Article
Microbiology
Yingyu Chen, Wenjun Zhai, Kailun Zhang, Han Liu, Tingting Zhu, Li Su, Luiz Bermudez, Huanchun Chen, Aizhen Guo
Summary: This study examined the differential expression of sRNAs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) infection models, finding that many were associated with lipid metabolism. One particular sRNA, ncBCG427, was significantly downregulated when BCG entered macrophages and was linked to increased biofilm formation. The results suggest that virulence reduction in mycobacteria may be dependent on the regulation of lipid metabolism.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tong Qiu, Guangping Luo, Jinfeng Jiang, Ping Ding, Qintong Li
Summary: This study establishes an industrial strain of Mycobacterium phlei (M. phlei) and characterizes its genomic, metabolic, and immunological profiles. The strain has been stably passed for more than a decade and shows potential as an immunomodulating agent. Immunophenotyping and metabolomic analysis demonstrate immune responses and consistent metabolic profiles in mice treated with the strain. The results suggest highly reproducible production of M. phlei under GMP conditions.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Giovanni Ghielmetti, Anne M. Kupca, Matthias Hanczaruk, Ute Friedel, Hubert Weinberger, Sandra Revilla-Fernandez, Erwin Hofer, Julia M. Riehm, Roger Stephan, Walter Glawischnig
Summary: This article reports three cases of M. microti infections in free-ranging red deer, with manifestations including pyogranulomatous pleuropneumonia and granulomas on the pericardium. Phylogenetic analysis revealed independent infection events without host-adapted genotype. Awareness of the pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of M. microti is important for personnel involved in bovine tuberculosis-monitoring programs.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Iraia Ladero-Aunon, Elena Molina, Angela Holder, Jeannine Kolakowski, Heather Harris, Alfonso Urkitza, Juan Anguita, Dirk Werling, Natalia Elguezabal
Summary: The study investigated the role of neutrophils in in vitro mycobacterial infection, showing that neutrophils are effective in killing Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yingying Cui, Guanghui Dang, Hui Wang, Yiyi Tang, Mingyue Lv, Siguo Liu, Ningning Song
Summary: In this study, the role and mechanism of DosR in Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) were investigated using omics analysis. The results showed that deleting DosR significantly affected the transcriptional levels of genes and proteins. Targeted metabolomics data revealed that DosR knockout upregulated L-Aspartic acid and serine synthesis while downregulating seven other amino acids. These findings suggest that DosR regulates amino acid synthesis and metabolism, providing insights into its novel regulatory target.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yongchong Peng, Xiaojie Zhu, Lin Gao, Jieru Wang, Han Liu, Tingting Zhu, Yifan Zhu, Xin Tang, Changmin Hu, Xi Chen, Huanchun Chen, Yingyu Chen, Aizhen Guo
Summary: This study aimed to identify the role of a novel protein Rv0309 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in inhibiting the host inflammatory response and enhancing bacterial survival. Rv0309 was found to decrease cell wall permeability and suppress cytokine production through NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shannon C. Duffy, Manigandan Venkatesan, Shubhada Chothe, Indira Poojary, Valsan Philip Verghese, Vivek Kapur, Marcel A. Behr, Joy Sarojini Michael
Summary: The study describes the development of a two-step multiplex real-time PCR assay to detect and identify BCG strains. The assay has shown potential in accurately identifying BCG from cultures and infected tissue, offering a rapid method for diagnosis and patient management. Identifying and differentiating BCG strains may also be valuable for BCG vaccine pharmacovigilance.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Marion Lagune, Vincent Le Moigne, Matt D. Johansen, Flor Vasquez Sotomayor, Wassim Daher, Cecile Petit, Gina Cosentino, Laura Paulowski, Thomas Gutsmann, Matthias Wilmanns, Florian P. Maurer, Jean-Louis Herrmann, Fabienne Girard-Misguich, Laurent Kremer
Summary: ESX type VII secretion systems play an important role in pathogenicity, nutrient uptake and conjugation in mycobacteria. EsxU and EsxT are substrates of ESX-4 and form a stable heterodimer that permeabilizes artificial membranes. Deletion of the esxUT genes increases the virulence of M. abscessus in animal models.
