Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisa Schindler, Leon C. D. Smyth, Juergen Bernhagen, Mark B. Hampton, Nina Dickerhof
Summary: The study demonstrates that MIF plays a role in potentiating HOCl production in neutrophils in response to phagocytic stimuli, contributing to mediating the inflammatory response and enhancing host defense.
Article
Immunology
Yangyang Zhou, Chuanying Xiang, Ning Wang, Xiaomin Zhang, Yu Xie, Hong Yang, Gang Guo, Kaiyun Liu, Yan Li, Yun Shi
Summary: This study investigated the role of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in pulmonary A. baumannii infection. The results showed that IL-17 promotes susceptibility of mice to A. baumannii infection by suppressing neutrophil phagocytosis.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jouda Gamara, Lynn Davis, Andrew Z. Leong, Nathalie Page, Emmanuelle Rollet-Labelle, Chenqi Zhao, Tsunaki Hongu, Yuji Funakoshi, Yasunori Kanaho, Fawzi Aoudji, Martin Pelletier, Sylvain G. Bourgoin
Summary: Arf6 plays a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism in PMNs, which contributes to impaired phagocytosis, ROS production, and apoptosis. Deletion of Arf6 in PMNs also leads to a decrease in phagocytosis and interferes with apoptosis, providing new insights into the functions and inflammatory pathways influenced by Arf6 in PMNs.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Dongxu Qiu, David Nikita, Lei Zhang, Jun Deng, Zhiwei Xia, Junkun Zhan, Jiabing Huang, Lanzhi Liu, Fan Liu, Jingfeng Duan, Jing Li
Summary: This study revealed the crucial role of ICAM-1 in the repair process of aging diabetic population, with ICAM-1 deletion leading to delayed repair, altered microbiota composition, impaired neutrophil activity, and enhanced inflammatory response.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra Romano, Nunziatina Laura Parrinello, Marina Parisi, Vittorio Del Fabro, Angelo Curtopelle, Salvatore Leotta, Concetta Conticello, Francesco Di Raimondo
Summary: The study investigated the functional activity of neutrophils in RRMM patients treated with pomalidomide and dexamethasone. The results showed compromised neutrophil function but maintained high blood cell counts. Pomalidomide and lenalidomide were found to modulate the functional activity of neutrophils, despite chronic activation due to Fc gamma RI/CD64 overexpression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shiori Wakasugi-Onogi, Sihui Ma, Ruheea Taskin Ruhee, Yishan Tong, Yasuhiro Seki, Katsuhiko Suzuki
Summary: This study found that sulforaphane has various effects on neutrophil functions, including inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, degranulation, phagocytosis, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Sulforaphane also has direct antioxidant activity. It was observed that sulforaphane can decrease the release of inflammatory cytokines and myeloperoxidase from neutrophils. In addition, sulforaphane directly removes ROS, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Emily Naish, Alexander J. T. Wood, Andrew P. Stewart, Matthew Routledge, Andrew Conway Morris, Edwin R. Chilvers, Katharine M. Lodge
Summary: Neutrophils, the most abundant circulating leukocytes, play a crucial role in the initial innate immune response to infection. They eliminate pathogens through phagocytosis and a complex interplay of multiple systems and mechanisms within the phagosome creates an antimicrobial environment. However, gaps in knowledge and controversies exist regarding how neutrophil phagosomes optimize pathogen killing.
IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Carlos Blanco-Camarillo, Omar Rafael Aleman, Carlos Rosales
Summary: The article discusses the different phenotypes and functional states of neutrophils in healthy and pathological conditions, with a focus on the presence and cellular functions of low-density neutrophils (LDN) in the blood of healthy individuals.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kathryn M. Rubey, Alexander R. Mukhitov, Jia Nong, Jichuan Wu, Vera P. Krymskaya, Jacob W. Myerson, G. Scott Worthen, Jacob S. Brenner
Summary: The study shows that neutrophil-tropic nanoparticles can enhance bacterial phagocytosis, which may be beneficial for patients with low complement levels and for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jingjiao Guan
Summary: This study developed a theoretical model to investigate the relationship between the phagocytic capacity of phagocytes and the geometries of both phagocytes and phagocytic objects. The model was applied to different types of objects and experimental data, resulting in an explicit equation that describes the phagocytic capacity as a function of other parameters.
ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Gierlikowska, Albert Stachura, Wojciech Gierlikowski, Urszula Demkow
Summary: This article provides an overview of the importance of neutrophils in sepsis, explains the dependence between cytokines and their activation, and summarizes the impact of cytokines on phagocytosis and NET formation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Therese de Neergaard, Martin Sundwall, Sebastian Wrighton, Pontus Nordenfelt
Summary: This study introduces a novel method for evaluating phagocytosis experiments using persistent association-based normalization, which shows improved performance compared to standard methods, with increased robustness, sensitivity, and reproducibility. This approach is simple, easily applicable to most phagocytosis assays, and provides high sensitivity and reproducible results.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ko-Hua Yu, Kai-wen Tien, Wei-Chun Wang, Ching-Ho Chi, Keng-Chang Tsai, Chen-Hsi Chou, Tsong-Long Hwang, Hsin-Yi Hung
Summary: The study aimed to develop anti-inflammatory agents for human neutrophils. The most effective compounds inhibiting the generation of superoxide anions in neutrophils were identified through drug screening. Further research was conducted on these compounds, including PDE selective screening and molecular simulation experiments. The results showed that a new class of PDE4 inhibitors had potent neutrophil inactivation activity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Ricardo Perez-Velasco, Marlenne Manzano-Sarabia, Miguel Angel Hurtado-Oliva
Summary: Salinity changes in the oceans due to climate change affect the biology and immune responses of oysters like C. corteziensis. High salinity stress conditions pose a greater challenge to the oysters compared to low salinity stress conditions, potentially increasing vulnerability to other environmental stressors and diseases.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Stacey A. Maskarinec, Margaret McKelvy, Kimberly Boyle, Halie Hotchkiss, Madelaine E. Duarte, Bechtler Addison, Nicholas Amato, Sanjay Khandelwal, Gowthami M. Arepally, Grace M. Lee
Summary: This study systematically characterized the functional heterogeneity of neutrophils in a cohort of healthy individuals, revealing that each individual has a fixed phenotype determined by gene expression patterns. These findings may have implications for disease states.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Siobhan Howard, Stephen Gallagher, Annie T. Ginty, Anna C. Whittaker
Summary: Life event stress is associated with reduced cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychological stress, regardless of the individual's personal relevance to the stress tasks. This study provides evidence against the argument that blunted reactivity to stress is a result of the context of the stressors.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Paul Doody, Janet M. Lord, Carolyn A. Greig, Anna C. Whittaker
Summary: Frailty is a multi-dimensional and dynamic condition characterized by declines in reserve and function across multiple physiologic systems, and it is projected to become a serious public health challenge in economically developed societies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of frailty, including its pathophysiology, definition(s), impact, prevalence, management, and prevention, and discusses limitations and future research directions.
Article
Neurosciences
Sebastian C. Coleman, Zelekha A. Seedat, Anna C. Whittaker, Agatha Lenartowicz, Karen J. Mullinger
Summary: Post-task responses (PTRs) are transitional responses occurring between the end of a stimulus/task and a period of rest. They are not limited to motor networks but are widespread in regions recruited during the task and exhibit unique properties such as scaling with cognitive load and correlating significantly with behavior. PTRs are believed to inhibit task-positive network activity to enable a transition to rest, but further investigation is needed to uncover their role in neuroscience and pathology.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Keenan A. Ramsey, Suey S. Y. Yeung, Anna G. M. Rojer, Noemie Gensous, Evans A. Asamane, Justin Avery Aunger, Dmitriy Bondarev, Andrea Cabbia, Paul Doody, Barbara Iadarola, Belina Rodrigues, Muhammad R. Tahir, Victor Kallen, Paola Pazienza, Nadine Correia Santos, Sarianna Sipila, Janice L. Thompson, Carel G. M. Meskers, Marijke C. Trappenburg, Anna C. Whittaker, Andrea B. Maier
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between knowledge of nutrition and physical activity guidelines and objective measures of physical function and activity among community-dwelling older adults. The study found distinct knowledge gaps in nutrition and physical activity, which did not correlate with each other. Furthermore, knowledge of the guidelines was not associated with physical function or activity. Overall, these findings suggest that knowledge may have reached a ceiling effect on physical function and activity in this high performing and educated population.
CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS IN AGING
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Conor Bentley, Jon Hazeldine, Laura Bravo, Angela E. Taylor, Lorna C. Gilligan, Fozia Shaheen, Animesh Acharjee, George Gkoutos, Mark A. Foster, Wiebke Arlt, Janet M. Lord
Summary: This study aimed to understand the speed and extent of the immediate endocrine response to traumatic injury. The results showed an increase in glucocorticoid and adrenal androgen biosynthesis within 1 hour of injury, while classic gonadal androgens decreased. Further studies are needed to investigate the association between these early changes in steroid metabolism and patient outcomes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Jonathan I. Quinlan, Amritpal Dhaliwal, Felicity R. Williams, Sophie L. Allen, Surabhi Choudhary, Alex Rowlands, Leigh Breen, Gareth G. Lavery, Janet M. Lord, Ahmed M. Elsharkawy, Matthew J. Armstrong, Carolyn A. Greig
Summary: The central question of this study is to determine to what extent musculoskeletal impairment occurs in patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) compared to a healthy control group. The main finding is that muscle mass, quality, and function are impaired in patients with ESLD, particularly in the lower limb muscle groups. This highlights the importance of considering muscle health in the lower limbs, as sarcopenia is associated with reduced quality of life and increased mortality in ESLD patients.
