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Topic Review
The Innate Immune System in Cardiovascular Diseases
Innate immune cells are the early responders to infection and tissue damage. They play a critical role in the initiation and resolution of inflammation in response to insult as well as tissue repair. Following ischemic or non-ischemic cardiac injury, a strong inflammatory response plays a critical role in the removal of cell debris and tissue remodeling. However, persistent inflammation could be detrimental to the heart. Studies suggest that cardiac inflammation and tissue repair needs to be tightly regulated such that the timely resolution of the inflammation may prevent adverse cardiac damage. This involves the recognition of damage; activation and release of soluble mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, and proteases; and immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. This is important in the context of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity as well. Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective chemotherapy against multiple cancers but at the cost of cardiotoxicity. The innate immune system has emerged as a contributor to exacerbate the disease.
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Trypanosoma cruzi Congenital Transmission
Chagas disease, initiated by the etiological agent Trypanosoma cruzi, is an endemic infection in the American continent. Although vectorial transmission of T. cruzi is recognized as the main mode of infection, other routes such as congenital and blood transfusion are also documented as important methods of transmission. T. cruzi maternal–fetal transmission has been recorded in humans and examined by some investigators in naturally and experimentally infected mammals. 
  • 1.1K
  • 08 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Periodontal NETs: Beneficence & Maleficence
Periodontitis is a general term for diseases characterised by inflammatory destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, gradual destruction of the marginal periodontal ligament and resorption of alveolar bone. Early-onset periodontitis is due to disturbed neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and clearance. Indeed, mutations that inactivate the cysteine proteases cathepsin C result in deficient NET formation and concomitant early-onset periodontitis. In contrast, exaggerated NET formation due to polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) hyper-responsiveness drives the pathology of late-onset periodontitis by damaging and ulcerating the gingival epithelium and retarding epithelial healing. Periodontitis progression ends with almost complete loss of the periodontal ligament and subsequent tooth exfoliation. 
  • 1.1K
  • 28 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Neuropeptide Y and Peptide YY
A description of immunomodulatory properties of neuropeptides NPY and PYY on macrophages in the context of cancer.
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic cytokine expressed by macrophages, monocytes, and T cells, and its expression is triggered by the immune system in response to pathogens and their products, such as endotoxins. TNF-α plays an important role in host defense by inducing inflammatory reactions such as phagocytes and cytocidal systems activation. TNF-α also plays an important role in bone metabolism and is associated with inflammatory bone diseases. TNF-α binds to two cell surface receptors, the 55kDa TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) and the 75kDa TNF receptor-2 (TNFR2).
  • 1.1K
  • 11 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Diseases with Potential Lectin Pathway Involvement
The complement system is the other major proteolytic cascade in the blood of vertebrates besides the coagulation-fibrinolytic system. Among the three main activation routes of complement, the lectin pathway (LP) has been discovered the latest, and it is still the subject of intense research. Uncontrolled complement activation can contribute to the progression of many diseases (e.g. stroke, kidney diseases, thrombotic complications, and COVID-19). In most cases the lectin pathway has also been implicated. 
  • 1.1K
  • 31 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators Biomarkers
The application of precision medicine paradigm in the daily treatment of patients has been greatly hampered by the lack of robust biomarkers. Lipid mediators are central in the regulation of host immune responses during both the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Amongst lipid mediators, the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) govern immune cells to promote the resolution of inflammation. These autacoids are produced via the stereoselective conversion of essential fatty acids to yield molecules that are dynamically regulated during inflammation and exert potent immunoregulatory activities. Furthermore, there is an increasing appreciation for the role that these mediators play in conveying the biological actions of several anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Identification and quantitation of these mediators has traditionally been achieved using hyphenated mass spectrometric techniques, primarily liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. 
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Linear IgA Disease
Linear IgA disease (LAD) is an autoimmune mucocutaneous disease characterized by linear deposits of IgA at the basement membrane zone on immunopathology. It is also known as linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD), but LAD is preferred because it is inclusive of patients without bullous lesions. In the pediatric population, it is known as chronic bullous disease of childhood (CBDC).
  • 1.1K
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Sepsis and HMGB1 Release
Sepsis remains a common cause of death in intensive care units, accounting for approximately 20% of total deaths worldwide. Its pathogenesis is partly attributable to dysregulated inflammatory responses to bacterial endotoxins (such as lipopolysaccharide, LPS), which stimulate innate immune cells to sequentially release early cytokines (such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferons (IFNs)) and late mediators (such as high-mobility group box 1, HMGB1).  Below is a brief summary of the intricate mechanisms underlying the regulation of bacterial endotoxin-induced HMGB1 release.
  • 1.1K
  • 13 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Dendritic Cells and Allergic Asthma
Here we describe the pathophysiology of type II allergic asthma and the role that dendritic cells (DCs) play in the instruction of allergen specific, T-cell mediated immune responses. Moreover, we provide an overview of our current understanding pertinent to DCs that acquire tolerogenic properties and thus represent essential regulators of aberrant Th2 asthmatic responses.
