Latest Articles
Research ArticleEscherichia coli Nissle 1917 Enhances Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in a Ciprofloxacin-Treated Defined-Microbiota Piglet Model of Human Rotavirus InfectionRotavirus (RV) is a primary cause of malabsorptive diarrhea in children and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. The use of antibiotics exacerbates intestinal microbial imbalance and results in the persistence of RV-induced diarrhea.
Research ArticleBovine Immune Response to Vaccination and Infection with Leptospira borgpetersenii Serovar HardjoLeptospirosis is an underdiagnosed, underreported zoonotic disease of which domestic livestock can be carriers. As a reservoir host for Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo, cattle may present with reproductive issues, including abortion, birth of weak or infected calves, or failure to breed.
ObservationCryptococcus neoformans Coinfection Dampens the TNF-α Response in HIV-1-Infected Human THP-1 MacrophagesFungal infections are one of the leading causes of death for people who live with HIV/AIDS. Even though these pathogens are independently well studied, it is still enigmatic how coinfection with HIV-1 and C. neoformans alters gene expression and cellular processes, especially in clinically relevant cell types.
Research ArticleAn Assessment of Siderophore Production, Mucoviscosity, and Mouse Infection Models for Defining the Virulence Spectrum of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniaeThe pathogenic potential of hvKp strains is primarily mediated by a large virulence plasmid. The minimal set of genes required for the full expression of the hypervirulent phenotype is undefined.
Research ArticleDissecting Individual Interactions between Pathogenic and Commensal Bacteria within a Multispecies Gut Microbial CommunityStudying interactions between bacterial species that reside in the human gut is crucial for gaining a better insight into how they provide protection from pathogen colonization. In vitro models of multispecies bacterial communities wherein behaviors of single species can be accurately tracked are key to such studies. Here, we have developed a synthetic, trackable, gut microbiota community which reduces growth of the human gut...
Research ArticleStaphylococcus aureus Responds to Physiologically Relevant Temperature Changes by Altering Its Global Transcript and Protein ProfileEnteric bacterial pathogens, like Escherichia coli, are known to experience large temperature differences as they are transmitted through the fecal oral route. This change in temperature has been demonstrated to influence bacterial gene expression and facilitate infection. Staphylococcus aureus is a...
Research ArticleMachine Learning Prediction and Experimental Validation of Antigenic Drift in H3 Influenza A Viruses in SwineInfluenza A viruses (IAV) in swine constitute a major economic burden to an important global agricultural sector, impact food security, and are a public health threat. Despite significant improvement in surveillance for IAV in swine over the past 10 years, sequence data have not been integrated into a systematic vaccine strain selection process for predicting antigenic phenotype and identifying determinants of antigenic drift.
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CommentarymSphere of Influence: Courage and Resilience in Life and Science...Anat Florentin works in the field of molecular parasitology, studying the cell biology of malaria parasites. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects how the book Brave Genius: a Scientist, a Philosopher, and Their Daring Adventures from the French Resistance to the Nobel Prize by Sean B. Carroll (2013) made a powerful impact on her by telling scientific stories in the context of dramatic life events.
Research ArticleStage-Specific De Novo Synthesis of Very-Long-Chain Dihydroceramides Confers Dormancy to Entamoeba ParasitesEntamoeba is a protozoan parasite that thrives in its niche by alternating its two forms between a proliferative trophozoite and dormant cyst. Cysts are the only form able to transmit to a new host and are differentiated from trophozoites in a process termed “encystation.” During Entamoeba encystation, cell metabolites, components, and morphology drastically change, which occur sequentially in an orchestrated manner....
Research ArticlePhotochromic Fluorophores Enable Imaging of Lowly Expressed Proteins in the Autofluorescent Fungus Candida albicansUnderstanding the spatial and temporal organization of proteins of interest is key to unraveling cellular processes and identifying novel possible antifungal targets. Only a few therapeutic targets have been discovered in Candida albicans, and resistance mechanisms against these therapeutic agents are rapidly acquired.