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Maxim B. Freidin, Nathan Cheetham, Emma L. Duncan, Claire J. Steves, Katherine J. Doores, Michael H. Malim, Niccolo Rossi, Janet M. Lord, Paul W. Franks, Alessandra Borsini, Isabelle Granville Smith, Mario Falchi, Carmine Pariante, Frances M. K. Williams
Summary: Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of post-COVID syndrome, and this study suggests that elevated levels of IL-6 prior to COVID-19 infection may contribute to the development of chronic fatigue.
INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Len De Nys, Esther F. Ofosu, Gemma C. Ryde, Jenni Connelly, Anna C. Whittaker
Summary: Age-related changes in cortisol and DHEA(S) levels can be improved by regular physical activity (PA) among older adults aged 65 years and older. A systematic review of observational studies and randomized controlled trials showed that PA beneficially reduces cortisol and increases DHEA(S) levels, with no significant differences between different genders, exercise modalities, or health states. These findings suggest that older adults should engage in regular PA of their choice to improve cortisol and/or DHEA(S) levels.
JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hamish J. C. McAuley, Rachael A. Evans, Charlotte E. Bolton, Christopher E. Brightling, James D. Chalmers, Annemarie B. Docherty, Omer Elneima, Paul L. Greenhaff, Ayushman Gupta, Victoria C. Harris, Ewen M. Harrison, Ling-Pei Ho, Alex Horsley, Linzy Houchen-Wolloff, Caroline J. Jolley, Olivia C. Leavy, Nazir I. Lone, William D. C. Man, Michael Marks, Dhruv Parekh, Krisnah Poinasamy, Jennifer K. Quint, Betty Raman, Matthew Richardson, Ruth M. Saunders, Marco Sereno, Aarti Shikotra, Amisha Singapuri, Sally J. Singh, Michael Steiner, Ai Lyn Tan, Louise Wain, Carly Welch, Julie Whitney, Miles D. Witham, Janet Lord, Neil J. Greening, HOSP-COVID Study Collaborat Grp
Summary: This study recruited COVID-19 survivors in the UK and objectively measured frailty using FFP. The results showed that frailty and pre-frailty are common after hospitalization with COVID-19, and comprehensive assessment and interventions targeting frailty are needed beyond the initial illness.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Umer Syed, Anuradhaa Subramanian, David C. Wraith, Janet M. Lord, Kirsty McGee, Krishna Ghokale, Krishnarajah Nirantharakumar, Shamil Haroon
Summary: This study found an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and an increased incidence of IMIDs such as T1DM, IBD, and psoriasis. However, these findings may be influenced by ascertainment bias, and further research is needed to replicate and investigate these results in other populations.
Article
Emergency Medicine
Yuanwei Xu, Nabeela Malik, Saisakul Chernbumroong, James Vassallo, Damian Keene, Mark Foster, Janet Lord, Antonio Belli, Timothy Hodgetts, Douglas Bowley, George Gkoutos
Summary: Novel triage tools developed using machine learning outperform existing tools in a nationally representative trauma population. The proposed primary tool requires external validation prior to consideration for practical use. The secondary tool demonstrates good external validity and may be used to support decision-making by healthcare workers responding to major incidents.
EMERGENCY MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Esther Frema Ofosu, Len de Nys, Jenni Connelly, Gemma Cathrine Ryde, Anna C. Whittaker
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis explore the benefits of physical activity (PA) on anxiety symptoms in older adults aged 65 years and above. The study found that PA is effective in managing anxiety symptoms, supported by both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs. Subgroup analysis showed significant effects for all types, session times, frequency, and intervention periods of PA compared to control groups, but the optimal intensity and mode of PA remain unclear.
JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yung-Yi Chen, Krupali M. Patel, Rizwana Imran, Tarek Hassouna, Ezekwe Amirize, Abdulrazak Abdulsalam, Jonathan Bishop, Anita Slade, Maximina Ventura, Jeremy Yarrow, Janet M. Lord, Yvonne Wilson, Naiem S. Moiemen
Summary: This study aims to investigate the cellular kinetics in HTS after laser therapy, focusing on the association of scar reduction with the presence of senescent cells. The findings will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in scar reduction with laser treatment and help improve treatment regimens for HTS patients.
