Host-Microbe Biology
- Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyHuman Cytomegalovirus UL7, miR-US5-1, and miR-UL112-3p Inactivation of FOXO3a Protects CD34+ Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells from Apoptosis
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes serious disease in immunocompromised individuals and is a significant problem during transplantation. The virus can establish a latent infection in CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and periodically reactivate to cause disease in the absence of an intact immune system.
- Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyGenomic Epidemiology and Evolution of Escherichia coli in Wild Animals in Mexico
Escherichia coli is a clinically important bacterial species implicated in human- and livestock-associated infections worldwide. The bacterium is known to reside in the guts of humans, livestock, and wild animals.
- Commentary | Host-Microbe BiologymSphere of Influence: the Complexity of Interferon Gamma-Mediated Pathogen Control
Bryan D. Bryson works in the field of biological engineering with a specific interest in host-mycobacterium interactions.
- Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologySmall RNAs Are Implicated in Regulation of Gene and Transposable Element Expression in the Protist Trichomonas vaginalis
Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection in humans. The millions of cases each year have sequelae that may include complications during pregnancy and increased risk of HIV infection.
- Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyStructure-Guided Design of a Synthetic Mimic of an Endothelial Protein C Receptor-Binding PfEMP1 Protein
Vaccines train our immune systems to generate antibodies which recognize pathogens. Some of these antibodies are highly protective, preventing infection, while others are ineffective.
- Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyDisentangling the Relative Roles of Vertical Transmission, Subsequent Colonizations, and Diet on Cockroach Microbiome Assembly
When host fitness is dependent on gut microbiota, microbial community flexibility and reproducibility enhance host fitness by allowing fine-tuned environmental tracking and sufficient stability for host traits to evolve. Our findings lend support to the importance of vertically transmitted early-life microbiota as stabilizers through interactions with potential colonizers that may contribute to ensuring that the microbiota aligns within...
- Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyNovel Immune Modulators Enhance Caenorhabditis elegans Resistance to Multiple Pathogens
Trends moving in opposite directions (increasing antimicrobial resistance and declining novel antimicrobial development) have precipitated a looming crisis: a nearly complete inability to safely and effectively treat bacterial infections. To avert this, new approaches are needed.
- Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyThe Majority of Typhoid Toxin-Positive Salmonella Serovars Encode ArtB, an Alternate Binding Subunit
While previous reports had suggested that the typhoid toxin (TT) could potentially use ArtB as an alternate binding subunit, this was thought to play a minor role in the evolution and biology of the toxin. In this study, we establish that both TT genes and artB are widespread among Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, suggesting that TT likely plays...
- Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyAssociation of Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein Binding to Viral Genomic RNA with Attenuation of Replication of Echovirus 7
We recently discovered that the OAS3/RNase L antiviral pathway is essential for restriction of CpG- and UpA-enriched viruses, in addition to the requirement for zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP). The current study provides evidence for the specific dinucleotide and wider recognition contexts associated with virus recognition and attenuation.
- Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyIdentification of Nasal Gammaproteobacteria with Potent Activity against Staphylococcus aureus: Novel Insights into the “Noncarrier” State
Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is a risk factor for infection, but it is not yet understood why some individuals carry nasal S. aureus persistently, intermittently, or seemingly not at all when tested via culture methods. This study compared the nasal microbiomes of established...