Article
Microbiology
Mengjin Qu, Zhengmin Liang, Yulan Chen, Yuanzhi Wang, Haoran Wang, Ziyi Liu, Yiduo Liu, Yuhui Dong, Xin Ge, Hao Li, Xiangmei Zhou
Summary: Research shows that antibodies targeting the cell wall of M. bovis can protect against infection by promoting phagocytosis, inhibiting bacterial growth, and enhancing phagosome-lysosome fusion. This study highlights the importance of these antibodies in defense against tuberculosis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ming Li, Yoshiyuki Yamada, G. Marcela Rodriguez, Thomas Dick, Mei Lin Go
Summary: The research demonstrates that the redox cycler SA23, by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), simulates an iron-deficient state in bacteria and enhances its bactericidal activity by increasing the expression of iron acquisition genes. Further exacerbating iron deficiency or oxidative stress enhances the activity of SA23. This study suggests that redox cyclers that perturb iron homeostasis and cellular respiration could be potent next-generation anti-tubercular drugs.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Reginaldo G. Bastos, Heba F. Alzan, Vignesh A. Rathinasamy, Brian M. Cooke, Odir A. Dellagostin, Raul G. Barletta, Carlos E. Suarez
Summary: This article discusses the potential use of BCG TI as a strategy to control babesiosis infection more efficiently, supported by experimental evidence and the possibility of vaccine development.
Review
Immunology
Neelam Mukherjee, Esther Julian, Jordi B. Torrelles, Robert S. Svatek
Summary: The BCG vaccine, originally developed to protect against active tuberculosis, has shown impressive antitumor activity, particularly in preventing bladder cancer. Recent studies indicate the importance of both innate and adaptive cell responses in BCG therapy, with cells like NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, as well as T cells playing key roles in eradicating cancer cells.
Article
Microbiology
C. Kanipe, P. M. Boggiatto, E. J. Putz, M. V. Palmer
Summary: The study found that BCG vaccination can reduce the number and size of tuberculosis lesions, decrease necrosis, and increase fibrosis in low-grade lesions. Vaccination has minimal impact on mineralization and density of multinucleated giant cells.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Qingmei Jia, Sasa Maslesa-Galic, Susana Nava, Marcus A. Horwitz
Summary: This study developed new tuberculosis vaccines based on attenuated recombinant Listeria monocytogenes and evaluated them in mouse and guinea pig models. The vaccines showed good safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy, indicating their potential as new tuberculosis vaccines.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Asegedech Sirak, Begna Tulu, Berecha Bayissa, Balako Gumi, Stefan Berg, Francisco J. Salguero, Gobena Ameni
Summary: The study found that calves vaccinated with BCG exhibited stronger local immune responses in the lymph nodes and lungs when infected with M.bovis compared to non-vaccinated calves. The incidence of bTB visible lesions was lower in vaccinated calves, suggesting a potential role of BCG vaccination in reducing the severity of primary infection sites.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Debora Ferreira Barreto-Vieira, Marcos Alexandre Nunes da Silva, Ana Luisa Teixeira de Almeida, Arthur da Costa Rasinhas, Maria Eduarda Monteiro, Milene Dias Miranda, Fernando Couto Motta, Marilda M. Siqueira, Wendell Girard-Dias, Braulio Soares Archanjo, Patricia T. Bozza, Thiago Moreno L. Souza, Suelen Silva Gomes Dias, Vinicius Cardoso Soares, Ortrud Monika Barth
Summary: Researchers used various microscopy techniques to study the morphogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-E6 cells and observed several ultrastructural changes. These findings contribute to understanding the infection mechanism of the virus and its similarities with other coronaviruses.
Article
Immunology
Livia Teixeira, Jairo R. Temerozo, Filipe S. Pereira-Dutra, Andre Costa Ferreira, Mayara Mattos, Barbara Simonson Goncalves, Carolina Q. Sacramento, Lohanna Palhinha, Tamires Cunha-Fernandes, Suelen S. G. Dias, Vinicius Cardoso Soares, Ester A. Barreto, Daniella Cesar-Silva, Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues, Camila R. R. Pao, Caroline S. de Freitas, Patricia A. Reis, Eugenio D. Hottz, Fernando A. Bozza, Dumith C. Bou-Habib, Elvira M. Saraiva, Cecilia J. G. de Almeida, Joao P. B. Viola, Thiago Moreno L. Souza, Patricia T. Bozza
Summary: Simvastatin has been shown to have protective effects against SARS-CoV-2 infection both in vitro and in vivo. It reduces viral replication and lung damage, delays the progression of the disease, and decreases mortality. It also suppresses inflammation triggered by the virus and affects the course of infection by disrupting lipid rafts on cell membranes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Otavio Augusto Chaves, Carolina Q. Sacramento, Andre C. Ferreira, Mayara Mattos, Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues, Jairo R. Temerozo, Leonardo Vazquez, Douglas Pereira Pinto, Gabriel P. E. da Silveira, Lais Bastos da Fonseca, Heliana Martins Pereira, Aluana Santana Carlos, Joana C. d'Avila, Joao P. B. Viola, Robson Q. Monteiro, Patricia T. Bozza, Hugo Caire Castro-Faria-Neto, Thiago Moreno L. Souza
Summary: This study demonstrates that Atazanavir (ATV) is effective against different lineages and variants of SARS-CoV-2 through inhibiting the virus's main protease (M-pro). Oral administration of ATV in mice showed partial protection against lethal challenge with the SARS-CoV-2 variant and reduced cell death and inflammation in the lungs.
