Jo, Yoojin Jang, Suhyun Bae, Tomoyo Agura, Dongmin Kang, Minsoo Kang, Yuri Kim, Nam-Hyuk Cho, Yejin Kim, Jae Seung Kang
Summary: The use of vaccines is the most effective and reliable method for preventing viral infections, but effective therapeutic agents for treatment after infection are needed. Zanamivir, an inhalable drug, has been used to treat pandemic influenza A/H1N1, but drug-resistant strains can quickly emerge. Alloferon, an immunomodulatory drug, has been found to have antiviral effects against various viruses, including influenza viruses. Therefore, a combination of alloferon and zanamivir was tested to improve antiviral effects and reduce H1N1 resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Varsha Potdar, Megha Brijwal, Rakesh Lodha, Pragya Yadav, Santosh Jadhav, Manohar Lal Choudhary, Aashish Choudhary, Veena Vipat, Nivedita Gupta, Ashok Kumar Deorari, Lalit Dar, Priya Abraham
Summary: An 11-year-old boy with acute myeloid leukemia in New Delhi, India, was treated for severe acute respiratory infection caused by avian influenza A(H5N1). The strain belonged to hemagglutinin gene clade 2.3.2.1a and was found to be susceptible to amantadine and neuraminidase inhibitors.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana Leguia, Alejandra Garcia-Glaessner, Breno Munoz-Saavedra, Diana Juarez, Patricia Barrera, Carlos Calvo-Mac, Javier Jara, Walter Silva, Karl Ploog, Lady Amaro, Paulo Colchao-Claux, Christine K. Johnson, Marcela M. Uhart, Martha I. Nelson, Jesus Lescano
Summary: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 viruses have invaded the Americas and pose a threat to wildlife, poultry, and humans. The HPAI/H5N1 viruses in Peru have genetic reassortment between Eurasian and American lineages, emphasizing the need for surveillance and control measures.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Weigang Ren, Shuli Pei, Wenming Jiang, Meixia Zhao, Le Jiang, Honggang Liu, Yongxiang Yi, Mizhou Hui, Junwei Li
Summary: A replication-deficient recombinant influenza virus was developed in this study, which stimulated robust immune response and conferred complete protection against H5N1 or H9N2 influenza virus infections in mice.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Wendy Puryear, Kaitlin Sawatzki, Nichola Hill, Alexa Foss, Jonathon J. Stone, Lynda Doughty, Dominique Walk, Katie Gilbert, Maureen Murray, Elena Cox, Priya Patel, Zak Mertz, Stephanie Ellis, Jennifer Taylor, Deborah Fauquier, Ainsley Smith, Robert A. DiGiovanni Jr, Adriana van de Guchte, Ana Silvia Gonzalez-Reiche, Zain Khalil, Harm van Bakel, Mia K. Torchetti, Kristina Lantz, Julianna B. Lenoch, Jonathan Runstadler
Summary: We report the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in marine mammals in the northeastern United States, which is concurrent with the presence of H5N1 in wild birds in the same area. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring both wild coastal birds and marine mammals in assessing the potential for an influenza A virus pandemic.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Erica Spackman, Mary J. Pantin-Jackwood, Scott A. Lee, Diann Prosser
Summary: Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the clade 2.3.4.4 goose/Guangdong/1996 H5 lineage continue to cause outbreaks in poultry and wild birds worldwide. A recent incursion of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus into North America has resulted in widespread outbreaks in poultry and consistent detections across diverse bird families and occasionally mammals. Mallards, as primary reservoirs of AIV, were found to have subclinical infections, shed virus through oral and cloacal routes, and could serve as efficient reservoirs to amplify and disseminate the virus.
Letter
Immunology
Joanna A. Pulit-Penaloza, Jessica A. Belser, Nicole Brock, Poulami Basu Thakur, Terrence M. Tumpey, Taronna R. Maines
Summary: This study evaluated the pathogenicity and transmissibility of a highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus using a ferret model and examined its replication kinetics in human respiratory tract cells.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Min Dou, Wenjun Song, Yongping Lin, Qigao Chen, Chang Lu, Zhongmin Liu
Summary: The study analyzed clinical characteristics and viral genes in patients with severe pneumonia due to H1N1 influenza virus in Guangzhou in 2019. Risk factors for severe disease were identified as chronic lung disease and cardiovascular disease, with a significant rate of secondary infections in critically ill patients. Furthermore, serum IL-8 levels were significantly higher in critically ill patients compared to nonsevere patients and healthy controls.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hyun-Jong Lee, Gwanghui Ryu, Ki-Il Lee
Summary: This study compared the symptomatic characteristics of influenza A/H3N2 and A/H1N1 subtypes in primary healthcare settings in Korea. The results showed that the H3N2-dominant season had higher average body temperature and more patients with high fever compared to the H1N1-dominant season. On the other hand, symptoms such as myalgia, cough, and sore throat were more common in the H1N1-dominant season. Antiviral drugs were prescribed to the majority of febrile patients in both seasons.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Siew C. Ng, Zhilu Xu, Joyce Wing Yan Mak, Keli Yang, Qin Liu, Tao Zuo, Whitney Tang, Louis Lau, Rashid N. Lui, Sunny H. Wong, Yee Kit Tse, Amy Y. L. Li, Kitty Cheung, Jessica Y. L. Ching, Vincent W. S. Wong, Alice P. S. Kong, Ronald C. W. Ma, Elaine Y. K. Chow, Simon K. H. Wong, Ivan Chak Hang Ho, Paul K. S. Chan, Francis K. L. Chan
Summary: Repeated FMTs enhance microbiota engraftment in obese patients with T2DM, leading to more favorable changes in recipients' microbiota and improvement in lipid profile and liver stiffness when combined with lifestyle intervention.
