Latest Articles
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyIdentification of a Chromosomal Integrated DNA Fragment Containing the rmpA2 and iucABCDiutA Virulence Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniaeThis study reported for the first time and characterized in detail the genetic features of a mobile virulence-encoding fragment located in the chromosome of a clinical virulent K. pneumoniae strain and revealed the occurrence of a transposition event mediated by IS26. This genetic structure could mediate the transposition of the virulence-encoding fragment...
Editor's Pick Research Article | Applied and Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Consortium Containing Pseudomonas and Bacillus Species Synergistically Degrades Polyethylene Terephthalate PlasticWhile several research groups are utilizing purified enzymes to break down postconsumer PET to the monomers TPA and ethylene glycol to produce new PET products, here, we present a group of five soil bacteria in culture that are able to partially degrade this polymer. To date, mixed Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. biodegradation of PET has not been described, and this work highlights the possibility of using...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyCrucial Role of ppGpp in the Resilience of Escherichia coli to Growth DisruptionThe capacity of microbes to resist and overcome environmental insults, known as resilience, allows them to survive in changing environments but also to resist antibiotic and biocide treatments and immune system responses. Although the role of the stringent response in bacterial resilience to nutritional stresses has been well studied, little is known about its importance in the ability of the bacteria to not just resist but also recover...
Observation | Host-Microbe BiologyCRISPR/Cas9-Based Knockout of GNAQ Reveals Differences in Host Cell Signaling Necessary for Egress of Apicomplexan ParasitesThe coordinated release of apicomplexan parasites from infected host cells prior to reinvasion is a critical process for parasite survival and the spread of infection. While Toxoplasma tachyzoites and Plasmodium blood stages induce a fast disruption of their surrounding membranes during their egress from host cells, Plasmodium liver stages keep the host cell membrane intact and leave their host cell in host...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyAnalysis of Serial Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Strains Causing Treatment Failure and Within-Host Evolution by Whole-Genome SequencingFew studies have focused on the reasons for the low cure rate of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in China and within-host evolution during treatment, which is of great significance for improving clinical treatment regimens. Acquired resistance events were common during the ineffective treatment, among which resistance to amikacin and high-level moxifloxacin were the most common.
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyDistinct Immunoglobulin Fc Glycosylation Patterns Are Associated with Disease Nonprogression and Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Responses in Children with HIV InfectionTo protect future generations against HIV, a vaccine will need to induce immunity by the time of sexual debut and hence requires immunization during childhood. Current strategies for a prophylactic HIV vaccine include the induction of a broadly neutralizing antibody response and the recruitment of potent effector functions of immune cells via the constant antibody Fc region.
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionA Novel High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound-Treated Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Vaccine Induces Long-Term Protective Immunity against Lethal Challenge in MiceHigh-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is mainly used in tumor ablation and tumor vaccinology study. It has been shown to induce immune sensitization and enhance tumor responsiveness to other therapies.
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyThe Polyphosphate Kinase of Escherichia coli Is Required for Full Production of the Genotoxin ColibactinColibactin-producing E. coli induces DNA damage in eukaryotic cells and promotes tumor formation in mouse models of intestinal inflammation. Recent studies have provided strong evidence supporting the causative role of colibactin in human colorectal cancer (CRC) progression.
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologySuppressor Mutations in Type II Secretion Mutants of Vibrio cholerae: Inactivation of the VesC ProteaseGenome-wide transposon mutagenesis has identified the genes encoding the T2SS in Vibrio cholerae as essential for viability, but the reason for this is unclear. Mutants with deletions or insertions in these genes can be isolated, suggesting that they have acquired secondary mutations that suppress their growth defect.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyCorrected and Republished from: A Nonfunctional Opsonic Antibody Response Frequently Occurs after Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Is Associated with Invasive DiseaseNumerous reports on the dynamics of antipneumococcal immunity in relation to immunization with pneumococcal vaccines and on the prevalence of naturally acquired immunity in various populations have been published. In contrast, studies on the dynamics of the humoral immune response triggered by pneumococcal infection are scarce.