Host-Microbe Biology
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyA Secreted NlpC/P60 Endopeptidase from Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida Cleaves the Peptidoglycan of Potentially Competing BacteriaPeptidoglycan (PG) is a major component of the bacterial cell wall formed by long chains of two alternating sugars interconnected by short peptides, generating a mesh-like structure that enwraps the bacterial cell. Although PG provides structural integrity and support for anchoring other components of the cell envelope, it is constantly being remodeled through the action of specific enzymes that cleave or join its components.
...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyPredominance of Atopobium vaginae at Midtrimester: a Potential Indicator of Preterm Birth Risk in a Nigerian CohortGiving birth too soon accounts for half of all newborn deaths worldwide. Clinical symptoms alone are not sufficient to identify women at risk of giving birth too early, as such a pragmatic approach to reducing the incidence of preterm birth entails developing early strategies for intervention before it materializes.
Editor's Pick Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyStaphylococcal Enterotoxin C Subtypes Are Differentially Associated with Human Infections and Immunobiological ActivitiesStaphylococcal enterotoxin C has four subtypes that cause human diseases, designated SEC-1 to -4. This study shows that SEC-2 and SEC-3 are the most toxic subtypes in a rabbit model and are associated with human vaginal infections or colonization in association with another superantigen, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyAcquisition of Host Cytosolic Protein by Toxoplasma gondii BradyzoitesChronic infection of humans with Toxoplasma gondii is common, but little is known about how this intracellular parasite obtains the resources that it needs to persist indefinitely inside neurons and muscle cells. Here, we provide evidence that the chronic-stage form of T. gondii can internalize...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyNew Insights and Enhanced Human Norovirus Cultivation in Human Intestinal EnteroidsHuman noroviruses (HuNoVs) are highly contagious and cause acute and sporadic diarrheal illness in all age groups. In addition, chronic infections occur in immunocompromised cancer and transplant patients.
Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: Apoptotic Mimicry and Virus EntryMelinda A. Brindley works in the field of virology with specific interests in understanding how viruses enter cells. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the paper “Vaccinia virus uses macropinocytosis and apoptotic mimicry to enter host cells” by J. Mercer and A. Helenius (Science 320:531–535, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1155164) made an impact on her...
Editor's Pick Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: No More Excuses—Addressing Race, Racism, and Socioeconomic Issues in the Science Classroom and LaboratoryPascale Guiton works in the field of parasitology at a primarily undergraduate institution. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on her difficulties as a faculty of color to discuss socioscientific issues in her classrooms. T.
Editor's Pick Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyRandomized Controlled Trial of Oral Vancomycin Treatment in Clostridioides difficile-Colonized PatientsA gold standard diagnostic for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) does not exist. An area of controversy is how to manage patients whose stool tests positive by nucleic acid amplification tests but negative by toxin enzyme immunoassay.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologySpecific Norovirus Interaction with Lewis x and Lewis a on Human Intestinal Inflammatory Mucosa during Refractory Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseInflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are progressive diseases affecting millions of people each year. Flare-ups during IBD result in severe mucosal alterations of the small intestine (in CD) and in the colon and rectum (in CD and UC).
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyAnalysis of Apoptosis-Related Genes Reveals that Apoptosis Functions in Conidiation and Pathogenesis of Fusarium pseudograminearumThe plant-pathogenic fungus F. pseudograminearum is the causal agent of Fusarium crown rot (FCR) in wheat and barley, resulting in substantial yield losses worldwide. Particularly, in the Huanghuai wheat-growing region of China, F. pseudograminearum was reported as the dominant Fusarium species in FCR infections.