Topic Review
Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a promising therapeutic intervention for a variety of advanced/metastatic solid tumors, including melanoma, but in a large number of cases, patients fail to establish a sustained anti-tumor immunity and to achieve a long-lasting clinical benefit. Cells of the tumor micro-environment such as tumor-associated M2 macrophages (M2-TAMs) have been reported to limit the efficacy of immunotherapy, promoting tumor immune evasion and progression. 
  • 1.2K
  • 06 May 2021
Topic Review
MRNA Encoded Antibodies
The field of mRNA has made significant progress in the last ten years and has emerged as a highly attractive means of encoding and producing any protein of interest in vivo. Through the natural role of mRNA as a transient carrier of genetic information for translation into proteins, in vivo expression of mRNA-encoded antibodies offer many advantages over recombinantly produced antibodies.
  • 1.2K
  • 22 Mar 2021
Topic Review
E-Cadherin Signaling
E-cadherin, the major epithelial cadherin, is located in regions of cell–cell contact known as adherens junctions. E-cadherin contributes to the maintenance of the epithelial integrity through homophylic interaction; the cytoplasmic tail of E-cadherin directly binds catenins, forming a dynamic complex that regulates several intracellular signal transduction pathways, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
  • 1.2K
  • 21 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding milk glycoprotein that promotes the growth of selected probiotic strains. The effect of Lf on the growth and diversification of intestinal microbiota may have an impact on several issues, including (i) strengthening the permeability of the epithelial cell monolayer, (ii) favoring the microbial antagonism that discourages the colonization and proliferation of enteric pathogens, (iii) enhancing the growth and maturation of cell-monolayer components and gut nerve fibers, and (iv) providing signals to balance the anti- and pro-inflammatory responses resulting in gut homeostasis.
  • 1.2K
  • 02 Nov 2021
Topic Review
TILs in rabbit mammary carcinomas
Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment that mediate the anti-tumor immune response. In breast cancer of humans, TILs represent prognostic and predictive biomarkers. For their standardized evaluation in routinely (hematoxylin and eosin) stained tissue sections, international guidelines exist. Recently, TILs have also been analyzed in pet rabbit mammary carcinomas according to these international guidelines. Results of the study on rabbit mammary carcinomas showed a statistically significant association between higher TIL numbers in stromal TIL hotspot areas and microscopic parameters indicative of a better tumor differentiation, i.e. decreased mitotic count, lower histological tumor grade and higher percentage of calponin positive tumor cells. These findings suggest that in rabbit mammary carcinomas TIL hotspot areas may exert an influence on the biological behavior of these tumors. The present study contributes to comparative pathology. In addition, it provides the basis for further investigations into the impact of TILs on clinical parameters of pet rabbit mammary carcinomas.
  • 1.2K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Microbial-Derived Toll-like Receptor Agonism in Cancer Treatment
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are typical transmembrane proteins, which are essential pattern recognition receptors in mediating the effects of innate immunity. TLRs recognize structurally conserved molecules derived from microbes and damage-associated molecular pattern molecules that play an important role in inflammation. 
  • 1.2K
  • 15 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Unrecognizable Memory Phenotype CD8+ T-cells
Virtual memory T (TVM) cells are a recently described population of conventional CD8+ T cells that, in spite of their antigen inexperience, express markers of T cell activation. TVM cells exhibit rapid responsiveness to both antigen-specific and innate stimuli in youth but acquire intrinsic antigen-specific response defects in the elderly.
  • 1.2K
  • 09 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Challenges in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune-mediated multi-systemic disease characterized by a wide variability of clinical manifestations and a course frequently subject to unpredictable flares. Despite significant advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology and optimization of medical care, patients with SLE still have significant mortality and carry a risk of progressive organ damage accrual and reduced health-related quality of life.
  • 1.2K
  • 19 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Retinol-binding protein 4 in obesity
Although many preventive and treatment approaches have been proposed, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Current epidemiological data require the specification of new causative factors, as well as the development of improved diagnostic tools to provide better cardiovascular management. Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue among patients suffering from obesity not only constitutes one of the main risk factors of CVD development but also alters adipokines. Increased attention is devoted to bioactive adipokines, which are also produced by the adipose tissue. The retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) has been associated with numerous CVDs and is presumably associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. With this in mind, exploring the role of RBP4, particularly among patients with obesity, could be a promising direction and could lead to better CVD prevention and management in this patient group.
  • 1.2K
  • 08 Aug 2020
Topic Review
Tolerogenic Vaccines to Induce Antigen-Specific Tolerance
Conventional therapies for immune-mediated diseases, including autoimmune disorders, transplant reactions, and allergies, have undergone a radical evolution in the last few decades; however, they are still not specific enough to avoid widespread immunosuppression. The idea that vaccine usage could be extended beyond its traditional immunogenic function by encompassing the ability of vaccines to induce antigen-specific tolerance may revolutionize preventive and therapeutic strategies in several clinical fields that deal with immune-mediated disorders. 
  • 1.2K
  • 22 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Human Endogenous Retrovirus in Neurodegeneration
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral DNA sequences established into germline. They contain regulatory elements and encoded proteins few of which may provide benefits to hosts when co-opted as cellular genes. Their tight regulation is mainly achieved by epigenetic mechanisms, which can be altered by environmental factors, e.g., viral infections, leading to HERV activation. This review summarizes the recent advances on the epigenetic mechanisms controlling HERV expression and the pathogenic effects triggered by HERV de-repression leading to neurological diseases, inflammatory processes and neurodegeneration.
