Host-Microbe Biology
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyThe Canonical Long-Chain Fatty Acid Sensing Machinery Processes Arachidonic Acid To Inhibit Virulence in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coliPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play important roles in host immunity. Manipulation of lipid content in host tissues through diet or pharmacological interventions is associated with altered severity of various inflammatory diseases.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologySARS-CoV-2 Genomic Variation in Space and Time in Hospitalized Patients in PhiladelphiaUnderstanding how SARS-CoV-2 spreads globally and within infected individuals is critical to the development of mitigation strategies. We found that most lineages in Philadelphia had resembled sequences from New York, suggesting infection primarily but not exclusively from this location.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyEngineering a Reliable and Convenient SARS-CoV-2 Replicon System for Analysis of Viral RNA Synthesis and Screening of Antiviral InhibitorsCOVID-19 has caused a severe global pandemic. Until now, there has been no simple and reliable system available in a lower-biosafety-grade laboratory for SARS-CoV-2 virologic research and inhibitor screening.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologySARS-CoV-2 Infection Severity Is Linked to Superior Humoral Immunity against the SpikeWith the ongoing pandemic, it is critical to understand how natural immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 develops. We have identified that subjects with more severe COVID-19 disease mount a more robust and neutralizing antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Minireview | Host-Microbe BiologySame Game, Different Players: Emerging Pathogens of the CF LungIncidences of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) and Aspergillus fumigatus have increased around the world over the past decade and have become a significant health threat to immunocompromised individuals such as those with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is characterized by the buildup of mucus in the lungs which become chronically infected by a myriad of pathogens.
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Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyMechanistic Analysis of the Broad Antiretroviral Resistance Conferred by HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein MutationsAlthough combination antiretroviral (ARV) therapy is highly effective in controlling the progression of HIV disease, drug resistance can be a major obstacle. Recent findings suggest that resistance can develop without ARV target gene mutations.
Minireview | Host-Microbe BiologyPreserve a Voucher Specimen! The Critical Need for Integrating Natural History Collections in Infectious Disease StudiesDespite being nearly 10 months into the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, the definitive animal host for SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the causal agent of COVID-19, remains unknown. Unfortunately, similar problems exist for other betacoronaviruses, and no vouchered specimens exist to corroborate host species identification for most of these pathogens.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologySalmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Exploits Cycling through Epithelial Cells To Colonize Human and Murine EnteroidsPathogenic gut bacteria are common causes of intestinal disease. Enteroids—cultured three-dimensional replicas of the mammalian gut—offer an emerging model system to study disease mechanisms under conditions that recapitulate key features of the intestinal tract.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyExperimental Human Challenge Defines Distinct Pneumococcal Kinetic Profiles and Mucosal Responses between Colonized and Non-Colonized AdultsOccurrence of lower respiratory tract infections requires prior colonization of the upper respiratory tract with a pathogen. Most bacterial infection and colonization studies have been performed in murine and in vitro models due to the current invasive sampling methodology of the upper respiratory tract, both of which poorly reflect the complexity of host-pathogen interactions in the human nose.
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyIntracellular Density of Wolbachia Is Mediated by Host Autophagy and the Bacterial Cytoplasmic Incompatibility Gene cifB in a Cell Type-Dependent Manner in Drosophila melanogasterAutophagy is a eukaryotic intracellular degradation pathway which can act as an innate immune response to eliminate pathogens. Conversely, pathogens can evolve proteins which modulate the autophagy pathway to subvert degradation and establish an infection. Wolbachia, a vertically transmitted obligate endosymbiont which infects up to 40% of insect species, is negatively regulated by autophagy in whole animals, but the specific...