  • 1.1K
  • 17 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) , comprising a variety of nano-scale vesicles ranging from 50 to 1000 nm in size, are released from all types of cells carrying a variety of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in a more protective manner than un-enveloped circulating biomolecules such as antibodies and cytokines from cellular DNases, RNases, proteases, and other degrading materials, due to the presence of the lipid bilayer membrane. EVs contribute to the dissemination and persistence of genetic material and proteins of SARS-CoV-2 due to the similarity in the entrance, budding, and mechanisms of biogenesis during infection. 
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Gut Microbiota in Primary Immunodeficiencies
Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a group of disorders that are mostly caused by genetic mutations affecting immune host defense and immune regulation. Although IEI present with a wide spectrum of clinical features, in about one third of them various degrees of gastrointestinal (GI) involvement have been described and for some IEI the GI manifestations represent the main and peculiar clinical feature. The microbiome plays critical roles in the education and function of the host’s innate and adaptive immune system, and imbalances in microbiota-immunity interactions can contribute to intestinal pathogenesis. Microbial dysbiosis combined to the impairment of immunosurveillance and immune dysfunction in IEI, may favor mucosal permeability and lead to inflammation. Here we review how immune homeostasis between commensals and the host is established in the gut, and how these mechanisms can be disrupted in the context of primary immunodeficiencies. Additionally, we highlight key aspects of the first studies on gut microbiome in patients affected by IEI and discuss how gut microbiome could be harnessed as a therapeutic approach in these diseases.
  • 1.1K
  • 16 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a multifunctional Th1 cytokine and one of the most important inflammatory cytokines.
  • 1.1K
  • 22 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Cognitive Decline in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cognitive decline refers to a deterioration of intellectual and learning abilities and related memory problems, and is often associated with behavioral alterations, which prevents sufferers from carrying out the most common daily activities, such as maintaining normal productive interpersonal relationships, communicating, and leading an autonomous life. Numerous studies have highlighted the association between cognitive decline and autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that involves systems and organs other than the bones and joints, with varying severity among patients.
  • 1.1K
  • 10 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Clinical Strategies of CAR-T-Cell Therapy for Hematological Malignancies
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been successfully used for hematological malignancies, especially for relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients who have undergone conventional chemo-immunotherapy and have relapsed can achieve complete remission for several months with the infusion of CAR T-cells. However, side effects and short duration of response are still major barriers to further CAR T-cell therapy. To improve the efficacy, multiple targets, the discovery of new target antigens, and CAR T-cell optimization have been extensively studied.
  • 1.1K
  • 14 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Interleukins as Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Risk factors for CRC include obesity, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, and smoking. CRC has a poor prognosis, and there is a critical need for new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to reduce related deaths. Studies have focused more on molecular testing to guide targeted treatments for CRC patients. The most crucial feature of activated immune cells is the production and release of growth factors and cytokines that modulate the inflammatory conditions in tumor tissues. The cytokine network is valuable for the prognosis and pathogenesis of colorectal cancer as they can aid in the cost-effective and non-invasive detection of cancer. A large number of interleukins (IL) released by the immune system at various stages of CRC can act as “biomarkers”. They play diverse functions in colorectal cancer, and include IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-33, TNF, TGF-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are pro-tumorigenic genes. 
  • 1.1K
  • 10 May 2023
Topic Review
Autoimmune Gut Diseases and COVID-19 Vaccines
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic raised many challenges for all patients with chronic conditions and those with autoimmune diseases, both adults and children. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by hyperreactivity of the immune system and loss of immune tolerance, which damage and destroy healthy tissues, cells, and organs.
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Gamma-Interferon in Cancer Hyperprogression
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve the survival of patients with multiple types of cancer. However, low response rates and atypical responses limit their success in clinical applications. The paradoxical acceleration of tumor growth after treatment, defined as hyperprogressive disease (HPD), is the most difficult problem facing clinicians and patients alike. The mechanisms that underlie hyperprogression (HP) are still unclear and controversial, although a large number of studies have investigated the phenomenon and several associated factors have been reported. Gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) is a key cytokine in antitumor response and its levels increase during ICI therapy. Even though this factor has been widely associated with resistance to ICI therapy, it has not yet been demonstrated to be directly associated with HP. Nevertheless, data suggest that IFN-γ may contribute to HP onset through different mechanisms, including the activation of the inflammasome pathway, the expression of the immunosuppressive enzyme IDO1 and the triggering of activation-induced cell death (AICD) in effector T cells. These findings make IFN-γ worthy of attention in the context of HPD development.
  • 1.1K
  • 07 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Current Trends in Cancer Immunotherapy
The search for an effective drug to treat oncological diseases, which have become the main scourge of mankind, has generated a lot of methods for studying this affliction. It has also become a serious challenge for scientists and clinicians who have needed to invent new ways of overcoming the problems encountered during treatments, and have also made important discoveries pertaining to fundamental issues relating to the emergence and development of malignant neoplasms. Understanding the basics of the human immune system interactions with tumor cells has enabled new cancer immunotherapy strategies. Understanding the ways in which present therapies work, their advantages and disadvantages and how we can improve therapies is essential for developing next generation, or new treatments for cancer. 
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Immune-Targeting Nanomaterials
Cancer immunotherapy is a treatment method in which the immune system is stimulated to communicate with the tumor at the tumor microenvironment (TME) to detect, target, and destroy the growth of the cancer cells or malignancy.
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Dec 2022
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