  • 1.1K
  • 04 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition
Lung diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis, are life-threatening diseases and have common features of vascular remodeling. During progression, extracellular matrix protein deposition and dysregulation of proteolytic enzymes occurs, which results in vascular stiffness and dysfunction. Although vasodilators or anti-fibrotic therapy have been mainly used as therapy owing to these characteristics, their effectiveness does not meet expectations. Therefore, a better understanding of the etiology and new therapeutic approaches are needed. Endothelial cells (ECs) line the inner walls of blood vessels and maintain vascular homeostasis by protecting vascular cells from pathological stimuli. Chronic stimulation of ECs by various factors, including pro-inflammatory cytokines and hypoxia, leads to ECs undergoing an imbalance of endothelial homeostasis, which results in endothelial dysfunction and is closely associated with vascular diseases.
  • 1.1K
  • 22 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Proteases and Mucus
Proteases are enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of peptide bonds within proteins, facilitating their cleavage; this hydrolysis can either activate, inactivate, or modulate the activity of the target protein.
  • 1.1K
  • 04 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Dysregulation of Microbiome–Immunity Interaction in Various Diseases
Gut microbes and their metabolites are actively involved in the development and regulation of host immunity, which can influence disease susceptibility. The role of the microbiome as a protective force is supported by research indicating that immature microbiomes of neonates are more susceptible to invasion by pathobionts. During early years of development, exposure to various microbes shapes the immune system for a lifetime. The gut microbiome has a wide range of metabolic activities, including metabolizing lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, and participates in maintaining host homeostasis. Therefore, disruption of gut microbiome can lead to conditions as severe as cancer.
  • 1.1K
  • 06 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Peripheral Responses to Pain
Pain can be induced by tissue injuries, diseases and infections. The interactions between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and immune system are primary actions in pain sensitizations. In response to stimuli, nociceptors release various mediators from their terminals that potently activate and recruit immune cells, whereas infiltrated immune cells further promote sensitization of nociceptors and the transition from acute to chronic pain by producing cytokines, chemokines, lipid mediators and growth factors. Immune cells not only play roles in pain production but also contribute to PNS repair and pain resolution by secreting anti-inflammatory or analgesic effectors. 
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Vitamin D in Immune System
Recent research has led to an explosion in our interest and our understanding of the role of vitamin D in regulation of immunity. At the molecular level, the hormonal form of vitamin D signals through the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand-regulated transcription factor. The VDR and vitamin D metabolic enzymes are expressed throughout the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. The advent of genome-wide approaches to gene expression profiling led to identification of numerous VDR-regulated genes implicated in regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. The molecular data infer that vitamin D signaling should boost innate immunity against pathogens of bacterial or viral origin.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Oct 2020
Topic Review
The Complement System in Human Viral Diseases
The complement system (CS) is part of the human immune system, consisting of more than 30 proteins that play a vital role in the protection against various pathogens and diseases, including viral diseases. Activated via three pathways, the classical pathway (CP), the lectin pathway (LP), and the alternative pathway (AP), the complement system leads to the formation of a membrane attack complex (MAC) that disrupts the membrane of target cells, leading to cell lysis and death. Due to the increasing number of reports on its role in viral diseases, which may have implications for research on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
  • 1.1K
  • 28 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Lateral Flow Immunoassay
Abundant immunological assays currently exist for detecting pathogens and identifying infected individuals, making detection of diseases at early stages integral to preventing their spread, together with the consequent emergence of global health crises. Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is a test characterized by simplicity, low cost, and quick results. Furthermore, LFIA testing does not need well-trained individuals or laboratory settings.
  • 1.1K
  • 18 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is increasing in incidence and prevalence in younger people and is of a particularly aggressive nature. One emerging treatment targets Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), an organism implicated in the causation of Crohn’s disease. This study reviewed a cohort of paediatric patients with active Crohn’s disease treated with Anti-Mycobacterial Antibiotic Therapy (AMAT). Sixteen paediatric patients, the majority of whom had failed conventional immunosuppressive therapy, were treated with AMAT. Endoscopic remission was scored using the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease and clinical remission was assessed using the Weighted Paediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (wPCDAI). Inflammatory blood markers were also routinely recorded. Patients were followed up clinically and endoscopically during treatment after an average of two months (range 1–6) and 17 months (range 2–49), respectively. A significant reduction in both scores assessing clinical improvement (p < 0.001) and mucosal healing (p < 0.0078) was observed at these timepoints; 47% of patients had achieved clinical remission and 63% endoscopic remission. Haemoglobin and serum inflammatory markers normalised for more than 50% of the cohort by six months of treatment. No adverse effects were reported throughout treatment.
  • 1.1K
  • 10 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Human Disease
The first description of a new form of neutrophil cell death distinct from that of apoptosis or necrosis was discovered in 2004 and coined neutrophil extracellular traps “(NETs)” or “NETosis”. Different stimuli for NET formation, and pathways that drive neutrophils to commit to NETosis have been elucidated in the years that followed. Critical enzymes required for NET formation have been discovered and targeted therapeutically. It has become clear that although this mechanism is thought to enhance host defense by ensnaring bacteria within large webs of DNA to increase bactericidal killing capacity, it is also injurious to innocent bystander tissue. Proteases and enzymes released from NETs injure epithelial and endothelial cells, perpetuating inflammation. In the context of autoimmunity, NETs release over 70 well-known autoantigens. NETs are associated with pathology in multiple diseases: lung diseases, vasculitis, autoimmune kidney diseases, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and psoriasis. Defining these pathways that drive NET release will provide insight into mechanisms of pathological insult and provide potential therapeutic targets.
  • 1.1K
  • 25 Apr 2022
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