Microbes & Immunity’s Post

New bacterial mechanism to stop viral infection Bacteria defend themselves from viral infection using diverse immune systems, some of which target and degrade foreign DNA, while others, including defense-associated reverse transcriptase (DRT) systems, take advantage of DNA synthesis. But how the latter approach leads to antiviral defense – including through DNA products produced – remains largely unknown. Focusing on a DRT system from the bacteria K. pneumoniae, the researchers discovered that when K. pneumoniae cells were infected with a phage, the DRT2 reverse transcriptases used RNA templates to synthesize a new gene, which the authors dubbed “neo.” Using mass spectrometry, the authors detected Neo peptides in phage-infected cells. The peptides’ presence halted cell growth and restricted viral spread, they say. “It is the Neo protein, we propose,” say the authors, “that acts as the effector arm of the immune system by rapidly arresting cell growth and inducing programmed dormancy, thus protecting the larger bacterial population from the spread of phage.” #ScienceMission #sciencenewshighlights https://lnkd.in/g3C_3iSf

If you're passionate about infectious diseases and innate immunity, check out our lab's latest publications! These studies represent small yet significant steps toward uncovering the enigmatic roles of neutrophils in TB. Grateful to all the amazing authors and my excellent collaborators who contributed to advancing this exciting field of TB research. Mohd Saqib et al showed that immature CD101-ve neutrophils play a pathogenic role in TB (https://lnkd.in/g35VPPvq) Tanvir Nafiz et al showed that formyl peptide receptors play different roles in neutrophils and macrophages to regulate host immunity against TB (https://lnkd.in/gzQiWDJe) Poornima Sankar et al showed that neutrophils utilize fatty acid metabolism to cause pathogenesis during TB (https://lnkd.in/gzPPaNgH). For more details, explore the publications mentioned above—all freely available! Dive into the intriguing world of TB research—we’re just getting started!

#editorchoice 📢 Role of Innate #Interferon Responses at the #Ocular Surface in Herpes Simplex Virus-1-Induced Herpetic Stromal #Keratitis 👨🎓 by Jiayi Ren et al. 🔗 Full article: https://lnkd.in/dWC4fUkG This review summarizes our current understanding of #HSV-1 recognition by PRRs and innate IFN-mediated antiviral immunity during HSV-1 infection of the cornea. We also discuss the immunopathogenesis of HSK, current HSK therapeutics and challenges, proposed experimental approaches, and benefits of promoting local IFN-λ responses. 👉 This article belongs to the Special Issue: Viruses and Ocular Infection https://lnkd.in/dWrnBqhr

During my master's period, my research has focused on the treatment of COVID-19. I have published two papers on this topic: one as the second author in Antiviral Research and another as the first author in ACS Omega. 1. Synthesis, Evaluation, and Mechanism of 1-(4-(arylethylenylcarbonyl)phenyl)-4-carboxy-2-pyrrolidinones as Potent Reversible SARS-CoV-2 Entry Inhibitors This study involved designing and synthesizing a new class of chemicals aimed at blocking two important proteins, TMPRSS2 and Furin, which help the COVID-19 virus infect our cells. We tested different versions of these chemicals and found that one called 2f (81) was particularly effective at stopping the virus, including the Delta and Omicron variants, in cells grown in the lab. This chemical not only prevented the virus from attaching to human cells but also enhanced its ability to fight the infection. When we administered it to hamsters, we observed reductions in their weight loss and the amount of virus in their bodies. These results indicate significant potential for further research and development as a treatment. https://lnkd.in/gsfmKQYs 2. Systematic Studies on the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Mechanisms of Tea Polyphenol-Related Natural Products This study looked at how certain natural substances found in tea can help stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus needs to attach to human cells using a specific part of its spike protein and then uses human enzymes to get inside the cells. The research showed that compounds from tea can block this attachment and the human enzymes, making it harder for the virus to enter and spread. Some of these tea compounds also stopped the virus from multiplying. This study offers a clear method to understand how these tea substances fight COVID-19. https://lnkd.in/giMg6rG4 ✨I am grateful to my professor for his guidance and to all my colleagues in the lab for their support.