Article
Immunology
Anna C. Whittaker, Len De Nys, Ryan C. Brindle, Mark T. Drayson
Summary: This study found that physical activity and sleep quality are associated with the maintenance of immunity in older adults. Physical activity is related to antibody levels against common pathogens such as pneumococcus and meningococcus, while sleep duration is related to antibody levels against pneumococcus.
BRAIN, BEHAVIOR, & IMMUNITY - HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Leena Patel, Ashwin Roy, Amor Mia B. Alvior, Mengshi Yuan, Shanat Baig, Karina V. Bunting, James Hodson, Katja Gehmlich, Janet M. Lord, Tarekegn Geberhiwot, Richard P. Steeds
Summary: Alstrom syndrome (AS) is an ultra-rare disorder characterized by early-onset multi-organ dysfunction. This study found that AS patients have a higher Phenoage compared to chronological age, and echocardiography shows cardiac changes indicative of accelerated aging.
Letter
Immunology
Wan-Ju Cheng, Hong-Mo Shih, Kuan-Pin Su, Po-Ren Hsueh
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Felipe Kenji Sudo, Talita P. Pinto, Fernanda G. Q. Barros-Aragao, Ivanei Bramati, Theo F. Marins, Marina Monteiro, Fernanda Meireles, Rejane Soares, Pilar Erthal, Victor Calil, Naima Assuncao, Natalia Oliveira, Joana Bondarovsky, Camila Lima, Beatriz Chagas, Alana Batista, Julia Lins, Thais L. Pinheiro, Felippe Mendonca, Andrea Silveira de Souza, Fernanda C. Rodrigues, Gabriel R. de Freitas, Pedro Kurtz, Paulo Mattos, Erika C. Rodrigues, Fernanda G. De Felice, Fernanda Tovar-Moll
Summary: Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is a multisystemic syndrome that persists for months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting cognitive function and neuropsychiatric features. A study on COVID-19 survivors in Brazil found that these patients experienced significant difficulties in overall cognition, memory, working memory, and inhibitory control, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In addition, elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the blood were associated with brain microstructural damage and cognitive impairments.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Letter
Immunology
Tieh-Cheng Fu, Juei-Chao Chen, Ching-Mao Chang
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Aastha Dheer, Dale B. Bosco, Jiaying Zheng, Lingxiao Wang, Shunyi Zhao, Koichiro Haruwaka, Min-Hee Yi, Abhijeet Barath, Dai-Shi Tian, Long-Jun Wu
Summary: Microglial activation plays a crucial role in the pathology of epilepsy, with both acute and prolonged activation affecting seizure severity and neuronal loss.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Julie B. Rosenberg, Jens Richardt Mollegaard Jepsen, Parisa Mohammadzadeh, Astrid Sevelsted, Rebecca Vinding, Mikkel E. Sorensen, David Horner, Kristina Aagaard, Birgitte Fagerlund, Susanne Brix, Nilofar Folsgaard, Ann -Marie M. Schoos, Jakob Stokholm, Bo Chawes, Christos Pantelis, Soren Dalsgaard, Birte Y. Glenthoj, Niels Bilenberg, Klaus Bonnelykke, Bjorn H. Ebdrup
Summary: Clinical data demonstrates a strong association between prenatal maternal inflammation assessed by hs-CRP and a diagnosis of ADHD by age 10. Maternal inflammation is also associated with ADHD symptom load in the entire cohort.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Suzanne M. Green-Fulgham, Michael J. Lacagnina, Kendal F. Willcox, Jiahe Li, Michael E. Harland, Adriano Polican Ciena, Igor R. Correia Rocha, Jayson B. Ball, Renee A. Dreher, Younus A. Zuberi, Joseph M. Dragavon, Marucia Chacur, Steven F. Maier, Linda R. Watkins, Peter M. Grace
Summary: Regular aerobic activity, specifically voluntary wheel running, can reduce the risk of chronic pain by inhibiting MAC and preserving myelin integrity at the site of peripheral nerve injury.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
India Boyton, Stella M. Valenzuela, Lyndsey E. Collins-Praino, Andrew Care
Summary: Neuronanomedicine is a multidisciplinary field that aims to develop innovative nanotechnologies for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Nanoparticles are an important component of neuronanomedicine, as they can improve drug properties and enhance safety and delivery across the blood-brain barrier. However, a major challenge for neuronanomedicine translation is the poor understanding of bio-nano interactions, partly due to inconsistent reporting in published works. This review provides specific recommendations to guide researchers in harnessing the unique properties of nanoparticles for breakthrough treatments of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Celine De Looze, Cathal McCrory, Aisling O'Halloran, Silvia Polidoro, Rose Anne Kenny, Joanne Feeney
