Research Keyword: pattern recognition receptors

Pathogenic mucorales: Deciphering their cell wall polysaccharidome and immunostimulatory potential

Mucormycosis is a dangerous fungal infection that kills many immunocompromised patients. Researchers analyzed the outer layer (cell wall) of three common disease-causing fungi and discovered that their surfaces contain sugar-like molecules that trigger strong inflammatory responses from the immune system. This excessive inflammation may actually contribute to the disease’s severity, suggesting that controlling inflammation alongside antifungal treatment might improve patient outcomes.

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Genotype-by-genotype interactions reveal transcription patterns underlying resistance responses in Norway spruce to Heterobasidion annosum s.s

Researchers studied how different spruce trees resist a wood-rotting fungus by examining which genes turn on and off during infection. They found that resistant trees quickly recognize the fungus and strengthen their cell walls, while susceptible trees have delayed responses. Interestingly, different resistant trees sometimes use different defense strategies to achieve similar protection, suggesting multiple genetic pathways can lead to the same outcome.

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Pathogenic mucorales: Deciphering their cell wall polysaccharidome and immunostimulatory potential

Researchers studied three dangerous fungi that cause serious infections called mucormycosis. They examined the outer coating of these fungi, called the cell wall, which is made of sugar-like molecules called polysaccharides. When these fungi were exposed to human immune cells, they triggered strong inflammatory responses. Understanding these fungal components could help develop better treatments and vaccines for this life-threatening infection.

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Aspergillus in Children and Young People with Cystic Fibrosis: A Narrative Review

Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic disease affecting children that damages the lungs through chronic infections. Aspergillus, a common mold in the environment, colonizes the airways of CF patients and can cause additional lung damage. While new CFTR modulator medications have improved outcomes and reduced Aspergillus infections, more research is needed to better diagnose and treat fungal infections in children with CF.

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Potential relationship between gut microbiota and animal diarrhea: a systematic review

This review explains how the trillions of microorganisms living in animal intestines are crucial for health and digestion. When these microbial communities become imbalanced, animals develop diarrhea, which is a major problem in farming causing economic losses and animal suffering. The review shows that adding beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and their food sources (prebiotics) to animal diets can restore balance and prevent diarrhea, offering practical solutions to reduce the need for antibiotics.

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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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Active Hexose-Correlated Compound Shows Direct and Indirect Effects against Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Researchers tested a mushroom-derived supplement called AHCC against chronic lymphocytic leukemia in laboratory and animal studies. AHCC killed leukemia cells directly and also reduced supportive cells in the tumor environment. When combined with antibody therapy, AHCC significantly improved outcomes in mouse models, suggesting it could be a promising addition to current leukemia treatments.

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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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Glycan microarray analysis of Candida-related antibodies in human and mice sera guides biomarker discovery and vaccine development

Researchers used a special microarray technology to identify immune responses in blood samples from people infected with Candida yeast. They found that early infections trigger antibodies against certain sugar structures, while later infections produce different antibodies. Three specific sugar molecules showed promise as markers for diagnostic tests and vaccine development against dangerous yeast infections.

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Ex Vivo Host Transcriptomics During Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, and Candida albicans Infection of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From South African Volunteers

Researchers studied how human immune cells respond to three different fungal infections that commonly affect people with weakened immune systems. By examining gene activity in blood cells exposed to these fungi, they discovered that each fungus triggers different immune responses, with Candida albicans causing a much stronger reaction than the two Cryptococcus species. Only one shared immune pathway was activated by all three fungi, suggesting each infection requires different immune mechanisms to fight off. These findings could help develop new treatments for serious fungal infections.

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