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Siu Lam, Jingwan Zhang, Keli Yang, Lok Cheung Chu, Wenyi Zhu, Whitney Tang, Francis K. L. Chan, Paul K. S. Chan, William K. K. Wu, Siew C. Ng
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shi Zhao, Jingzhi Lou, Lirong Cao, Ka Chun Chong, Benny C. Y. Zee, Paul K. S. Chan, Maggie H. Wang
Summary: The circulation of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants poses challenges to pandemic control, with reported case fatality ratio decreasing but the trend for Delta variants being weak. The association between vaccine coverage and CFR may differ based on circulating variants. Analysis results should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations of the study design.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qing Xiong, Angel Tsz-Yau Wan, Xiaoyu Liu, Cathy Sin-Hang Fung, Xiaojun Xiao, Nat Malainual, Jinpao Hou, Lingyi Wang, Mingqiang Wang, Kevin Yi Yang, Yubao Cui, Elaine Lai-Han Leung, Wenyan Nong, Soo-Kyung Shin, Shannon Wing-Ngor Au, Kyoung Yong Jeong, Fook-Tim Chew, Jerome Ho-Lam Hui, Ting-Fan Leung, Anchalee Tungtrongchitr, Nanshan Zhong, Zhigang Liu, Stephen Kwok-Wing Tsui
Summary: This study examines the evolutionary origin, diverse lifestyles, and quick adaptation of astigmatic mites in human household environments using six high-quality assembled and annotated genomes. The research reveals that astigmatic mites evolved from Prostigmata, notorious plant pests, and rapidly diversified from soil oribatid mites. The study also highlights the rapid expansion of gene families via tandem gene duplications in astigmatic mites, providing genetic resources for adaptation to changing household environments. Additionally, massive horizontal gene transfer events occurred during the evolution of astigmatic mites, enabling detoxification and digestive functions and offering potential drug targets for pest control.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jinpao Hou, Yuping Song, Agnes Sze Yin Leung, Man Fung Tang, Mai Shi, Evy Yiwei Wang, Joseph Gar Shun Tsun, Renee Wan Yi Chan, Gary Wing Kin Wong, Stephen Kwok-Wing Tsui, Ting Fan Leung
Summary: Despite distinct nasopharyngeal microbiome (NPM) profiles between asthmatics and healthy subjects, little is known about the NPM dynamics and its relation to childhood asthma exacerbation (AE). NPM diversity decreased whereas microbial composition remained similar over time. The relative abundances of Moraxella increased while Corynebacterium 1, Anoxybacillus, and Pseudomonas decreased longitudinally. However, these temporal patterns did not differ between AE and AS groups, suggesting that short-term dynamic patterns were not sufficient to predict AE occurrence.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chi Tung Choy, Un Kei Chan, Pui Ling Kella Siu, Junwei Zhou, Chi Ho Wong, Yuk Wai Lee, Ho Wang Chan, Joseph Chi Ching Tsui, Steven King Fan Loo, Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
Summary: Psoriasis is a common chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease with various comorbidities. Gut microbiome dysbiosis can exacerbate inflammation and affect the immune system in psoriasis patients, and the gut microbiome can be modulated by probiotics. In this study, psoriasis patients in Southern China were compared to healthy subjects, and the influence of gut microbiome dysbiosis on psoriasis was investigated. It was found that certain bacteria were enriched in psoriasis patients and healthy subjects, and metabolic functional pathways differed between the two groups. Additionally, the use of probiotics improved symptoms and restored gut dysbiosis in psoriasis patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Qiao Du, Fang Peng, Qing Xiong, Kejin Xu, Kevin Yi Yang, Mingqiang Wang, Zhitian Wu, Shanying Li, Xiaorui Cheng, Xinjie Rao, Yuyouye Wang, Stephen Kwok-Wing Tsui, Xi Zeng
Summary: In the genome of Beihai amphioxus, 347 viral homologous fragments (HFs) were found, mostly located on 21 genome assembly scaffolds. HFs were preferentially located within protein-coding genes, especially in their CDS regions and promoters. A variety of amphioxus genes with a high frequency of HFs, including histone-related genes, were identified. This comprehensive analysis of viral HFs sheds light on the often overlooked role of viral integration in amphioxus evolution.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bei Huang, Steven W. H. Chau, Yaping Liu, Joey W. Y. Chan, Jing Wang, Suk Ling Ma, Jihui Zhang, Paul K. S. Chan, Yun Kit Yeoh, Zigui Chen, Li Zhou, Sunny Hei Wong, Vincent C. T. Mok, Ka Fai To, Hei Ming Lai, Simon Ng, Claudia Trenkwalder, Francis K. L. Chan, Yun Kwok Wing
Summary: The study reveals that the gut microbiota compositions are significantly altered in early PD and RBD compared with control and RBD-FDR. The depletion of butyrate-producing bacteria and the enrichment of pro-inflammatory Collinsella have emerged in RBD and RBD-FDR after controlling potential confounders. The study also identifies 12 microbial markers that can effectively distinguish RBD from control.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Paul K. S. Chan, Martin C. S. Wong, Macy Chan, Karen Ching, Nikolaos Giannelos, Cheryl Ng
