Research Keyword: Dectin-1

Dectin-1 and dectin-2 drive protection against Sporothrix brasiliensis in experimental sporotrichosis

Scientists studied how the immune system fights a dangerous fungal infection called sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis. They found that two immune receptors called dectin-1 and dectin-2 are crucial for fighting this infection by activating specific killer T cells and preventing immune suppression. Unlike what was previously thought, these receptors don’t work mainly by triggering inflammation, but rather by fine-tuning the balance of different immune cell types. This discovery could help develop new treatments for this emerging fungal disease.

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Fungus-targeted nanomicelles enable microRNA delivery for suppression of virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus as a novel antifungal approach

Researchers developed a new way to fight dangerous fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus by using tiny particles called nanomicelles to deliver genetic material (microRNAs) directly into fungal cells. These microRNAs target and reduce the production of melanin, a protective pigment that helps the fungus resist immune attacks. By weakening this defense, the fungal cells become more vulnerable to the body’s immune system and to stress, offering a novel approach to treat serious fungal infections that have become resistant to standard antifungal drugs.

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Dectin-1 and dectin-2 drive protection against Sporothrix brasiliensis in experimental sporotrichosis

Researchers studied how the body fights a dangerous fungus called Sporothrix brasiliensis that causes sporotrichosis. They found that two immune receptors called dectin-1 and dectin-2 are crucial for protecting against this infection in mice. Surprisingly, these receptors work by activating killer immune cells and controlling regulatory immune cells, rather than through the typical immune response pathway scientists expected.

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Dectin-1 and dectin-2 drive protection against Sporothrix brasiliensis in experimental sporotrichosis

Scientists studied how the body’s immune system defends against Sporothrix brasiliensis, a dangerous fungus spreading through Latin America. They found that two immune receptors called dectin-1 and dectin-2 are crucial for fighting this infection by activating killer T cells and controlling regulatory T cells. Surprisingly, a cytokine called IL-17, commonly associated with fungal defense, actually helps maintain tissue integrity rather than directly killing the fungus.

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Effects of Chronic Barley Consumption on Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms in Japanese Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Parallel-Group, Controlled Trial

This study found that eating cooked waxy barley daily for 8 weeks reduced sneezing and nasal congestion in healthy adults compared to those eating white rice. Participants who ate barley also reported feeling less tired and experienced improved mood. The barley contains a fiber called β-glucan that appears to boost the body’s natural immune cells, helping protect against cold symptoms.

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Things you wanted to know about fungal extracellular vesicles (but were afraid to ask)

Fungal extracellular vesicles are tiny particles released by fungal cells that play important roles in how fungi cause disease and how our immune system responds. These particles can either help fight infections or make them worse depending on the type of fungus and conditions involved. Scientists are discovering that these vesicles could potentially be used as vaccines and may explain why some antifungal drugs stop working.

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Role of Candida species in pathogenesis, immune regulation, and prognostic tools for managing ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

This article explores how fungi, particularly Candida species, contribute to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The fungal microbiota becomes imbalanced in IBD patients, triggering harmful immune responses and worsening inflammation. The researchers propose that measuring specific Candida levels could help doctors diagnose disease severity and predict treatment response, opening new possibilities for personalized IBD management.

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Unraveling the Fungi–Cancer Connection

Fungi living in and around tumors play surprisingly important roles in cancer development and treatment response, yet they have been largely overlooked compared to bacteria. Different cancer types host specific fungal species that can promote tumor growth through immune suppression and toxin production. By better understanding and potentially targeting these tumor-associated fungi, researchers believe we could develop new combination treatments that enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.

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Immunomodulatory activity of Pleurotus pulmonarius crude extract to human monocyte against Cryptococcus neoformans

This research shows that an extract from the Phoenix oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) can boost the body’s immune cells to fight dangerous fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. When immune cells are pre-exposed to this mushroom extract and then encounter the fungus, they become more effective at killing it through increased production of immune-signaling molecules and reactive oxygen species. This natural supplement approach offers a promising alternative to traditional antifungal drugs, which often have significant side effects and can lead to drug resistance.

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