Summary: Our study found that subjective measures of stress and biological metrics may be independently associated with cognitive function over time in older adults, hinting at potential different underlying mechanisms.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Beatrice Bravi, Elisa Maria Teresa Melloni, Marco Paolini, Mariagrazia Palladini, Federico Calesella, Laura Servidio, Elena Agnoletto, Sara Poletti, Cristina Lorenzi, Cristina Colombo, Francesco Benedetti
Summary: Depressed patients show changes in immune-inflammatory markers in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The Choroid Plexus, located at the base of the brain ventricles, plays a key role in regulating the exchange of substances between the brain and immune cells. Patients with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder have larger Choroid Plexus volumes compared to healthy controls. Age and levels of circulating cytokines are associated with Choroid Plexus volumes in the clinical groups.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Mingxuan Zheng, Huaiyu Ye, Xiaoying Yang, Lijun Shen, Xuemei Dang, Xiaoli Liu, Yuying Gong, Qingyuan Wu, Li Wang, Xing Ge, Xiaoli Fang, Benchi Hou, Peng Zhang, Renxian Tang, Kuiyang Zheng, Xu-Feng Huang, Yinghua Yu
Summary: Obesity is linked to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease. The connection between the gut microbiota and the brain is altered in obesity. The probiotic Clostridium butyricum can improve cognitive impairment caused by obesity and prevent gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Edward Drydale, Phalguni Rath, Katie Holden, Gregory Holt, Laurissa Havins, Thomas Johnson, James Bancroft, Lahiru Handunnetthi
Summary: This study created a novel three-dimensional neurosphere assay using induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation and live cell imaging techniques to investigate the effect of a simulated viral infection on cortical development. The findings demonstrated that the infection led to reduced radial glial growth and neural migration.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Yuancheng Weng, Ningting Chen, Rui Zhang, Jian He, Xukai Ding, Guo Cheng, Qianqian Bi, Ying-mei Lu, Xiao Z. Shen, Shu Wan, Peng Shi
Summary: This study reveals that microglia is the primary cellular source of PDGFB in adults, and microglial PDGFB is crucial for maintaining BBB integrity in adult mice.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Evan A. Bordt, Haley A. Moya, Young Chan Jo, Caitlin T. Ravichandran, Izabella M. Bankowski, Alexis M. Ceasrine, Christopher J. Mcdougle, William A. Carlezon Jr, Staci D. Bilbo
Summary: There is a strong male bias in many neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, but the mechanisms behind this bias are unknown. Infection during the perinatal period increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Using a mouse model, researchers found that early-life immune activation only induced deficits in social behaviors in male mice. These behavioral changes were associated with alterations in microglial immune signaling, mitochondrial morphology, gene expression, and function specifically in microglia, the brain's innate immune cells. Furthermore, the vulnerability to early-life immune activation and its effects on behavior and microglial mitochondria were programmed by the male-typical perinatal gonadal hormone surge. These findings highlight the role of microglia-specific mechanisms shaped by early developmental events in regulating male social behavior throughout lifespan.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Maria Amalia Di Castro, Stefano Garofalo, Alessandro Mormino, Laura Carbonari, Erika Di Pietro, Eleonora De Felice, Myriam Catalano, Laura Maggi, Cristina Limatola
Summary: Cytokines, such as interleukin-15 (IL-15), play important roles in modulating the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the authors found that exposure to IL-15 enhances GABA release and reduces glutamatergic currents in hippocampal slices. Chronic treatment with IL-15 has negative effects on memory formation. Serotonin is involved in mediating these effects, as a selective 5-HT3A receptor antagonist prevents the effects on inhibitory neurotransmission and improves performance in a memory test.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Nikhitha Sreenivas, Michael Maes, Hansashree Padmanabha, Apoorva Dharmendra, Priyanka Chakkera, Saptamita Paul Choudhury, Fazal Abdul, Thrinath Mullapudi, Vykuntaraju K. Gowda, Michael Berk, John Vijay Sagar Kommu, Monojit Debnath
Summary: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a spectrum of conditions with both common and differing characteristics in terms of phenome, symptomatome, neuropathology, risk factors and underlying mechanisms. This study investigates the possibility of a shared immune etiology among three early-onset NDDs, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD).
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)