Host-Microbe Biology
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyRift Valley Fever Virus Infection Causes Acute Encephalitis in the FerretAnimal models of viral disease are very important for understanding how viruses make people sick and for testing out drugs and vaccines to see if they can prevent disease. In this study, we identify the ferret as a model of encephalitis caused by Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). This novel model will allow researchers to evaluate ways to prevent RVFV encephalitis.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyTriazole Evolution of Candida parapsilosis Results in Cross-Resistance to Other Antifungal Drugs, Influences Stress Responses, and Alters Virulence in an Antifungal Drug-Dependent MannerCandida parapsilosis causes life-threatening fungal infections. In the last 2 decades, the increasing number of azole-resistant C. parapsilosis clinical isolates has been attributable to the overuse and misuse of fluconazole, the first-line antifungal agent most commonly used in several countries....
Editor's Pick Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyDistinct Fecal and Plasma Metabolites in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Modulation after Microbiota Transfer TherapyDespite the prevalence of autism and its extensive impact on our society, no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment is available for this complex neurobiological disorder. Based on mounting evidences that support a link between autism and the gut microbiome, we previously performed a pioneering open-label clinical trial using intensive fecal microbiota transplant. The therapy significantly improved gastrointestinal and...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyThe Initial Gut Microbiota and Response to Antibiotic Perturbation Influence Clostridioides difficile Clearance in MiceClostridioides difficile is a leading nosocomial infection. Although perturbation to the gut microbiota is an established risk, there is variation in who becomes asymptomatically colonized, develops an infection, or has adverse infection outcomes. Mouse models of C. difficile infection (CDI) are...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyFunctional Analysis of the Collagen Binding Proteins of Streptococcus parasanguinis FW213Bacteria generally can utilize multiple adhesins to establish themselves in the host. We found that Streptococcus parasanguinis, a dominant oral commensal and an opportunistic pathogen for subacute endocarditis, possesses at least three collagen-binding proteins that enable S. parasanguinis to successfully colonize damaged heart tissues and escape innate...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyThe Two-Component Response Regulator Ssk1 and the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Hog1 Control Antifungal Drug Resistance and Cell Wall Architecture of Candida aurisCandida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) fungal pathogen that presents a serious global threat to human health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have classified C. auris as an urgent threat to public health for the next decade due to its major clinical and economic...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyThe Small RNA ErsA Plays a Role in the Regulatory Network of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pathogenicity in Airway InfectionsPseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most critical multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens in humans, able to cause both lethal acute and chronic lung infections. Thorough knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms involved in the establishment and persistence of the airways infections by P. aeruginosa...
Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: Learning from Nature—Antibody Profiles Important for Protection of Young InfantsEsther Ndungo works in the field of maternal-infant immunity against enteric pathogens. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the paper “Fc glycan-mediated regulation of placental antibody transfer” by Jennewein et al. (M. F. Jennewein, I. Goldfarb, S. Dolatshahi, C. Cosgrove, et al., Cell 178:202–215.e14, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2019.05.044)...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyFour-Dimensional Characterization of the Babesia divergens Asexual Life Cycle, from the Trophozoite to the Multiparasite StageBabesiosis is a disease caused by intraerythrocytic Babesia parasites, which possess many clinical features that are similar to those of malaria. This worldwide disease is increasing in frequency and geographical range and has a significant impact on human and animal health. Babesia divergens is one of the species responsible for human and cattle babesiosis causing death unless treated promptly. When B. divergens...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyHuman Keratinocyte Response to SuperantigensStaphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are common human pathogens, causing infections that include the skin. Both pathogens produce a family of secreted toxins called superantigens, which have been shown to be important in human diseases. The first cell types encountered by superantigens...