Topic Review
cGLRs as a Novel Family of PRRs
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play critical roles in embryonic development, immune homeostasis, neurodevelopment, and neurodegeneration. PRRs are highly conserved germline-encoded proteins that recognize microbe/pathogen-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs or PAMPs) and death/damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs); thus, they regulate innate and adaptive immunity and contribute to the pathogenesis of many diseases ranging from infections to cancers.
  • 71
  • 09 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Natural Killer Cells and Cytotoxic T Cells
Natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T (CD8+) cells are two of the most important types of immune cells in our body, protecting it from deadly invaders. While the NK cell is part of the innate immune system, the CD8+ cell is one of the major components of adaptive immunity. Still, these two very different types of cells share the most important function of destroying pathogen-infected and tumorous cells by releasing cytotoxic granules that promote proteolytic cleavage of harmful cells, leading to apoptosis.
  • 423
  • 08 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Th2 Pathways in Gastric Metaplasia
Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, with chronic gastritis representing the main predisposing factor initiating the cascade of events leading to metaplasia and eventually progressing to cancer. Th2 immune responses play a major role in the events causing chronic inflammation leading to tumorigenesis.
  • 74
  • 07 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Host Immune Responses to Clostridioides difficile Infection
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a leading nosocomial infection, posing a substantial public health challenge within the United States and globally. C. difficile releases toxins, which damage large intestinal epithelium, leading to toxic megacolon, sepsis, and even death.
  • 69
  • 07 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Mechanisms of Immunosuppression in Sepsis
Severe infection can lead to sepsis. In sepsis, the host mounts an inappropriately large inflammatory response in an attempt to clear the invading pathogen. This sustained high level of inflammation may cause tissue injury and organ failure. Later in sepsis, a paradoxical immunosuppression occurs, where the host is unable to clear the preexisting infection and is susceptible to secondary infections. A major issue with sepsis treatment is that it is difficult for physicians to ascertain which stage of sepsis the patient is in. Sepsis treatment will depend on the patient’s immune status across the spectrum of the disease, and these immune statuses are nearly polar opposites in the early and late stages of sepsis.
  • 113
  • 01 Feb 2024
Topic Review
The Roles of MicroRNAs in Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide, characterized by variable airflow limitation secondary to airway narrowing, airway wall thickening, and increased mucus resulting from chronic inflammation and airway remodeling. Current epidemiological studies reported that hypovitaminosis D is frequent in patients with asthma and is associated with worsening the disease and that supplementation with vitamin D3 improves asthma symptoms. However, despite several advances in the field, the molecular mechanisms of asthma have yet to be comprehensively understood. MicroRNAs play an important role in controlling several biological processes and their deregulation is implicated in diverse diseases, including asthma.
  • 179
  • 31 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Roles of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Liver Disease
Liver disease-related mortality is a major cause of death worldwide. Hepatic innate and adaptive immune cells play diverse roles in liver homeostasis and disease. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells. MDSCs can be broadly divided into monocytic MDSCs and polymorphonuclear or granulocytic MDSCs, and they functionally interact with both liver parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells, such as hepatocytes and regulatory T cells, to impact liver disease progression. The infiltration and activation of MDSCs in liver disease can be regulated by inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, tumor-associated fibroblasts, epigenetic regulation factors, and gut microbiota during liver injury and cancer.
  • 99
  • 31 Jan 2024
Topic Review
CD28 Family Receptors and B7 Family of Ligands
The CD28 family receptors include the CD28, ICOS (inducible co-stimulator), CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4), PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1), and BTLA (B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator) molecules. They characterize a group of molecules similar to immunoglobulins that control the immune response through modulating T-cell activity. Among the family members, CD28 and ICOS act as enhancers of T-cell activity, while three others—BTLA, CTLA-4, and PD-1—function as suppressors. The receptors of the CD28 family interact with the B7 family of ligands. The cooperation between these molecules is essential for controlling the course of the adaptive response, but it also significantly impacts the development of immune-related diseases. 
  • 107
  • 31 Jan 2024
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. 
  • 115
  • 31 Jan 2024
Topic Review
CD123 in Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive hematologic cancer originating from the malignant transformation of plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors. The exploration of combinations such as CD123-targeted immunotherapies with azacitidine and venetoclax is suggested to enhance antineoplastic responses and improve survival rates in BPDCN patients.
  • 85
  • 30 Jan 2024
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