Article
Biology
Xuanting Wang, Carolina Q. Sacramento, Steffen Jockusch, Otavio Augusto Chaves, Chuanjuan Tao, Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues, Minchen Chien, Jairo R. Temerozo, Xiaoxu Li, Shiv Kumar, Wei Xie, Dinshaw J. Patel, Cindy Meyer, Aitor Garzia, Thomas Tuschl, Patricia T. Bozza, James J. Russo, Thiago Moreno L. Souza, Jingyue Ju
Summary: This paper discovers that hepatitis C virus inhibitors Pibrentasvir and Ombitasvir can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 exonuclease and have therapeutic potential when combined with SARS-CoV-2 polymerase inhibitors in viral cell cultures. Combination drugs that inhibit both the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase and exonuclease are supported for effective COVID-19 treatment.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Jairo R. Temerozo, Carolina Q. Sacramento, Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues, Camila R. R. Pao, Caroline S. Freitas, Suelen Silva Gomes Dias, Andre C. Ferreira, Mayara Mattos, Vinicius Cardoso Soares, Livia Teixeira, Isaclaudia G. Azevedo-Quintanilha, Eugenio D. Hottz, Pedro Kurtz, Fernando A. Bozza, Patricia T. Bozza, Thiago Moreno L. Souza, Dumith Chequer Bou-Habib
Summary: This study found that the plasma levels of the immunoregulatory neuropeptide VIP are elevated in severe COVID-19 patients, correlating with reduced levels of inflammatory mediators and improved survival. In vitro experiments showed that VIP and the similar neuropeptide PACAP can decrease SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral production, as well as reduce cell death. Both neuropeptides can also inhibit the production of proinflammatory mediators and block the activation of transcription factors involved in inflammatory reactions and lipid metabolism. These findings support further clinical investigations of these neuropeptides for the treatment of COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simona Ricciardi, Andrea Maria Guarino, Laura Giaquinto, Elena Polishchuk, Michele Santoro, Giuseppe Di Tullio, Cathal Wilson, Francesco Panariello, Vinicius C. Soares, Suelen S. G. Dias, Julia C. Santos, Thiago M. L. Souza, Giovanna Fusco, Maurizio Viscardi, Sergio Brandi, Patricia T. Bozza, Roman S. Polishchuk, Rossella Venditti, Maria Antonietta De Matteis
Summary: The replication organelle of SARS-CoV-2 is generated by viral non-structural proteins (NSPs) NSP3 and NSP4, while NSP6 plays a role in connecting ER membranes and organizing DMV clusters. NSP6 also mediates the contact between SARS-CoV-2 and lipid droplets (LDs), providing a means to refurbish the replication organelle with LD-derived lipids.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rhana Berto da Silva Prata, Mayara Abud Mendes, Vinicius Cardoso Soares, Jaqueline Franca-Costa, Anna Maria Sales, Nadia Cristina Duppre, Valeria de Matos Borges, Tatiana Pereira da Silva, Patricia Torres Bozza, Marcelo Torres Bozza, Euzenir Nunes Sarno, Milton Ozorio Moraes, Gilberto Marcelo Sperandio da Silva, Roberta Olmo Pinheiro
Summary: Household contacts of leprosy patients have a higher risk of developing the disease, with genes, antibodies, and arginase activity playing important roles. Evaluating arginase activity can be a predictive marker for deciding whether contacts should receive preventive treatment in leprosy control programs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diogo Gama Caetano, Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves, Eugenio Damaceno Hottz, Larissa Melo Vilela, Sandra Wagner Cardoso, Brenda Hoagland, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Valdilea Goncalves Veloso, Mariza Goncalves Morgado, Patricia Torres Bozza, Monick Lindenmeyer Guimaraes, Fernanda Heloise Cortes