Summary: In Hong Kong, the burden of shingles is increasing due to an aging population with increasing life expectancy. Vaccination with zoster vaccine live (ZVL) or recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) can reduce the public health burden of shingles in Hong Kong adults aged >= 50 years. RZV is more effective than ZVL, with a higher reduction in cases. Earlier RZV vaccination, from age 50 years, has a greater public health impact compared to vaccination at a later age.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Siaw Shi Boon, Yin Ching Lee, Ka Lai Yip, Ho Yin Luk, Chuanyun Xiao, Man Kin Yim, Zigui Chen, Paul Kay Sheung Chan
Summary: This study identified Aurora kinase B (AurB) as a novel interacting partner of human papillomavirus E6, and investigated the molecular mechanism of how E6 recruits AurB to induce cell immortalization and proliferation, leading to eventual cancer development. The study also evaluated the efficacy of Aurora kinase inhibitors in halting HPV-mediated carcinogenesis. The findings revealed the potential for specific and selective inhibitors to be developed for the treatment of HPV-related cancers.
Article
Microbiology
Yehao Chen, Yuping Song, Zigui Chen, Jennifer Wing Ki Yau, Kate Ching Ching Chan, Agnes Sze Yin Leung, Oi Man Chan, Apple Chung Man Yeung, Connie Lai Yuk Yuen, Paul Kay Sheung Chan, Wing Hung Tam, Ting Fan Leung
Summary: This study investigated the early-life evolution of the skin microbiome in Chinese children and its association with eczema phenotypes. The results showed that atopic sensitization at 12 months was strongly associated with persistent eczema at 24 months. Children with atopic eczema had reduced alpha diversity at 12 months and transiently higher abundance of the genus Janibacter at 6 months compared to those with non-atopic eczema. These findings suggest that atopic sensitization at 12 months may predict persistent eczema, and atopic eczema is associated with unique skin microbiome profiles at different time points. Non-invasive skin-microbiome profiling may have predictive value for atopic eczema.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yiwei Wang, Jinpao Hou, Joseph Chi-Ching Tsui, Lin Wang, Junwei Zhou, Un Kei Chan, Claudia Jun Yi Lo, Pui Ling Kella Siu, Steven King Fan Loo, Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
Summary: The study found that there are differences in the gut microbiome structure and metabolic functions between adult atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and healthy individuals. AD patients are more prone to allergies, especially non-food allergies. Additionally, the gut microbiome composition differs significantly between the AD and normal groups. The study also suggests potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome for AD and provides evidence for the involvement of the gut-skin axis in AD patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Tsz Ching Kwong, Eddie Chung Ting Chau, Mark Chi Ho Mak, Chi Tung Choy, Lee Tung Chan, Chun Keung Pang, Junwei Zhou, Phoebe Hoi Ching Poon, Yuqiong Guan, Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui, Shun Wan Chan, George Pak Heng Leung, William Chi Shing Tai, Yiu Wa Kwan
Summary: The gut microbiome of diabetic dogs differs from that of healthy controls at the genera, species, functional, and network levels. This study provides valuable insights into the association between the canine gut microbiome and diabetes mellitus, and its implications for disease control.
Article
Microbiology
Chi Tung Choy, Pui Ling Kella Siu, Junwei Zhou, Chi Ho Wong, Yuk Wai Lee, Ho Wang Chan, Joseph Chi Ching Tsui, Claudia Jun Yi Lo, Steven King Fan Loo, Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
Summary: This study focused on pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) patients in southern China and used targeted 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to investigate the impact of orally administered probiotics on the gut microbiome. After an 8-week course of probiotics, a significant improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) was observed, with no adverse effects. The relative abundances of key microbial drivers also increased. The study provides preliminary evidence supporting targeted probiotic supplementation for childhood AD management.
Article
Microbiology
Yu P. Song, Man F. Tang, Agnes S. Y. Leung, Kin P. Tao, Oi M. Chan, Gary W. K. Wong, Paul K. S. Chan, Renee W. Y. Chan, Ting F. Leung
Summary: This case-control study investigated the interaction between CDHR3 genotypes and rhinovirus (RV) species on disease severity in Hong Kong children hospitalized for respiratory tract infection (RTI). There were synergistic effects between RV-C and CDHR3 SNPs for RTI severity, which was mainly driven by RV-C.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)