#lifesciences #pias #paruluniversity Expert Talk on Modulation of Cell Death – Pathways upon Herpes Simplex Virus-1(HSV-1) Infection Date: 25th Oct, 2024 Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Venue: Seminar Hall, PIAS. Regulated cell death (RCD) plays an important role in the cell processes like cell survival, proliferation, inflammation and innate immune responses to pathogens. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) has evolved strategies to favour cell survival, effective virus reproduction and escape host antiviral responses. It is well known that transcription factor NFκB is activated in response to HSV-1 infection. However, molecular mechanisms of NFκB signalling in HSV1-infected epithelial cells are not well studied. We try to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying antiviral response. We are also understanding virus-induced cell death, with a major focus on mechanisms and signal cross-talks between apoptosis-autophagy-necroptosis. Moreover, how viral proteins and viral miRNAs regulate these decision-making processes between survival and cell death. Speaker: Mr. Dhairya Rajguru, Doctoral Researcher, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University Medical Hospital Freiburg, Germany. Co-ordinator, Dr. Jayvadan Vaishnav, Assistant Professor, Life Sciences Department, Parul Institute of Applied Science.

📚 Special Issue: RNA World in Health and Disease 🧐 Guest Editors: Dr. Marco Ragusa, Dr. Cristina Barbagallo 🔦 Four interesting articles included. Enjoy your reading! 1️⃣ The coevolution of Covid-19 and host immunity https://lnkd.in/ge-8Fw2Q 2️⃣ Self-replicating RNA viruses in vaccine development https://lnkd.in/gnabjv4M 3️⃣ RNA-RNA competitive interactions: a molecular civil war ruling cell physiology and diseases https://lnkd.in/gHUYqdEj 4️⃣ m6 RNA methylation: an emerging common target in the immune response to cancer and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection https://lnkd.in/gWSGK5UY

📚 Special Issue: RNA World in Health and Disease 🧐 Guest Editors: Dr. Marco Ragusa, Dr. Cristina Barbagallo 🔦 Four interesting articles included. Enjoy your reading! 1️⃣ The coevolution of Covid-19 and host immunity https://lnkd.in/gC-YP7m4 2️⃣ Self-replicating RNA viruses in vaccine development https://lnkd.in/gfjq4qvv 3️⃣ RNA-RNA competitive interactions: a molecular civil war ruling cell physiology and diseases https://lnkd.in/gQe4DSjx 4️⃣ m6 RNA methylation: an emerging common target in the immune response to cancer and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection https://lnkd.in/grX_8wUh

A healthy immune system is able to discriminate between self and harmful foreign pathogens (which are then eliminated). The T Cell Receptor (or TCR) is central to healthy T Cell function and a well-functioning immune system. When the immune system malfunctions and TCR recognition becomes dysregulated, T Cells behave abnormally, attacking a patient’s own tissues and organs. Nck is an adaptor protein which plays a direct role in T Cell Mediated diseases. Nck directly amplifies TCR responses, and amplified TCR signaling contributes to T Cell mediated diseases. Artax Biopharma is developing first-in-class, oral, small molecules that block Nck binding to the TCR. Through this novel mechanism, Artax’s Nck inhibitors selectively inhibit Nck amplification of the TCR, resulting in a lower T Cell activation and lower T Cell response to self while allowing responses to foreign pathogens. Artax believes this process of #immunomodulation – during which our medicines assist the immune system to maintain healthy control and eliminate a direct cause of T Cell mediated diseases while not impacting patients’ ability to properly fight foreign pathogens – holds great potential. #nckblockers #innovation

Persistent COVID-19 Infection in an Immunocompromised Host: A Case Report Abstract This case report highlights the prolonged SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction positivity in a 32-year-old immunocompromised male with a history of kidney transplants and chronic kidney disease. The whole genome sequencing of nasopharyngeal samples for SARS-CoV-2 collected 12 days apart showed the presence of the BA.1.1 Omicron variant. It revealed evidence of intra-host viral evolution, showing the development and loss of specific mutations over time. This report emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring strategies for immunocompromised patients, as they may serve as reservoirs for viral evolution and potentially give rise to immune escape variants. Click on image in banner below to access entire study, the authors and their reference materials. Posted by Larry Cole @ Covid Impact 360°

A new study from the lab of Bruno Lemaitre finds that Drosophila's Turandot proteins protect against immune self-harm. It's the first identification of proteins that protect against antimicrobial peptides, and it can tell us a lot about cellular resilience mechanisms, with potential therapeutic applications. #immunity #immunesystem #proteins #autoimmunediseases #epfl #drosophila