Summary: HIV controllers exhibit elevated levels of inflammation markers associated with cardiovascular diseases, while elite controllers show lower but persistent levels of inflammation, similar to the group receiving antiretroviral therapy, suggesting the potential benefits of alternative therapies to decrease inflammation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jairo R. Temerozo, Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues, Monique Cristina dos Santos, Eugenio D. Hottz, Carolina Q. Sacramento, Aline de Paula Dias da Silva, Samuel Coelho Mandacaru, Emilly Caroline dos Santos Moraes, Monique R. O. Trugilho, Joao S. M. Gesto, Marcelo Alves Ferreira, Felipe Betoni Saraiva, Lohanna Palhinha, Remy Martins-Goncalves, Isaclaudia Gomes Azevedo-Quintanilha, Juliana L. Abrantes, Cassia Righy, Pedro Kurtz, Hui Jiang, Hongdong Tan, Carlos Morel, Dumith Chequer Bou-Habib, Fernando A. Bozza, Patricia T. Bozza, Thiago Moreno L. Souza
Summary: This study found that critically ill COVID-19 patients had higher expression levels of HERV-K genes in tracheal aspirates. Increased HERV-K levels were associated with early mortality, inflammation, and coagulopathy.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joanna Bokel, Daniela P. Mendes-de-Almeida, Remy Martins-Goncalves, Lohanna Palhinha, Alexandre G. Vizzoni, Danusa Ferreira Correa, Luciana Gomes Pedro Brandao, Patricia T. Bozza, Beatriz Grinsztejn
Summary: Reports of rare but life-threatening adverse events, such as capillary leak syndrome and vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are increasing worldwide. Isolated thrombocytopenia may indicate pseudothrombocytopenia caused by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-induced platelet aggregation. Recognizing pseudothrombocytopenia is crucial to prevent diagnostic errors and unnecessary invasive procedures.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Virology
Otavio Augusto Chaves, Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues, Xuanting Wang, Carolina Q. Sacramento, Jairo R. Temerozo, Andre C. Ferreira, Mayara Mattos, Filipe Pereira-Dutra, Patricia T. Bozza, Hugo Caire Castro-Faria-Neto, James J. Russo, Jingyue Ju, Thiago Moreno L. Souza
Summary: This study evaluates the potential of seven flavonoids for COVID-19 treatment and finds that flavonols have better inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 than isoflavone and flavones. Myricetin and fisetin are identified as preferred candidates, showing both anti-inflammatory effects and inhibition of the main protease (M-pro).
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiroki Tomizawa, Yoshiyuki Yamada, Misaki Arima, Yui Miyabe, Mineyo Fukuchi, Haruka Hikichi, Rossana C. N. Melo, Takechiyo Yamada, Shigeharu Ueki
Summary: Galectin-10 is an abundant cytoplasmic protein in human eosinophils and has been identified as a potential biomarker in eosinophilic diseases. It is released through extracellular trap cell death, indicating a close relationship between eosinophils and Galectin-10. This review highlights the functional roles of Galectin-10 in immunity and its potential as a biomarker in eosinophilic diseases.
Review
Microbiology
Kassia K. Malta, Cinthia Palazzi, Vitor H. Neves, Yasmin Aguiar, Thiago P. Silva, Rossana C. N. Melo
Summary: Eosinophils play an important role in the development of schistosomiasis mansoni, forming granulomas and interacting with other immune cells and the granuloma microenvironment. However, their functions in this disease are still unclear.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lara M. Campos, Ari S. O. Lemos, Irley O. M. Diniz, Lucas A. Carvalho, Thiago P. Silva, Paula R. B. Dib, Eugenio D. Hottz, Luciana M. Chedier, Rossana C. N. Melo, Rodrigo L. Fabri
Summary: This study evaluated the antifungal activity of the ethanolic extract of A. muricata leaves against multidrug-resistant Candida albicans and found that it significantly inhibited the growth and cell density of the fungus by affecting the fungal plasma membrane and cell wall integrity, leading to reduced cell viability.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Suelen Silva Gomes Dias, Tamires Cunha-Fernandes, Vinicius Cardoso Soares, Cecilia J. G. de Almeida, Patricia T. Bozza
Summary: Lipid droplets (LD) play important roles in cell metabolism, immune response, neurodevelopment, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that LD are involved in Zika virus replication and pathogenesis, and targeting lipid metabolism and LD biogenesis may represent potential strategies for anti-Zika virus treatment.
MEMORIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ
(2023)
