host-pathogen interaction – Page 3

Controlled inoculation provides insight into western redcedar resistance to multiple root- and butt-rot pathogens

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Scientists tested western redcedar trees with eight different wood-decaying fungi to understand which ones cause disease and how resistant the trees are. They used two methods to infect young trees in a greenhouse and tracked disease development over 18 months. They discovered that while some fungi caused visible damage, others caused hidden infections that still harmed tree growth even without obvious symptoms. These findings can help tree breeders develop redcedar varieties that better resist these diseases.

Aspergillus fumigatus dsRNA virus promotes fungal fitness and pathogenicity in the mammalian host

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A virus that infects the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (which causes serious lung infections in humans) actually makes the fungus more dangerous by improving its ability to survive stress and spread disease. Scientists found that removing this virus from the fungus made infections less severe in mice. They also discovered that antiviral drugs like ribavirin could potentially be used to weaken these virus-infected fungi and improve patient survival.

The cysteine-rich virulence factor NipA of Arthrobotrys flagrans interferes with cuticle integrity of Caenorhabditis elegans

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Researchers discovered how a predatory fungus attacks roundworms by producing a special protein called NipA that weakens the worm’s protective outer layer. This cysteine-rich protein causes blister-like formations in the worm’s skin and disrupts the genes responsible for maintaining the protective barrier. Understanding this mechanism helps scientists learn how fungi infect organisms and could lead to better control methods for parasitic nematodes.

Immunomodulatory functions of fungal melanins in respiratory infections

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Some dangerous fungi produce a dark pigment called melanin that acts like a cloak, protecting them from the body’s immune system. This review explains how melanin blocks multiple immune defenses, including suppressing warning signals to immune cells, preventing immune cells from engulfing and killing the fungi, and even absorbing harmful reactive molecules. Understanding these sneaky tactics could help scientists develop new treatments that strip away this protective cloak, making the fungi vulnerable to both the body’s natural defenses and antifungal drugs.

Effect of Rare, Locally Isolated Entomopathogenic Fungi on the Survival of Bactrocera oleae Pupae in Laboratory Soil Conditions

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Researchers tested seventeen types of fungi that infect insects to see if they could control the olive fruit fly, a major pest in Greece that damages olive crops. Using fungi from local Greek soil samples, they exposed young olive fruit flies to different fungal treatments both in soil and without soil. Some fungi, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus keveii, were highly effective at killing the flies and preventing them from reproducing normally. These results suggest that using these naturally occurring fungi could be a safer alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting olive groves.

Vulnerability of Walnut Pruning Wounds to Fungal Trunk Pathogens and Seasonal Conidial Dynamics of Botryosphaeriaceae in the Maule Region, Chile

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When walnut trees are pruned, the resulting wounds are exposed to dangerous fungi that can cause branch die-back and significantly reduce crop yield. This research found that freshly cut pruning wounds are most vulnerable to infection, especially from aggressive fungi like Diplodia mutila, but this vulnerability decreases over time. The fungi spread their spores mainly during wet winter months when rainfall and humidity are high, so timing pruning operations to avoid these periods and protecting wounds with fungicides could substantially reduce disease losses in walnut orchards.

Oo-No: Ophidiomyces ophidiicola-bacterial interactions and the role of skin lipids in development of ophidiomycosis

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A fungal disease called ophidiomycosis is spreading among wild snakes around the world. This disease is caused by a fungus that interacts with the natural bacteria living on snake skin and with oils naturally produced by the skin. Certain helpful bacteria on snake skin can fight off the fungus by producing special compounds, but when the fungus takes over, it damages these protective bacteria, leading to worse infection. Understanding these interactions could help develop new ways to protect snakes from this emerging disease.

Species diversity of Cytospora associated with forest canker diseases in Xizang (Tibet), China

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Scientists studying forests in Tibet discovered 23 new species of Cytospora fungi that cause canker diseases in trees like poplars and willows. Using advanced genetic analysis combined with traditional microscopic examination, researchers identified a total of 50 Cytospora species in the region. These fungi cause bark damage and branch death in many important forest trees. Understanding which species are present and how they spread is crucial for protecting Tibet’s valuable forest ecosystems.

A mycovirus shaped insect-pathogenic and non-pathogenic phenotypes in a fungal biocontrol agent

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Scientists discovered that a virus living inside a beneficial fungus is responsible for the fungus’s ability to kill insect pests. When they removed the virus, the fungus completely lost its ability to penetrate and infect insects through their skin, but could still cause infection if injected directly into the insect’s body. This finding suggests that the virus controls a key enzyme needed for the fungus to break through the insect’s protective outer layer, opening new possibilities for creating more effective biological pest control agents.

John Perfect Shares Insights on Infectious Diseases, Antifungal Therapy, and Drug Resistance

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Dr. John Perfect shares decades of experience treating fungal infections and developing antifungal medications. He discusses how treatments have evolved from highly toxic drugs to more effective options, but notes that fungal infections remain challenging, especially when patients develop resistance or have serious underlying diseases. He emphasizes the importance of combining drugs with immune therapies and shorter, more potent treatments rather than lengthy medication courses. Despite challenges, Dr. Perfect is optimistic about the future of medicine and encourages young scientists to pursue careers in this field.

Research Keyword: host-pathogen interaction